More On Oasis of the Seas

Hello once again everyone for the second time this week,

Still much excitement in regard to the spectacular Oasis of the Seas. I wanted to explain some of the new innovated forms of technology that the ship is using. I must say it’s a great series of systems that are running. Lets start when you simply walk out you cabin door, turn to the elevator hallway and ask yourself… “exactly hat point of the ship am I going?”, or “What do I wanna do?” These questions are simply solved in seconds with new interactive monitors that are touch screen at the center by the elevators. It displays all the venues onboard from entertainment, dinning, and sports and activities. It will completely provide you with everything you need to know for whatever your though may be. I used this screen to pick were to eat. It throws down a virtual list of everything, with a brief descriptive summary of everything.

A question has been, Oasis will hold 6,000 guests when full… “what will happen if everyone wants to go to the show, when theres so many less seats”.. The answer is first of all, theres so much innovation onboard that youll always be busy at the point when the show’ strike. But the technological answer is making a reservation, at no cost, but simply just to reserve seats. There may be some people disappointed that they dont get into shows, ut that’s why you must organize in advance to reserve. Not only for the main theater, but also for the ice skating show, aqua theater show, comedy show, and more. So now your asking.. “how are these reservations confirmed”, and the answer to that is that crew who operate the show seating, or ushers have a new pga like device that your card is swiped, and your photo comes up with your picture confirming entry. Don’t have reservations? Come early and be the first in a “stand by” line for someone who doesn’t show up.

New also is my-time dinning. We actually had an obstile with that concept, but apparently if you don’t have a table for your party thought the entire cruise you can get in, and if you do you cant. It’s what we were told by a rude maitre, however as mentioned earlier this week, the service overall was simply outstanding on from the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Now another tool, is the safety muster station. Rather it’s a tool issued for the process youll experience required on embarkation day of course, and in a real emergency. What it is similar to the reservation tool. Scan your card and the crew on the safe command center on the bridge gets a clear count of everyone. You may have noticed that the lifeboats are on 5 with no clear deck below as on traditional ships. This is to accomodate faster and more efficient and more guests into each lifeboat in the event of a real emergency. Therefore you dont waite for the boats t be initially lowered, they will right to the water line with your fellow guests. Muster stations are in that case on public areas on deck 5. It may be slightly uncomfortable standing during the safety video crammed into a lounge, but for the short time, in the long run it’s a more organized muster process. And the best part is, no life Jackets are required to be carried from your stations. In fact you won’t find them in your room. It’s a complex system but like I said once you can see all the components of it you’ll clearly understand.

here the real stuff as I say pictures.. “please Note these are not public pictures, I hand toke them and please do not use them” Also note, “To enlarge click the image”

from, JAKE

Very quickly i wan to fit in also, that on deck 15 to the port fwd side, theres a door that leads to on top of the bridge directly above it, enabling the same view but a deck higher. It’ a full span with bridge wings to that you can walk over on. could see the entire hull/side of the ship, which was we standing on the departure. Eventually I mentioned in the last recent post, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the bridge twice, but the view is almost just as good from deck 14 fw.

OASIS OF THE SEAS IS MY 2ND HOME

Hello everyone,

Been a while. Say, did you know the Oasis of the seas is 225,000 tons? 40% bigger then the 161,000 ton freedom class. Shes the highest, widest, and longest cruise ship now in the industry, also for the time being the newest. She finally approached home 3 weeks ago after a dramatic crossing from all the stages of the crossing. I just got off the ship from the maiden “Labadee extravaganza cruise”. The the 4 days I was onboard, my cruise experience transformed. The aspect of being at sea changed, and for the better! Oasis of the Seas is now my official favorite. I said it there. From the innovation prospective, all I can say is that the innovated engineering makes sense. Without a doubt i suggest you start booking. were do I start?

With everything thing from the 2 floriders, 2 giant rock walls in the board walk, onboard zipline, 6= pools, ice rink, central park, promenade, boardwalk, new restaurants, and just endless more things like the aqua theater. Now countless questions are pouring in from all of you. Questions like “is there retractabe glass roof in open areas. The answer, “NO”. It  balances in my opinion much better without them to. the ship features 47 individual unique bars in lounges, and something I truly enjoyed was how the casino was on deck 4, midship below. I enjoyed this because opposed to carnival were you walk down the promenade and get smoke from the casino up in your lungs, is much more continent to stay away, and when you have it away it akes all the difference for those who dont use the casino.

The sports vitality/pool zone was the best! The width made a big differences, and the H20 zone was on the starboard side of he ship and the sports was on the port. The slightly fwd was the beach pool, and regualr pool. You also have the solarium which kicks it up to. There are 4-5 bars on the entire pool area including pool bar, and sky bar, and mast bar.

Lets talk food.  was disappointed to say that the Windjammar cafe` market place, didnt have a broad variety of food, and the food wasn’t as good as you maybe would find on carnival. Don’t get me wrong now everything was delicious, but everything just stated is in regards only to the windjammar. I was a diamond member, so i had breakfast there was at the members club, and service food was excellent. On the first night I ate at “seafood shack” new to the line in the boardWalk, and it was nice. entries had a lower variety, much the food was fantastic! Next day for lunch was Johnny Rockets which is a signature for Royal Caribbean onboard many of there ships. excellent of course with great service also in the Boardwalk. referring once again to the Wind jammer I must compliment the service. Not just to embarkation which i ill get to in a moment, but thought the entire cruise every time I approached it. You wouldn’t always expect serve at a buffet but it was excellent. Second night was Italian in Central Park at giavaness table. WOW! I has “pasta ala’brandy”, and “pizzon” which all hit the spot. The salad was signature in all the speciality restaurants, and the appetizers was pure art.  Waiters were authentic italian just coming from Italy. Come on. Can’t get any better than that. Day three, for lunch was at park cafe` also in central park. Fresh fruit, and special roast beef was awesome. They do have other sandwiches, but the roast beef was the specialty, and there ws chips as well. Very much like your local sandwich shop which is excellent for getting a little taste of everything. Day 3 dinner was possible the best i’v had in a long time. Chops Grill.  Classic for royal Caribbean, and I can assure the experience is unique. Best steak on the ship. Also in central park was the CentraPark 105, which seemed more upscale. All were without a word said, but something was more formal to that one when I walked in. excellent! You see all the variety plus more! For a quick bite I stopped at Sorrento in the promenade for pizza, and wipe out cafe for pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fires, and everything from the grill. Also you have the solarium eatery which has got what you want.

I personally am not a shopper. In fact most time was spent o the flowrider, but for anyone who wants or is into shopping, is urged to board Oasis of the Seas, and from the unique 18 meter wide promenade (twice as wide as voyager/freedom class), to central park, and board walk, you’ve gotta be there. Many many clubs all the time that aren’t only signature to the line. On air club, bolero, viking crown, schooner, Globe atlas bar, club fizz, Jazz club, comedy club, just everything. Nothing loosed and much more. I didnt eat once at the dinning room, but i strolled though, and it had a much more modern taste which fit the ambiance. Also the centrum/atrium that goes up all the way from deck 2-17 was stunning. Unlike the other with big shafts, and just magnificent.

I had a sneak peek of the ice show when I stopped in a few times, loved the Auaqua show brand new, and the classic shows like hairspray in the 3 level opal theater.

Now as many of you know i live 20 minutes from port Everglades. Take me arriving at the port, being greeted with excellent service, and literally boarding the ship in 10 minute time. Terminal 18, and the crew is the congratulate. It was like I floated through going through security, and checking in. Thanks to the many both/desks it was simple and someone everywhere you turned to direct you to the next place to go. Disembarking to. It might have took me longer to get from my cabin to the gangway then from the gangway out of the terminal. Very efficient.  The ship itself was very remarkable, and I know royal Caribbean is very pleased to have a ship like the Oasis out and into service after a long process like the other ships with many stories. I simply  cannot waite to get back onboard!

Theres more. Onboard as you may know from viewing the web-casts at  / www.oasisoftheseas.com captain Bill Wright was our captain was onboard. We also had a few other such as captain Tor Olsen on Norway. Captain Wright has always taken out the maiden ships, and his day job is in the Miami office of Royal Caribbean International as “Head of marine operations”. He is onboard until the middle of January I think, but anyways I was able to meet him. Not only was it an honor to meet an American captain, who is captain of the worlds largest ship, but he brought me up to the bridge, That’s right. It was probably the best experiences of my life. I say experiences because it was twice that I was got to be up on the bridge. He invited me back for the arrival into port Everglades, at 4:00am. I got to experience seeing usual steady traffic on the open sea at 20 knots, then carefull navigation into terminal 18 on the starboard side of the ship to porteverglades. Captain Wright was awesome answering all my questions from navigation to maneuvering. Once of my favorite concepts that I was able to discuss with him was the concept of the Azipod. It is much more efficient then traditional rudders, and I asked “Captain, why are some other cruise lines still going with stern thrusters, and rudders/fived pod?”, He told me that it’s known to experience some problems with the Azipods, however Royal Caribbean uses a more reliable unit of manufacturer. ABB pods are more efficient as an opinion then the Celebrity ship with RolyceRoys ones. They are sister lines, and when problems are stuck occasionally, they can esier be repaired, and “the handling is incredible says captain Wright”. I learned that another advantage with the azipods, is to slow the ship down the officers/captain can maneuver the outer port/starboard pods facing each other 270 degrees to  slow the ship down naturally. Also when maneuvering side ways with the bow thrusters, he turns Azipods 90 degrees to pull the vessel, and uses all 4 bowthrusters on one side with less thrust then using less thrusters to reduce vibrations because theres no hiding the vibrations with bowthrusters. Very intelligent kind captain who wished me luck with my career, and allowed me to observe on the bridge the radio communication, and how orders are giving bye the pilot in maneuvering of the ship into port Everglades.

All in all, the ship is magnificent once again, and I can’t waite to get back on. Royal Caribbean did an outstanding job in design, and STX yards (previously Acker, and Kaevner Messa) did a phenomenal job in constructing. Heres a link from  the maritime secretary general to Royal Caribbean President & CEO, Richard fain. Just for the record I toke 600 pictures in  days heres a few.

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com.php5-4.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/chairmans-blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Fain-letter.pdf

from, JAKE

enjoy my pics, please dont take. I learned that the hard way,

So Tired

Gooday everyone,

 Been a while. I want to get right to my first news which is that this week the “Carnival Legend” which a spectacular ship had an incident in Cozumel in regard to rough weather as the departed from Cozumel. The Legend… just have a look at her just a few hours before the incident following up to it,

 As you can see, the water current was very strong pulling the 84,00 ton ship towards the Enchantment of the Seas which I sailed on last year. The incident was handled very professional by carnival, as the took proper procedure in maintained repairs to the hull, and there was no recorded injuries.

Carnival Dream launched this week making her day view, & the Dream is now a reality that’s 130.000 tons making her largest in the fleet. Her sister “Carnival Magic” is still in her construction stage but Carnival Dream will soon make her way to Port Canaveral in Florida down here to sail 7 night cruises. Carnival Glory that has the itinerary the Dream will be sailing will be moving to Miami to sail 7 night voyages. Here are some photos,

 Stunning is all that can describe the ship. So many new components of innovation, and activities. I can waite to one day sail onboard her.

 Now not only has Carnival Dream set sail, but Oasis of the Seas is undergoing another set of seatrials. Here are the pictures,

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0022.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0164.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0215.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0231.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

One word       “GIANT”!

 I’m very tired after riding 94 miles yesterday with a cycling group, & riding 54 today, therefore Im gonna cut this short.

                  from, Jake                                        pictures from www.JohnHealdsblog.com

Back To School

Hello Everyone,

 As many know, the 2009-2010 school year has started, & I am now in the 8th grade. School gets very boring, however it gives me something to do & spend my days as every other kid evidently does as well.

 Before all the ships and planes, I wanted to write alittle about “Brett Favre”. Yes, Yes, & yes, he did change his mind 3 times this summer about a comeback to the NFL, and it fascinates me how…. and why he does. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, he will be qb. If I’m correct he’s already been in, & out of retirement twice! He is nearing the age of 40, if not already 40, which is ancient to the modern NFL players.

,

My Dad, & Step mom came back yesterday from the Silver Wind Greek isles cruise. They say it was spectacular!!! the 16,000 ton, 250 passenger ship meant intimacy, and relaxation. They had a private balcony, & started in Athens, Leading to Istanbul. The flew a Boeing 747-400 aboard Lufthansa Business Class which they said was incredible for a transatlantic flight.

 Another person who came off a short notice cruise yesterday was my Grandma. Yes, she booked the cruise Monday of lasst week, and left Satarday of Last week. Liberty is the name of the ships as you. 161,000 tons, part of the Freedom class, but 2 inches longer (bet you didn’t know that). She loved it for a big ship. My GRandma & Grandpa were simply fasinated with the marvel of design. An hour or so after disembarking, & coming home they booked i again! I’m going! Long time from now Auguest 4th2010, but the wait is for sure worth it.

Oasis of the Seas-December 1st 2009

Liberty of the Seas-Auguest 1st 2010

 Oasis will also be for a family members wedding, therefore is is a religious event, and I will be able to get off of school for those dates.

 They both will fantasti cruises. You can follow up on the Oasis of the Seas at…..  www.Oasisoftheseas.comI’m proud to have her sail into my home-port, located in the County where I live / BrowardCounty. For Carnival’s new ship “Carnival Dream”, you can find updates at www.JohnHealdsblog.com.  John is Carnival’s Senior cruise director who has worked on the newest ships of the fleet.

                                       From, Jake

One Year….So Far So Good

Hello everyone,

 Before we et started this week, I wanted to share that the 24th, was the blogs one year anniversary, & the question is will I continue? The answerer is… “Yes”./

 In current cycling news, as you alll the know the 96th “Tour De’ France’” was held in July, & hats off to Lance Armstrong for placing 3rd… I must congratulate Alberto Canntador who I willl have you know won the tour, & was also on Team Astana, (same as Lance) . I say he is talented….. but maybe not a team cyclist.  Also congratulation to Andy Schleck, & Bradely Wiggens for placing 2nd, & 4th.

The tour De Ireland is coming up.

 In cruise news,

 My Dad, & Step mom will be leaving in 2 weeks for the Silver Wind for 6 days in the Medeteranian,

They Will love it. Also over at www.Johnhealdsblog.comyou can read daily blogs regarding CarnivalCruiselines, & one of my favorite parts is the recent posts on the New ship Carnival Dream that will be 130,00 tons & and a new class. She will have 1 sister to date that will deliver in 2010, “Carnival Magic”.  They seem to be simply magnificent, & a great addition to the fleet.  I’ll get back to pictures in just a moment.

Airplane news/ There has been close talk debating the Airbus A350, and the Boeing 787. I believe Boeing originally brought up the design, and Airbus then made A350. They are both brand new, and have not come out ye, & to promote the new planes that will be capable of flying long distances, and willl have many more new features, Boeing has gone with the Promotion “Dreamliner”, as for Airbus they have gone with “X” or something like that.

 Both will be very inovated. Here is Carnival Dream,

   From, JAKE

Good Bye Nhl 09′/Good Bye Chi-town/Hello Summer

Hello everyone, 

 As you know the Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup, & the former champions Detroit Red Wings lost before being the back to back champion’s. I was neutral the entire series, as I was last year as well, considering there both my favorite teams for each conference, besides my native Florida Panthers. All in all the Pengs’ as they are called won it, & I was happy to see some of the young guys hoist the cup for the first time, like Jordan Staal, Evgeni, Malkin, and of course Sidney Crosby who has a Strong future ahead. Her are some photos os the Stanley cup presentation… or should I say Stanley Cup celebration from Yahoo,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I will have more information over the summer regarding trades, and Nhl general news. Speaking of Summer, it’s summer! No school as of now until August, and I was in Chicago as many of you know recently over the break, Where I flew as a minor to O’hare from Ft.luaderdal, and many of who don’t know.. before stumbling upon my desire of cruise ship in 2003, I was dedicated to becoming a commercial Airline pilot, and the desire Is still with me, evidently along with hockey player, and of course captain, which will come through.. It Will become clear when the time for the choice comes. So anyways, as boarding the new American Airlines purchase of the 737-800, I had the chance to enter the coc-pit, meet the captain, and get a physical aspect of all the monitors, throttle, flaps, yoke, all that fun stuff, as the this was followed by a smooth flight next to some… not so smooth passengers…. with complementary beverages, and snacks, cruising at 35,000 ft, and eventually being reunited( from.. well just a month ago when he flew into my Florida for my Bar-Mitzvah) with my great Uncle Howard who literally showed me everything right down to the fernese in his basement. I had deep dish, hot dogs at the Chicago White Sox Game, Ice Cream, Sears Tower, Museum, Millennium Park, Simth and Malinowski, Michigan Avenue, everything! It’s a great city.

 Cruise news/ Oasis of the Seas, along with the Carnival Dream are currently in the process of sea-trials, and these ships that where once fantasy are truly becoming a reality. Seabourne Odyssey is new as-well.

Stunning, the picture above is the the newest addition to the Celebrity fleet, & second in class to Solstice, her name is “Equinox”. My grandmother whom you all know cruises very frequently returned today from a Mediterranean cruise aboard Princess cruise lines newest ship, “Ruby Princess”. I will have pictures, and interview soon. Speaking of interview, If any of you know a person of request, or that I can use to interview regarding information shared on this blog, leave there via. email contact information as a comment (NOTE: Comment will not publicly be posted).

  Passenger aboard “Carnival Inspiration” recently slipped overboard, and as www.cruise-addicts.comreports, “Falling overboard in no accident”,. and supposlively the guest was fell off in attempt to get a better view of a pilot boat while climbing on rail.

 Costa Pacifica, along with Costa Limionosa are now successfully sailing waters, and they recently where launched together. The ships where side by side with the pier of guest where enjoying the inauguration of there maiden sailings.

 Here are the photos from the coc-pit,

 

                JAKE

A Man Now

Hello everyone,

 Before I blog I wanted to inform all of you that I became a Bar-Mitzvah last week, meaning that now I am a man! It was official on Sat. the 16th where I had a great service/reception/party followed by a nice Birthday on the 18th.

 I have been keeping Two wide eyes open on the remaining teams to enter the Stanley Cup Final Round Series. As all you hockey fans know, last year was the Battle between my 2 tied favorite teams, Pittsburgh Penguins VS, Detroit Red Wings.  Well….this year I think theres gonna be no changes. As the penguins need one more win to mercy Carolina, I believe they will easily slip into the Stanley Cup as back to back Eastern conference champions, and as on the west Detroit is battling Chicago, and Red Wings are up 2-1.  They play this afternoon I think.

 After my Fun filled day becoming a bar-Mitzvah, I proceeded to the Championship game with my hockey team at 7:30pm after my Bar-Mitzvah was over at 4:00. I will inform you that I scored a hat-trick the night before, and the game of the championship….2 back to back games where I helped lift my team. Now did we win?……”YES”!!!!   That was us tossing out gear, tackling each other in honor of our victory. I was selected to play on the travel team since I was age eligible to play so this was my 6th travel season out of my 8 years of playing. After wining my first season on the day I turned 8, each season wasn’t there as we continued to place second year after year for majority the same team.

 To the cruise industry, Cruise lines have re-placed Mexican ports of call back into the itinerary’s.

As you probably have noticed by now, many of the ships that where positioned in Ft.Luaderdale for the Fall/winter season have all gone to Europe now for the late spring/Summer season.

 As a Bar-Mitzvah gift I received many things, one of many was a name-tag with my picture, name, cruise director, and Holland America logo. It’s an actual pin! How did I get it….”secret”  but it’s real, and I will post pictures next post.

 Next month my Grandma is emarking oce again to cruise. This time it’s Ruby Princess in Medeteranian.

                                    from, JAKE

Just Dream

 Hello everyone,

 This week as you know swine has played a factor in the cruise industries itinerary changes for ships scheduled to call in Mexico.

 My father has a chance to cruise Silver Wind for free followed over summer from a work contest.

 My grandmother on the other hand booked “Another” cruise aboard the last voyage on the Prisndam. This makes a course of, Ruby Princess, Carnival Miracle, Holland America Prisendam, & Oasis of the seas, all booked for her.

Here is the bass of this post. Pictures of the Carnival Dream.

             from, JAKE

Back To Blog

 Hello everyone,

 This week a 39 year old man dell of one of NCL’s ships in the Bahamas. One fellow guests claims to have allegedly seen the incident.

 Royal Caribbean has officially worked out construction expenses of the “Oasis of the seas”. Financially, they changed way of paying of delivery of the ship.

Now I want to go right to pictures. From my personal gallery of which pictures I toke, I wanted to share 3 images of the Carnival Fascination, docked and departing Key West Florida. They where toke in Aug. of 2008, when I was sailing aboard the “Enchantment of the seas”. Here you are pictures of the 70,000 tons ship activating bow-thrusters.

 She is schedueled to soon be placed in drydock that will transform/refurbbish her, looking good as new.

  There has been a recent show featuring “Peter Greenberg” that discusses refurbishing old ships, Rather then purchasing new ships due to the economy. It’s a one hour show that fundamentally shows Norwegian cruise lines ways of getting through, and staying alive.

 Carnival Splendor now features a “Burrito Bar” in the lido casual buffet dinning are of the ship, that fits right in with her 7 day baja west coast Mexican cruises.

 Ruby Princess officially has finished her fall, winter, spring season from ft.luaderdale, and is currently underway to Spain, and she will lead Mediterranean voyages. My cousin, and grandmother will be cruising aboard her through Italy. She will return before winter of 2009.

May 2010, Norwegian Epic will release, and this week she took the bow of her construction. Another ship to take basic form, is Holland America’s Eurodams first sister ship, the upcoming “Nieuw Amstersdam”, that will release in late June of 2010.

                      from, JAKE

New Ships

Hello everyone. As promised,

Aida Luna/ 69,200 tons

MSC Splendida/ 133,500  tons

Costa Liminosa/ 92,700 tons

Costa Pacifica/ 114,00 tons

Seabourn Odyssey/32,00 tons                             

Silver Spirit/ 36,000 tons

Celebrity Equinox/ 122,00 tons

Carnival Dream/ 130,000 tons

Oasis of the seas/ 220,000 tons

 Those once again are all the new ships releasing in 2009.

 Carnival Splendor, has officially completed the journey that started January from Ft.Luaderdale through South America, running up on California. She is now sailing out of Long Beach for 7 night Mexican Baja voyages.

 Carnival announced this week that Cabo San Lucas Mexico has returned to Carnival Elation’s voyage itinerary. The Elation runns 4-5 night Voyages from San Diego.  My parents just returned from Cabo on a trip, and said it was the nicest place they’d ever stayed.

  Carnival is currently hosting it’s “Red Carpet” celebration. What it is, having celebrities board Carnival Splendor, and perform. For example: John Mayer along with Jordan Sparks a just few of many that will attend this event. To read more about his event visit www.Johnhealdsblog.com.

 Here is are pictures I wanted to post that I toke exactly one Year from tomorrow of the Carnival Valor, and Freedom of the seas next to each-other. It’s when Carnival Valor made her turn in the Miami channel before navigating up along side the Causeway,

 My next cruise as many know will be aboard the “Oasis of the seas”. I will have TONS of pictures from that cruise, and I will soon have images from my Grandma’s recent cruise aboard the “Celebrity Solstice”, along with photos from my cousin’s cruise on “Liberty of the seas”. the Liberty pictures will stay on hold until pictures from my gallery are finished.

    this post Will be cut short. I want  apologise for UN frequent post’s recently, however I have not averaged the personal time.

       good night, JAKE S.

quick blog 1

Morning to everyone,

 I have made an error, and posted today’s blog below the lands of Liberty post so to view just scroll down under it,

    Sorry for the inconvienences      JAKE

Variety on Victory

Hello everyone,

 Over this spring break of 2008 I cruised on board the carnival victory. She is currently doing new England cruises, and is 102,000 tons in the Destiny class. I had the opportunity to experience her latest refurbishment from the Nov. 07 dry dock.

as you see she is a spectacular ship, and her are some of the places that make her so great,

• Caribbean Lounge
• Seventh Sea Bar
• Atlantic Dining Room
• Pacific Dining Room
• Indian Library
• Ionian Room
• Adriatic Lounge
• Black & Red Seas
• Irish Sea Bar
• Club Arctic
• Coral Sea Cafe
• Trident Bar
• South China Sea Club
• Aegean Bar
• Mediterranean Restaurant
• Lido Deck

I am currently working on posting a link to my gallery were you will be able to view many of my personal cruising photos.

The cruise director on board was the great “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE” as he is known as. He was VERY funny, and helped make a fantastic cruise as the rest of the crew did.

       from, JAKE

Enjoying Explorer and Enchantment

Hello everyone,

 Today I will tell you about my 2005 cruise on the Explorer of the seas, and my most recent cruise in Auguest. Lets start with Explorer.

 Explorer in currently cruising from new jersey, however I sailed with her for a 7 day eastern cruise from Miami. she is 142,000 tons, 1,020 ft. long, and 15 decks. She was the 2nd largest ship in the world when I sailed and had some beautifulplaces around the floating city.

Her are some public areas,

• Rock climbing wall
• Roller skating
• Nine-hole miniature golf course
• Ping-Pong Tables
• Shuffleboard Court
• Golf simulators
• Full-sized basketball court
• Adventure Ocean youth facilities
• Casino
• Three-story main dining room
• Windjammer Café
• Restaurants such as Johnny Rockets(1950s-style) and Portofino (Italian)
• Themed bars and lounges
• Swimming poolsand hot tubs
• Day spa and Fitness Center
• Library and Royal Caribbean Online Internet access
• Wedding chapel

She was a spectacular ship and her is Enchantment,

 I sailed 5 days from port Everglades (ft.luaderdale FL.), the ship was 80,000 tons, 990 ft. long , and 11 decks. She is absolutely beautiful with her large glass centrum, and her are 2 pics.

She feature bunjy trampoline, rock wall, and just simply so much more fun, or relaxing facilities.

      good night, JAKE

Eurodam & Solstice

Good evening everyone,

 Yesterday I had a spectacular feeling about the fact the Holland America’s newest, and most largest ship was in my home Town of Ft.Luaderdale Fl.Her she is,

She is currently on a 3 day inagular sailing, and I will up-date a full blog about her eventually. On the other hand Celebrity cruises is giving there newest, and also most largest ship Celebrity Solstice the finishing touches as she will set sail on her maiden this December.

The Carnival Fantasy has just returned last week from her evolutions of fun dry dock, and has been refurbished with 4 story water slides, adult serenity retreat deck, new resort style pool, and overall new refurbishments. for further info, and booking details contact 1-800 Carnival, visit www.carnivalcruiselines.com, or contact Staci Sandford cruising specialist/with cruise planners franchise by seeing my link on the home page which reads”Staci Sandford interview”, and scroll down for contacting information.  Her is a quick construction update from the revolutionary Oasis of the seas,

Goodnight, JAKE

Fun ship Freedom and beauty of brilliance

Good morning everyone,

I have recently contacted Linda the cruise Diva, who you may remember from Travel channels cruising do’s and dont’s. She is very knowledgeable in cruising, and has agreed to have an interview which I’mexpecting to have sometime early this week.

Lets start of with Carnival’s second newest ship at 110,000 tons in the Conquest class. She is currently sailing Mediterranean until next month when she makes her way to Ft.Luaderdale for 6-8 day Western, and exotic cruises. This is the itinerary the Carnival Liberty once sailed. Carnival Freedom was delivered by John Heald who is carnival’s senior cruise director for those of you don’t know, and She features the central idea, or theme, to be on centuries/ages through time, and one of her great areas is the millennium atrium. Take a look,

 

As you see the light make a very space age type theme, and interior designer Joe Farcus intended to do exactly that.

Some public areas,

• Swingtime Jazz Bar
• Scott’s Piano Bar
• Bar Nouveau Wine Bar
• 70s Dance Club
• Millennium Lobby
• Timeless Pool Bar
• Action Alley Video Game Room
• Meiji Sushi Bar
• Sun King Supper Club
• Posh Restaurant
• Chic Restaurant
• Monticello Library
• Babylon Casino
• Habana Cigar Bar

Carnival Freedom has a story to each lounge, and generally the ship. Visit www.carnivalcruiselines.com For virtual tours, and booking/itinerary details.

Now to Royal Caribbeans Brilliance of the seas. The class has been called “the ship of light” mostly because everywhere you look there is astonishing  views out to sea.

She has two specialty restaurants. Not only the main dinning room, but as well as Portofino’sItalian, and chops steak house, which are both and additional fee, however most say it well worth it.

Public areas,

• Rock-climbing wall
• Portofino Italian Restaurant
• Chops Grill
• Seaview Café
• Latté-tudes, a specialty coffee house featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee
• Themed bars and lounges
• Casino Royale
• Indian Raj-themed Solarium
• Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables
• Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator
• Adventure Ocean youth facilities
• Day Spa and Fitness Center
• Sports court with basketball/volleyball court
• Panamax Ship

www.Royalcaribbean.com for more info.

            from, JAKE    ps. check back later to check if cruise diva interview is posted.

The Cruise Diva

Hello Once again Hello everyone,

I just revcieved the Cruise diva interview, and wanted to share whith you.

HELLO CRUISE DIVA. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHAT YOUR JOB INVOLVES 

 

Hi, Jake. I’m Linda Coffman, a freelance travel writer who specializes in the cruise industry. I got my start more than a dozen years ago with a question-and-answer column “Ask The Cruise Queens” in Porthole Magazine and my work has appeared in numerous national magazines, as well as newspapers and the Internet. I publish CruiseDiva.com and Cruise Diva, The Blog, to provide unbiased and practical cruising information to the thousands of Internet users who research their travel choices online, as well as write guidebooks for Fodor’s Travel Publications. I am the author of Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, co-author of Fodor’s The Complete Guide to European Cruises, and contribute cruise-related material for Fodor’s Caribbean Ports of Call, Alaska Ports of Call, European Ports of Call, Bermuda, Greek Islands, and Greece guidebooks. I’ve also appeared in The Travel Channel’s show, Cruising Dos and Don’ts, and on Good Morning America. As an avid cruise passenger, I enjoy sailing on ships of every size to any port worldwide. When not at sea, my home is in Augusta, Georgia.

WHAT’S IS YOUR FAVORITE CRUISELINE, AND WHY?

 

It would be very difficult to select just one favorite. I love them all! And, as you know, cruise lines are different and they all have appealing features. My “favorite” would be a combination of the features that appeal to me.
 
WHAT LINES WOULD YOU RECOMEND FOR FAMILIES?

 

Tops for families would be Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean. All have excellent programs for children and teens as well as activities that are suitable for parents and grandparents of all ages.

WHAT SEASON IS THE BEST TIME TO CRUISE?

 

That’s really a matter of personal preference and depends a lot on when you can get away. While many families prefer to take a cruise in the summer and during school holidays, personally, I enjoy cruising at any time of year. 

WHAT CRUISELINE HAS THE BEST PORTS OF CALL, AND WHAT LINE HAS THE BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS? 

 

These days you can visit a variety of ports on any number of cruise lines. For instance, Carnival Cruise Lines, which used to sail exclusively from North American ports now offers Northern European and Mediterranean cruises. Nearly all cruise lines deliver great shore excursions and many use the same tour operators. For really unique experiences, cruisers might want to consider the luxury cruise lines with small ships that visit ports of call off the beaten track.

WHAT CRUISELINE HAS THE BEST ONBOARD ACTIVITIES, AND WHAT LINE WITH BEST FACILITIES? 

 

For the most diverse onboard activities and facilities, I believe Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis of the Seas will be the ship to beat when it is launched next year.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES NEW SHIPS? 

 

I love them! The newest ships have so many choices that weren’t available in the past, such as a wider variety of dining options, an abundance of staterooms with private balconies, and more amenities.

IN SPEAKING OF LARGER SHIPS, IS BIGGER COMMONLY BETTER? 

 

Bigger isn’t necessarily better for everyone, but the choices I mentioned above make them an attractive vacation option for people who might not have considered a cruise in the past.

I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE A BLOG OF YOUR OWN. PLEASE SHARE WITH US ABOUT IT. 

 

Yes, my blog is Cruise Diva, The Blog, which recently received several awards from the Society of American Travel Writers. In it, I share cruise industry news, information, and items of interest to avid cruise travelers. When on a cruise, I enjoy posting what’s happening at sea and in port with my readers.

THANK’S LINDA 

 

You’re welcome! It’s been my pleasure. 
to share whith you.

 

Imagine Majesty

Hello Everyone,

 As we approach the holiday season we the cruise industry is coming to the time of the most bookings. Why? Well us kids are off from school, the people up north travel to the Caribbean, and just why not? Some of the most popular cruises are the shorter voyages from Florida so that family’s can get away to a local destination such as the Caribbean for us Florida citizens, and it’s important for us to realize that a short cruise may be the best thing from our current economy apposed to a longer cruise at the time.

Her are some short Caribbean cruises,

Carnival Destiny/4-5

Carnival Imagination/3-4

Majesty of the seas/3-4

3-4-5 Day cruise depart from Miami. Another destination to embark from is Port Canaveral, Sandiego, Long beach, Jacksonville, and many others. These cruises will usually navigate through Mexico for east coast 4-5 day, and the 3days will go to Bahamas on east coast, and Mexico on west coast. Some cruise lines that will do this are NCL, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and now Celebrity.

 good night, JAKE

A GOOD BYE TO THE QUEEN AND HELLO TO SPLENDOR

Hello everyone,

 Carnival is currently being drowned in FUN. They have set the record for the largest pin’ata, and the largest beach ball. On the other hand Cunard is retiring the oldest ship in there fleet, QE2, who was lunched in 1969.

She has has hundreds of transatlantic crossings, and has been through many Gail force storms. She was used as a transport for troops many years ago. My grandmother sailed aboard her while a strong, strong, strong!!!!! Qe2 will be settled as a hotel in Dubai this month, as she is currently on her last voyage.

 Any way her is a blog about…..well…..whats carnival’s newest ship….you guest it the Splendor.

At 113,000 tons, she is the largest in the fleet, and spans 14 decks. She features a sliding glass dome across the lido, and panorama deck mid ship. It replaces the aft. dome on the Destiny, and Conquest class.She also features the pinnacle supper club.

www.Carnivalcruiselines.comhas this week updated there web-site adding Carnival Fantasy evolutions of fun refurbishments, and carnival splendor virtual tours.

Black Pearl Restaurant

Gold Pearl Restaurant

Lido Grille Restaurant

El Morocco Aft Lounge

The Atrium

The Cool Jazz Club

Grand Piano Bar

El Mojito Wine Bar

Our House Sports Bar

Splendido Lido Bar (Forward)

Casino Bar

Liner Lido Bar (Aft)

Main Show Lounge

Robusto Cigar Bar

Circle C Club

Club O2

Red Carpet Disco

Royal Flush Casino

Alexandria Library

     good night, JAKE S.

A new Gem in the fleet.

Hello everyone,

 Lets start of with the new ruby Princess at 118,000 tons arriving in my current hometown of ft.luaderdale Florida,

Her is John & Ruby princess Cruise Director James Lay 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She is in the class of the crown Princess, along with the Emerald Princess. Ruby Princess includes the under the stars out door theater, the specialty restaurants and much more such as the piazza in the atrium. John Heald as you know visited the ship yesterday, and posted videos, Interview with Ruby Princess cruise director. On Ruby Princess you can believe you can escape completely. The reason why I say this is because you think of a floating mega ship such as Ruby princess, however those who sail will find a more settled setting, and atmosphere as a smaller ship with the amenities of a big ship, in a big ship. My cousin Jordan Will sail on her next summer of 2009 in Italy, and Greece. My grandma sailed aboard Emerald Princess in the Mediterranean, and says it was simply spectacular to be on a large ship, and meet new friends at the same time. Princess has open seating in the dinning rooms, which gives you the opportunity to meet new friends bye arranging your plans together while you are aboard. She will be sailing the Caribbean through April.

 On the other hand the Carnival (same corporation as Princess) Floated out The newest ship under constructionto another dock in the Fincantieri ship yard for interior work. She will be released in fall of 2009, and will sail the Caribbean from Port Canaveral in central Florida for 7 day, and the 110,000 ton Carnival Glory on the conquest class will sail to Miami for 7 day Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Dream will be around 125,000 tons.  John asked me to give him 10 questions that he will send to a Captain, and I will use that on my blog as well, so check back.

   good night, JAKE

 

 

New FUN in the states

Hello everyone,

 As you know yesterday was the coming to America of the Carnival Splendor. I live very close to port everglades, but was not able to witness this event, however hear that it is wonderful to have all the new ships such as Carnival Splendor, Holland America Eurodam, Ruby Princess, Celebrity Solstice, and I Independence of the seas all recently arriving in America for first time. I was able to head down to port of Miami this afternoon were I saw the Liberty of the seas, Carnival Liberty, & Norwegian Dawn in port.Her are some photos of the Celebrity Solstice coming to Ft.luaderdale.

The ship features a new, and very unique feature called the lawn club. It’s a great atmosphere, and is an open space with real lawn growing aboard the ship. As you know John asked captain D’Aita some questions I had for a captain so Her it is,

             1. When, and how did your career start?

I started this career as soon as I graduated from Maritime Academy in 1982,I then joined Italian Navy as Lieutenant Navigator on a war ship. When I finished my period of service in the Navy in 1984 , I joined as 3rd Navigator Officer a tanker ship, after several contracts on tankers I applied to join Carnival Cruise Lines where on the 5th of Nov.1985
I was hired as Deck Cadet on T.S.S. “Carnivale” since then I have been working for Carnival and at the end of 1999 I was promoted to Captain.

2.Whats your favorite part of your job?

Indeed the navigation and the maneuvers represents one of the most enjoyable parts of this job, but I think that hospitality and interaction towards our Guests and Crew is vital to make this job a privileged one.

3.What propulsion unit is in your opinion most efficient for maneuvering.

This class of ships I am presently on board(Conquest class) are quite efficient from the maneuvering point of view(the ship is equipped with 3 Bow and 3 Stern thrusters + 2 rudders and 2 fixed pitch propellers. However I am convinced that azipodspropulsion vessels are the most flexible maneuvering ones(During my career I commanded also Spirit Class and Fantasy class vessels equipped with such propulsion).

4.What skills are required for becoming Master.

Experience, motivation, flexibility, capacity, maturity and Knowledge.

5.What safety factor does the captain play?

The Captain’s one is the ultimate decision on board, therefore also regarding Safety the whole responsibility lays on his shoulders. We are directly responsible to maintain an high safety standard at all times towards the Company and shore authorities.

6.If you could navigate a Fun ship into anywhere in the world where would it be, and what ship?

Since I have already been in Mediterranean, I would like to navigate a fun ship in Asia and South America because both places represent for me the cradle of civilization. Regarding the ship I would like it to be the “Carnival Freedom”.

7.What rolls do your officers play in terms of navigating?

Our job is a team work therefore all my Officers are part of this organization, in terms of navigating they are all very important to make sure that a vessel like this navigate safely around the world at all times. They could be compared to the airplane pilots from the Navigation standpoint, basically when I am not on the bridge they’re in command of propulsion and navigation systems.

8.How has the controls, and tools revolutionized over the course of your years on the sea?

Today technology has reached a very high level also on ships, therefore we have a lot of instruments/aids that 20 years ago were not available (i.e. electronic charts system, integrated navigation, Differential GPs, Fire detection systems etc).

9.Whats you opinion of the trickiest waters to navigate in?

Mississippi River and Alaska waters for matters related to traffic and weather conditions.

10.What honor is it to sound the FUN SHIP horns as captain?

I am very proud to cover such position in this prestigious Company, and I have faced lot of experiences that made my career very interesting. To be a Captain of such beautiful ships it represent the ambition of each sailor.

Once again thank you John for posting my questions on your blog.

The Qe2 has about officially ended a Glories career, from 1969 fulled with Long lasting memories that you can now experience at her settling place as a hotel in Dubai. She ran ground coming out of England, however was once again sailing with eas after tug boats assistance. This is the web site for the Qe2, and many more cruise ship web-cams…… www.kroooz-cams.com  It includes all of princess, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, all of Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Voyager of the seas royal promenade view, P&O, Oceania, Crystal, and many more.

My most recent cruise was in Auguest of this year aboard the Enchantment of the seas, for a five day voyage from Ft.Luaderdale. She has now repositionedher home port to Colon Panama were she will sail Central America Cruises in The Exotics.

Now to Carnival Splendor.

She one again arrived in Florida this week, and will be sailing 7 day voyages until Jan. 31 when she will sail for Longer south America sailing, which I will discuss  in upcoming posts.

   from, JAKE

                   

             

New Ship Brings Talk To Cruise Industry

Hello everyone,

 As you know Royal Caribbean is currently in the process of building the newest ship Oasis of the seas. Oasis of the seas is said to be at 220,000 tons, and will begin sailing from Ft.Luaderdale for 7 day voyages, I hope to be one of the firsts to Sail with her, as my grandmother is in the process of searching for the first bookings. The question is if Royal Caribbean is losing the aspect of a cruise? Or if it will be the reason for taking a cruise? Some of the facilities being featured will be separate neighborhoods which is main spaces in the ship that will feature a wid variety of bars, clubs, lounges, dinning facilities, and much more. Take a peak,

She Will feature some spectacular new features such as ziplinning, & the ice skating, rock wall, 2 flow riders, etc. Back to the question. Do people want to share a cruise vacation with 5,000 (+) fellow guests? Even if it means having some extraordinary facilities, a cruise has been changing over the past couple decades from getting away, to activities, & lots! One of the cruise lines that I think is doing a great job with Royal is Carnival, which happens to be my favorite cruise line. I observed sailing on Explorer of the seas, and sailing on enchantment of the seas that Carnival has more general activities that are spaced out so you can do what you want when you want, and not feel in anyway pressured that you must do all of the things on board all the time. I give equal credit to Royal Caribbean as well. Speaking of Carnival I’m announcing that the Carnival Victory, Valor, Triumph, Destiny have now received the seaside theater/additional balcony cabins That the Carnival Liberty, Freedom, & Splendor were built with. This will continue to the remaining conquest ships Conquest, and Glory who will receive them on upcoming dry docks. Her is what the seaside theater is,

A huge out door screen that plays concerts, movies, 7 sporting events. Just Imagine sipping your favorite drink in a warm hot tub in the Caribbean. Princess also features it, MSC, & Disney. Another thing is that Carnival Splendor & Carnival Freedom are now in Ft.luaderdale offering Caribbean cruises for 6,7,or 8 day sailings.

             from, Jake

PS, check back for inside interview with Staci Sandford from Celebrity Solstice.

Staci Sandford Solstice Inside

Hello everyone, and a happy thanksgiving,

I just wanted to post the Inside with Staci Sandfod from the Solstice that I received earlier this week, and if you haven’t yet viewed the blog on the Oasis of the seas from last week be sure to scroll down from this post to view it. Her we are,

Jake,

As you know I recently came off the inaugural of the brand new beautiful Celebrity Solstice.

Wow what a nice ship.

I will start with saying she felt very spacious and yet cozy.

The cabins especially were bigger then typical and the bathrooms were also made larger in all the cabins.

I found the food to be very good and as I would expect the service was excellent.

 

A great new feature is no smoking on the majority of this ship and that means No smoking in the casino.

 

Did I tell you they are growing grass ….yes fresh real grass on  deck  (you feel like you are at a park at sea).

 

Another new feature is glassblowing demonstration.

The kid area looked nice and the teen center was awesome.

 

This ship will be sold as a high end family vacation for all the generations…kids, parents and grandparents also.

The first of many new Solstice class ships to come

     

 

STACI SANFORD/ SR. CRUISE SPECIALIST

CRUISE PLANNERS

WWW.STAYCRUISING.COM

1-866-907-7829 (STAY)

305-238-6678 LOCAL

305-238-6689 FAX

Thank you Staci for sharing, and her are some pictures from this weeks float out of…..you guessed it Oasis of the Seas!

 

She will now take her place at the finishing dock where she will spend her last year in a shipyard until having sea trials and eventually being launched to Ft.luaderdale in December of 2009 for 7 day voyages.

Good night, JAKE

 

Carnival Spreading The Fun

Hello everyone,

 I will start of by saying that it is done, and QE2 is now a hotel in Dubai. She was handed off to them earlier this week, and it was emotional, however coming to us in 2010 will be the new Queen Elizabeth, who I believe will be sisters with the Queen Victoria which came out last December of 2007. Yesterday was a fantastic day to have the QM2, Carnival splendor, Ruby Princess, Eurodam, and maybe even the solstice peeking out all in the same port of Ft.Luaderdal together, and Today I see the Emerald Princess, Carnival Freedom, and a Holland ship in port together. Having some of the greatest, biggest, newest ships in port together gives a warm, and fun feeling.

Speaking of all the new itinerary’s carnival has transitioned this season successfully. Her are some examples.

Carnival Fascination-Now in Jaksonville-4 & 5 day.

Carnival Destiny-Now in Miami-4 & 5 day

Carnival Imagination-remained in Miami-3 & 4 day.

Carnival Freedom-now in Ft.Luaderdale-6 & 8 day.

Carnival Splendor-now in Ft.luaderdale-7 day.

Carnival Liberty-remained in Miami-7 day.

Carnival Triumph-now in New york-4 & 5 day.

Carnival Pride-coming soon to Miami-7 day.

Carnival Victory-now in San Juan-7 day.

These are just some of changes in the fleet overall, that is spreading fun from region to region. A spectacular change will be in January when the Carnival Splendor will cruise to South America for longer  voyages, and will host repositioning cruises. Her a some pictures of Eurodam which has been bringing recent additional hits to Carnival corporation.

 

And her is the Carnival Pride which will be sailing the Caribbean from Miami soon,

In other news Royal Caribbean has changed they’re slogan to….’the nation of why not” I would highly recommend booking a cruise in general now, because of the great deals being offered throughout the lines, & would like to end this blog by recommending a visit to www.bestblogsatsea.comIt is a universal blog on Carnival Corporation including an Aida captains blog that I found most intresting even if it is in German letters. lol.

                         from, JAKE

New Styles

Hello everyone,

 This has been a once again Fantastic weekend down her in South Florida Where today we had the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Freedom, Ruby Princess, Independence of the seas, & Eurodam in port.  Last Sunday we had the Solstice, Emerald Princess, & Crown Princess as well.

As i have recently motioned, Carnival’s newest ship “Carnival Splendor” has begun sailing 7 day cruises from Ft.Luaderdale, and If you wanna catch this ship you must hurry & sail this season because She will reposition in January I believe to sail south America, until settling in her home port of Long Beach California. She is a beautiful ship and the currently largest in the fleet until “Carnival Dream” in Fall of 2009. If you think you won’t be able to catch her in the Caribbean you can cruise aboard the “Carnival Freedom” from Ft.luaderdale as well for 6&8 day voyages to the Western, Eastern, & Exotic Caribbean. If you think you won’t be cruising aboard Solstice due to the economy, don’t worry this spectacular ship has i believe 3, or 4 sister ships coming throughout the next few years.

The Independence of the seas is as well sailing 6&8 day voyages from Ft.luaderdale. The Independence of the seas in the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet falling under the Freedom class. The Freedom class is 161,000 tons, and are a revolutionary class. Some differences from Royal Caribbeans “Voyager class” are the H2O zone which is a fun splashing water park, the flow rider which is a surfing simulator on the sports deck, and the expansion of the Royal Promenade. Don’t raise your ears yet. I recommend saving your money, & waiting for late 2009, and early 2010 for the Oasis of the seas, which will start off in the Caribbean from ft.luaderdale for 7 day eastern/western Caribbean cruises.

Her is some photos of the Independence of the seas,

And my grandmother will be embarking soon  for a 2 week cruise on the Regent Seven Sea Navigator. I will hope to have an interview on her experience, and she will cruise from South America to Ft.luaderdale.

And one last bonus picture is the new Ruby Princess’s under the stars out door theater. Princess is a division of Carnival Cooperation, and as you know the recent Carnival ships have been fitted with this spectacle, and so has the majority of the Princess fleet.

Good night, JAKE

Busy Blog

Hello Everyone,

 Busy blog, as allot happened this week.                                                                                                                                                             To start of, fuel supplements have ended for the following cruise lines for 2009,

* Carnival

*Oceania

*Regent

*Royal Caribbean

*Azamara

*Celebrity

*NCL

*MSC

These are all of that I currently know of. In other news The Crown Princess is currently under a dry dock, in Free port Bahamas. The QM2 was as well recently in  a dry dock, and she is now a wireless ship. The Silver Wind completed her multi million dollar transformation this week. New on board furniture, and cabin upgrades where added. The Norwegian Sky multi million dollar upgrade toke place as well. The Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder have started premiering 3-d movies now in the ships “buena vista theater” which is the on board movie theater. Royal Caribbean slogan has now changed to…..”the nation of why not”. The main message for example is “why not rock climb? Why not Ice Skate”. This will advertise the on board facilities.

 Recently The Oceania Nautica was attacked by pirates While transiting the gulf of Aden. While navigating around several fishing vessels Two small Skiffs approached the vessel, and an officer then spotted them, and Captain Jurica Brajcic pushed the ship to full speed, and eventually where able to outrun the skiffs, however 5 missiles where fired as a skiff came within 300 yards. No guests or crew aboard where injured. The ship that where scheduled to transit this area have evacuated the guests until the guests join the ship once again after flying to the next port, from the cruise lines expense. The pirates in this area have successfully hijacked dozens of tankers recently. Armed ships are now patrolling the zone.

 While my grandmother who is an experience cruiser, was sailing aboard the Silver Wind off the coast of  Somalia, in 2005 the Seabourn Spirit was being attacked VERY close to where her ship was, her ship’s guests where instructed to remain in side the vessel. the Silver Wind that she was sailing aboard was then taunted by the pirates who had attacked the Sebourn Spirit, however was not harmed by them. My grandmother, and grandfather are currently on they’re possibly 90th-100thcruise aboard the Regent Navigator for a 2 week sailing from South America to Ft.Lauderdale, and I was told that The captain would have an interview. I have submitted the questions, and will post the interview once I receive the reply.

Her is some photos

Some more,

 

As many of you know my goal is to one day be a cruise ship captain, and I’m studying  propulsion, so her is an interesting picture of the Azipod system.

An Azipod is a propeller mounted to a surface that  is capable of rotating the pod 360 degrees. This means that when maneuvering it is more efficient for ship. When docking the officers/Captain can simply activate the bow thrusters to match the RPM of an azipod, and turn the azipod 90 degrees for sideways propulsion. To drive the ship Fwd. The pod is facing  Fwd. rather then to Stern to act as a pull, that overall reduces vibrations. Some ship yards think that the Azipod is “yes” very efficient, however is a risk the engineering issues may accure to them, so some ships are being built with the Fwd/Prt./Stbd./Bow thrusters, and Aft/Prt./Stbd Stern thrusters, in addition to rudders attached to the propeller. her are some of the ships that have embraced this system,

• Carnival Cruise Lines
  • Carnival Liberty, 2005
  • Carnival Miracle, 2004
  • Carnival Legend, 2002
  • Carnival Pride, 2001
  • Carnival Spirit, 2001
  • MS Paradise, 1998^[1]
  • MS Elation, 1998
• Costa Cruises
  • Costa Mediterranea, 2003
  • Costa Atlantica, 2000
• P&O Cruises
  • Arcadia, 2005

Royal Caribbean International(RCI)

• Oasis Class
  • Allure of the Seas, 2010
  • Oasis of the Seas, 2009
• Freedom Class
  • Independence of the Seas 2008
  • Liberty of the Seas 2007
  • Freedom of the Seas 2005
• Voyager Class
  • Mariner of the Seas, 2003
  • Navigator of the Seas, 2002
  • Adventure of the Seas, 2001
  • Explorer of the Seas, 2000
  • Voyager of the Seas, 1999
• Radiance Class
  • Jewel of the Seas, 2004
  • Serenade of the Seas, 2003
  • Brilliance of the Seas, 2002
  • Radiance of the Seas, 2001

Holland America Line (HAL)

• MS Eurodam, 2008
• MS Noordam, 2006
• MS Westerdam, 2004
• MS Oosterdam, 2003
• MS Zuiderdam, 2002
• MS Amsterdam, 2000

Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL)

• Norwegian Gem, 2007
• Norwegian Pearl, 2006
• Norwegian Jade, 2005
• Pride of America, 2004
• Norwegian Jewel, 2004
• Norwegian Dawn, 2002
• Norwegian Star, 2001

Hapag-Lloyd

• Europa, 1999

Cunard Line

• RMS Queen Mary 2, 2004
• MS Queen Victoria, 2006

                   Check back for the Regent Navigator captain interview,

                                 from, JAKE

The Dream Is Coming True

Hello everyone,

 I would like to start off by wishing you all a happy holiday’s. I am expecting my family from Sweden to be arriving down her in South Florida this evening.

Recently Carnival Cruise lines “Carnival Liberty” underwent a dry dock, and new penthouse sweets where added to the ship.  I was able to see the new sweets from the exterior view last month, and you can really see how much space you have in this  new wonder. I other news, my grandmother returned from the Seven Seas Navigator this week, and had a spectacular time aboard. The Captain interview will come in sometime this week. After my grandmother returned to her home at Noon….what not else to do 3 hours later then book another cruise? That’s right  3 hours later from returning from her 2 week voyage she booked a week cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise line’s newest, and most innovated ship Celebrity Solstice. She will sail in March. Speaking of new ships her is a picture of MSC cruises newest ship “MSC Fantasia”,

She seems as a spectacular floating city. The Carnival Dream is taking her interior form now, as she was floated out last month to her finishing dock where she will spend the next year. Her are some photos of the this “Dream” will look when completed.

 

This Fun ship will come in at approximately 130,000 tons, and will include every  thing  you ever wanted in a cruise ship plus more…while at the same time keeping the aspect of a cruise. She will feature a fun filled “carnival waterworks”, which as you know are the newest series of water slides to the fleet, and in addition to the promenade the Carnival Dream will as well feature piazza. Something new to the industry is “cove balconies” which carnival is adding to the Dream class. You ask, “whats a cove balcony”……a cove balcony is a private veranda that is unique because of her level to the sea. It is going to be placed on the lower decks of the ship, and above the promenade level on deck 5 of the ship, 7 full decks of balcony staterooms will spawned the height of the ship. Discover the innovation of the “Carnival Dream, coming September of 2009.she will sail the “Carnival Glory’s” itinerary from Port Canaveral Florida, for 7 day Caribbean cruises. Once again, the Port Everglades season is in full throttle! Welcoming many of the newest ships into port  every week.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         in case you haven’t read last weeks post, fuel supplements have ended for several cruise lines. The newest Costa ship coming soon,( after”Costa Pacifica” which is in the “Concordia” class ) will be the “Costa Luminosa”, which will be a vista sister ship to…..”Eurodam”….., and “Queen Victoria”.

My cosine is currently aboard the majesty of the seas for a 3 day voyage. I will have photos soon posted from her cruise. Speaking of short cruises. As I have mentioned, the 101,000 tons “Carnival Destiny” has come to Miami for 4&5 day voyages. The Carnival Destiny is a fantastic vessel for a short cruise, especially for those groups of people new to cruising, and want to experience a nice ship for a short cruise. Her are some some Carnival Destiny public areas,

• Palladium Lounge
• Flagship Bar
• Galaxy Dining Room
• Universe Dining Room
• Onyx Room
• Millionaire’s Club Casino
• Point After Dance Club
• Downbeat Club
• Cheers Wine Bar
• Apollo Bar
• The Criterion Lounge
• Sun & Sea Restaurant

 Recently refurbished, “Carnival Destiny”, was once the worlds largest ship, and started her class along with “Carnival Triumph”, and “Carnival Victory”. Her recent refurbishment included the seaside theater, new balcony’s, mini golf course, and overall upgrade. She was just a few months ago sailing from San Juan, however now the “Carnival Victory” has toke her place for 7 night sailings in the Southern Caribbean.

            Good night, JAKE

Running Around

Helllo eveyone,

 Once again happy holiday’s to all.

 Yesterday  morning I jogged down to the beach from where I was, and was able to witness the Ruby Princes, Independence of the seas, & an MSC ship that was possibly the “Lirica.” I was slightly late for the arrival for the Carnival Splendor, Eurodam, and the other ships in port. I viewed all the action from a mile away on the beach, and was able to see Splendor for the first time today on her departure. Today I saw the Crown Princess, Carnival Freedom, Celebrity Solstice, Costa Fortuna, and the other ships in port.

 For those of you who don’t know, this week the MSC Fantasia was released into service. This is MSC cruises newest, and largest class at 133,000 tons. Coming soon to the fleet will be the MSC  Splendida. I may have the opportunity to visit a Holland America ship coming next month for a day, as a family members friend has connections with the line, and permission to board a ship. Hopefully that ship will be Eurodam, if not it will be the fellow Holland America ships, Rotterdam, or Westerdam, which are as well spectacular.

 A guest aboard the Norwegian Pearl has been reported missing around Mexico this week. My hopes are that the Coast Guard search team will find the guest.

 As you know Royal Caribbean has been working on they’re latest ship “Oasis of the seas,” and one of many questions regarding the interior is if the ship will….well have a roof?” Well, I heard from an insider of Royal Caribbean that, “Yes,” the ship will have a clear roof suspending  through the major neighborhoods. From my prospective I 70% believe that the ship will actually have one. “Why doubt the insider,” you may ask? Well, you see, Oasis of the seas will include zip lining through the aft. area of the ship in the “Board walk” neighborhood, and I’m not exactly sure where it starts, or ends however, I think that Royal Caribbean architects would have designed the ship to have the zipline rope outside the ship, going into the ship. If not a solid clear glass roof, I believe that they’re will be a retractable sliding roof. Many cruise lines have completed the retractable sliding roof successfully, and it would be an entire new engineering challenge to place a roof through the opening space on the pool decks, down the middle. My 30% inference is that the roof  (if one), will be retractable.

Many People have asked, “What will replace the majestic Qe2?” Well, she was one of many radiant ships in Cunard’s history, but we have moved on to Qm2, Qv, and soon to be Qe. Take a look at one of the most powerful, biggest, and most conformable transatlantic/cruise ship liners ever built. At 158,000 tons, Qm2 is literally a brick when it comes to coming across rough waters in harsh condition. She is one of few ships to embrace the Azipod system, in addition to 2 fixed pods pulling the ship.

If you are wondering about the Regent Navigator captain interview, I understand the ship has been having connection issues, and I will try my best to have it by next week.

         from, JAKE

Watching the ships

Hello everyone, and a happy new year,

 This past weekend I saw the Celebrity millennium, Holland America Maasdam, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Carnival Freedom, Holland America Rotterdam, MSC Orchestra, a Seabourne ship, Imperial Majesty, an Oceania ship, and some of the ships I mist where Holland America Eurodam, Carnival Splendor, Qm2, and maybe a few more.  I also saw the Solstice leave last Sunday. This was all viewed from the beach in ft.luaderdale Florida. My house is approximately 20-30 minutes from the beach.

 In other news the 90,000 MSC Orchestra arrived down hear this week, and will be sailing seven night Caribbean voyages.

She feature 236800 square feet of public areas onboard!

 Further more new, It wasn’t happy new years for everyone as a crew member unfortunately feel overboard the Carnival Sensation. Four crew members witnessed this tragedy, and threw a life preserver overboard to try, and save the crew member, but in the deep darkness 20 miles off the coast of Vero Beach Florida it was nearly impossible. My hopes, and prayers are with this incident. Returning back to the incident of a women falling off the Norwegian Pearl last week has been investigated further, and the word is that it was a suicide, as they’re was a report of yelling, and arguing coming from that cabin.

    Bye the way, her is that interview from captain John McNeill,                                                                                                                       

Good evening Jake

 

It is 2300 hrs (or 11.00 pm) and I am just typing this to you before I go up to the Bridge to have a last check on the time of arrival at our next port, San Juan in Puerto Rico .

 With regards to your questions, here we go……..

 

How and where did my career start  -  My father was very keen that I should join the army and I was equally keen that I wasn’t going to join the army  -  so I decided to go to sea instead.  I went first of all to a Nautical College in Scotland , and from there I joined my first chip as a Deck cadet.

 

What knowledge is required in navigating  -  It helps if you have a mathematical mind because there is a lot of math and formulae involved. You have to learn about celestial and terrestrial navigation, and it very satisfying to be able to put it into practice.

 

What is your favourite part of the job  -  without a doubt it is maneuvering the ship when we are approaching or leaving the pier.

 

What type of guests do you meet on board  -  Most of our guests are retired, and so they are free to undertake some fairly long cruises. We are just finishing a cruise which will have lasted for 82 days.  All of our guests are extremely pleasant and interesting people.

 

What are the trickiest waters to navigate  -  parts of the Amazon are very tricky because there is a very strong current flowing in and out, and there is not always a lot of water beneath the ship.

 

Where has being on the sea taken you  -  I have literally been around the world, but not so frequently in the Pacific.  As far as port entries are concerned, two of the most spectacular ports to look at when you are approaching are Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro ..

 

What are some of the privileges in terms of handling the vessel  -  Being a Captain is the greatest job on earth, especially on a cruise ship. There are many different aspects to the job such as safety, the operation of the ship in technical and social terms, you are always meeting new friends, but the best part of the job is the maneuvering of the ship.  It is always challenging but always gives you a great sense of satisfaction when it goes exactly the way you want it to.

 

Facts about Regent Seven Seas Cruises  -  RSSC is in the luxury sector of the market place with about 4 other companies.   In modern day terms the ships are of a medium size, they carry only a small number of guests (490 or 700), and the ships are extremely well fitted out with nice large suites.  Above all else though, the crews are very friendly and there is a fantastic atmosphere on our ships.

 

Your grandmother talks very highly of you Jake, and you sound like a very enterprising young man, so keep up the good work.  I look forward to having you on the Bridge of my ship one day.

 Best Regards

 

Thak you Once again captain McNeill We all very much enjoy hearing from great captains like yourself. This is an image of the Regent Navigator.

The three best ships in the Regent fleet in my opinion, is the Regent Navigator, Regent Mairiner, & Regent Voyager. The line overall consists of luxury. Speaking of luxury the worlds most lux ship is set to make way in the industry this year. that ship is the SeaBourn odyssey. Take a peak,

    from, JAKE

What To Do

Hello Everyone,

 I’ll have you know that the cruise industry released little, to no particular news this week that I could discuss so I will mix it up alittle this week.

 Overthe past month or so, I have been reading captain interviews, and taking the time to think about what I want to do with my nautical career. I’ve been thinking about where to start? How to start? When to start? Where will my career lead me? Will I like it? Well I still haven’t found the answers. I think it’s normal for me considering that I’m 12. Despite my questioning of my future I have however constructed a specific chart, or time line if you will.

 When I say I would like to be a captain one day…..It obviously means that I would need many years of experience, and would maybe be in my 40’s to 50’s before settling in to becoming a Master. First I would attend a maritime academy that would provide a fine education of the requirements of being at sea for long period ’s of time. I currently understand the fundamentals. After graduating, I would search for an opening in the nautical field. Perhaps a tanker, cargo,yacht or fairy vessel to gain experience of time. After having been on the sea, I would apply to joining a cruise line as an officer. During my final place on cruise liners I would slowly work my self up to captain.

 This time line very much motivates me, however100% know that to get a career like this I would have to graduate with good grades, so school (7thgrade) Is by far currently one of my biggest priority’s. I must know the handling, along withnavigation. You may say….”that’s easy”. Well indeed not. Behind these two major terms many other advanced terms fall into it. for example/ Handling: Propulsion& physics. / Navigation: charting courses on maps/ depth/ radar/, and the part I will most likely struggle with  is staying awake during night to hear the radio, and keep watch.  All this hard work will hopefully Pay off!

Her are some photos,

That picture above of the “Silja Serenade” is a Swedish cruise ship-Ferry. Her sister is the “SiljaSymphony”, and the run voyages from Stockholm, to Helsinki. They are short cruises that are filled with fun at the same time. They feature the “Promenade” which is very similar to Royal Caribbeans “royal promenade”. Even though working for my country’s Silja Line, or Viking line would be great, or as the say in Sweden…..”mycket stor”, This is my true desire…..take a look,

 

Not any particular cruise line at the moment Maybe Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, MSC, Holland America, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Norwegian, just any cruise ship would be a dream come true.                                               from, JAKE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 p.s The Caribbean Princess is entering a 2 week dry dock in free port. Keep the comments coming.

Building A Ship

Hello everyone,

 This week my grandmother released the news to me that we have booked a cruise aboard the “Oasis of the seas”. It is on her first, if second cruise aboard her. It is an inagular sailing for 4 days. We booked a balcony room in the ship’s “Central park area”.  It is going to be an incredible experience for this new aspect of cruising. It is still a long way from now, and the ship is still being built, however I’m extremely excited! I will tell you more about my booking aboard the Oasis, and the ship itself in upcoming posts.

 This post I decided to discuss the process of assembling a cruise ship. It is a magnificent, and emotional process for the workers of the shipyard, and each ship itself has a story to tell. To build a ship you must have the design settled, which is another entire process itself. After the cruise line has selected a shipyard, the construction is past on the the yard, and a typically 2 year process begins as the ship is built. The construction has officially began once the first sheet of steel is cut.  The construction of a ship usually has 2 periods, in 2 shipyards where the structure of the ship is constructed in one, and interior is settled in the second. The most delegate processes are placing blocks of the ship in place with the crane.

 After the ship has floated out, and completed a series of seatrials, and testing, deliverly of the ship to the cruiseline takes place. The deliverly is usualy a big ceromony where guests, travel agents, and workers all gather to celebrate the ship being born.

It’s a spectacle to see this, turn into this.

As many of you know, a couple is missing from the Carnival Paradise. This is the 3rd “overboard” incident in one month, and the question has come to my attention if…”it is easy to fall from a cruise ship”. After thinking, and looking closely at ship safety regulations, and railing designs, I have come to conclude that it is not easy to fall from a ship. Many of usual rear causes are an effect of suicide, or overly drunk.

 MSC’s newest ship, “MSC Fantasia” is a really spectacle at 133,00 tons. A web-site that I personally love is www.shipparade.comOn shipparade you can view weekly photos, and ship tours. They are one of the first websites to release photos of the new ship complete. Stop by.

 Another topic for this week will be the overall cruise experience that is hard to realise.What are the little things that impact your cruise? The little things such as the smell of the ship, the bass/’reggae music when entering the pool deck, the smell of the dinning room, and the sound of the dinning staff setting tables when you walk by, the ringing slots in the casino, it’s the little things that entomb your vacation on top of the activities, and public areas.

 from, JAKE S.

                 ps. Hoped you enjoyed last weeks blog, and keep the commnets coming.

Princess Is Calling, & So Is Solstice

Hello everyone,

 Over the past few month I have received personal comments, and have seen the numbers greatly increase for views on the Princess blog. This week, I would to return, and continue writing about the magnificent cruise line.

 One of the fundamental choices people make when going on a cruise is if they want a big ship filled with activities, or a small intament vessel with rather finer dinning, and a more premium-luxuries experience. Princess has been known for offering both. Yes they do have smaller ships such as, “Tahitian Princess”, and yes they do have mega ships like, “Caribbean Princess”. The great things about they’re large ships is that, even though the ship keeps it intament, with the same innovation as a big ship. It’s something they like to call…”The little ship in big ship experiance”.

Princess cruise lines is a part of the mother Branch “carnival cooperation”, along with Holland America, Aida, P&O, Cunard, Seabourn, Costa, & Ocean Village. They have a long shared history with Cunard, and P&O.

 They’re is no personal dinning time, which allows guests to go as they like whenever, and they’re is a wide variety of elegant restaurants on board. My grandmothers, and grandfathers favorite is “sabatinies”. Another great part about them is they have itineraries all around the world so you can choose with out many questioning where to cruise.

 Princess cruiselines newest ship, “Ruby Princess”, has impressed many & is currently sailing the caribbean, along with many of the new ships in the cruising industry from Ft.Luaderdale. Ruby Princess falls into the “Crown Princess class”. All the ships in that latest class are sailing around the Caribbean. I was able to see Ruby Princess from the beach when she was pulling out, and got some pictures that I will try to post next week. 

Here is the names of one ship  from each princess class. Pacific, Sea, Coral, Grand, Diamond, Caribbean, & Crown. Princess has a total of  18 ships currently sailing under they’re fleet.

The piazza, is a spectacular european themed atrium. Princesses “movies under the stars” is also known as the best place onboard the catch a movie. Why? It’s out doors.

Now to Solstice.

The Celebrity Solstice is once again an absolute spectacle! Her sleek design puts the “S” in Solstice. She is sailing the Caribbean as well as Ruby Princess. I have also captured a personal image of Solstice that I hope to share next week.

                    From, JAKE

                           ps. My grandmother has booked a cruise on BOTH of these floating towns in the same year of 2009.  Keep the coments coming.

A Blog Of Fun

Hello everyone,

 This week I have selected the topic of discussing my tied favorite cruise lines…”Carnival”. Before I move on I would like to go over the weekly news first.

 To start off, This week Royal Caribbean slightly fell financially, and announced that they are no longer having free room service during the night. In other news, this week the “Golden Princess”, nearly missed a fishing vessel while navigating through the Los Angeles channel. In further news, they’re was a rescue by helicopter this week off the “Norwegian Star”, after the coast guard medical evacuation call was made, another medical emergency appeared to another guest, and the coast guard chopper hoisted two patients 200 miles off the coast of Sandiego. Also, the “Carnival Glory” this week made a 3 hour detour to rescue a deflating raft full of Cuban refugees floating for 10 days.

 Now carnival has been an icon of Fun, elegant floating cities. They kicked off the cruise line in 1972 by Ted Arison. They’re first ship was the “MARDIGRAS”, then “CARNIVALE”, then “FESTIVALE”. After the 70’s ships came the more modern “TROPICALE”,”HOLIDAY, “JUBILEE”, & “CELEBRATION”. In for the 90’s came the “FANTASY CLASS”.

During this period of time the “Carnival Fantasy”, “Carnival Ecstasy”, “Carnival Sensation”, “Carnival Fascination”, “Carnival Imagination”, ‘Carnival Inspiration”, Carnival Destiny”, “Carnival Elation”, “Carnival Paradise” ( first smoke free ship), and “Carnival Triumph” was built.

 After the long 90’s decade of “FANTASY CLASS” ships where built, followed up to the currrent deckade of fun ships.”Carnival Victory”, “Carnival Spirit” , “Carnival Pride”, “Carnival Legend”, “Carnival Conquest”, “Carnival Glory”, “Carnival Miracle”, “Carnival Valor”, “Carnival Liberty”, “Carnival Freedom”, and “Carnival Splendor”. The soon to be “Carnival Dream”, & “Carnival Magic” are being constructed currently.

 Before I discuss more about Carnival I will post pictures of the Celebrity Solstice, & Ruby Princess I said I toke.

I apologise for the poor quality. I was 4 miles from where the ships came out so I had to zoom crop them, & I toke the picture of Solstice from the car so the traffic pole is in the way. I saw 12 other ships depart from Friday to Sunday.

Back to Carnival,

 Carnival l has great food, great shows ,great activities, great pools, great pools, great interior, great rooms, great ports, great crew, overall they the right to say “FUN FOR All FUN FOR FUN”. Carnival offers the type of cruises for all types. You can read a book, play trivia, or you can fly down a 4 story water slide! Carnival Cruise lines is one of the cruise lines that offers the out door jumbo screen. They call it the seaside theater. I have sailed on the Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Fascination, & Carnival Victory.

Here is another picture from my personal gallery aboard the Carnival Victory on the lido deck,

Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, was launched in July of 2008, & was the first Carnival ship to sail Baltic, then moved to Mediterranean, then Caribbean, soon South America, & then will settle in Long Beach California as her home port. That goes to show that cruise ships are always on the move going to new places, so you wanna book with Carnival soon.

 Carnival’s Senior cruise director, John Heald, of www.Johnhealdsblog.comwill be having they’re second  bloggers cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy sailing from New Orleans on February 9th. This will give bloggers the chance to meet, and experience the evolutions of fun up grades done to her class. The upgrades include new resort style pool, mini golf course, adult only serenity, my personal favorite is the new 4 story carnival water works in addition to the 2 new water slides, and overall ship refurbishments. John Heald has boarded the ship early to blog about the new upgrades so stop by his site.

  My father sailed on the “CARNIVALE”, my Grandmother sailed on the “MARDIGRAS”, my aunt sailed on the “FESTIVALE”, & overall all my family combined has sailed on at least one ship in every class.

                        from, JAKE

          ps. All pictures posted are from personal gallery. Keep the coments coming.

Up-Grades All Around

Hello everyone,

 This week one of my favorite Princess ships became better. The 112,000 ton “Caribbean Princess” returned from a 3 week dry-dock last week, and has become even more mouth dropping.

 The “Caribbean Princess” has received an adult only sanctuary retreat, piazza styled decor to lobby/atrium, and much more.  “Caribbean Princess wasn’t the only ship to get a make over this week, as the ship that started my favorite class of ships, “Carnival Conquest”, also went through a dry-dock transformation. She now features a new “seaside theater”, which is a huge LED screen displaying movies, and concerts, along with new balconies making the ship have 6 levels of balconies out of the 13 decks, & another of her many new features is the children’s “circle C lounge”. Carnival Conquest is currently sailing 7 day voyages from Galveston Texas, & Caribbean Princess is sailing from SanJuan Puerto Rico with Carnival Victory, & Adventure of the seas.

 There is only one more ship remaining in the Carnival fleet eligible for the transformation which is Carnival Glory, as Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Victory, Carnival Valor Carnival Splendor, Carnival Destiny, and I believe Carnival Triumph has got it, along with Conquest.

 Carnival Fantasy class ships are getting the evolutions of fun upgrades, and Spirit class ships are probably the most elegant, however the engineering design can’t fit new balconies, or seaside theater.

  The Italian cruiselines, “Costa” has invested 28 million dollars for 5 ships dry-docked from October 2008 to February 2009.

If I hav’t already mentioned to all of you, Norwegian cruiselines recently announced that they’re new ship sailing from Miami begging summer of 2010 will be named “the Norwegian Epic”, with 4,200 passengers. I personally never was a big fan of ncl, for the facts that,

1. I’m  Swedish & we never liked the Norwegians.   (just kidding thats not the reason)

 But  for any reason I wasn’t crazy about them, I hope to maybe experience the new F3 class of ships, & dig deeper into the lines innovation.

 When “Carnival liberty” was launched she was the fist ever carnival ship to feature the seaside theater. When I was discussing all the dry-dock changes Carnival new that they already had a seaside theater so they couldn’t add one on Carnival Liberty. They could have had added the additional 21 balcony rooms to deck 11, however on deck 9 they decided to make a HUGE penthouse sweat spanning the entire width of ship plus more. How could you go over the width of ship? Well, the navigational bridge wings are on deck 8 right under the sweat to the made the upper level of the bridge wings part of the sweat. I was able to shoot a picture with my camera on the causeway take a look,

As you can see, directly above the bridge wings in these photos, the windows are a part of the magnificent new sweat.

In other news, John Healds 2009 bloggers cruise aboard the 70,000 “Carnival Fantasy”, is departing tomorrow from New Orleans for what I believe will be a 5 day voyage. This once again will give bloggers the opportunity to experience the evolutions of fun upgrades, along with reuniting with fellow bloggers. You can read about the cruise, and see pictures at.. www.JohnHealdsblog.com

 Carnival Splendor is officially underway to start her south America Voyages before settling soon in Longbeach.

 I also wanted to say that one of Carnival’s social hosts by the name of “Jamie”, sends John Heald daily letters from the “Carnival Splendor” talking about the ship, & ports. John posts these letters, along with a personal & cruise diary.

  Holland America cruiselines “Eurodam”, has already become an instant great ship, and the line has announced they will launch the “Nieuw Amsterdam” next up for line, as a sister to Eurodam. Here competing line “Celebrity” says they will launch the “Celebrity Equinox”, and the “Celebrity Eclipse” that will be sister ships to the new “Celebrity Solstice class”. Celebrity Solstice will eventually have a total of 5 sisters making her a class of 6 fantastic ships.

 For the month of February I’m looking for a new person to interview. If anyone has any suggestions please send the name of the person in, & I will look into finding a way to interview the person.

                       good night, JAKE

                                                   ps. keep the coments coming

What If I Get Sick

Hello everyone,

 Happy belated valentines day to all.  Today I will write about what will happen to you if you have a medical emergency at sea.                                                         

 When you at sea, and a medical emergency suddenly ac cures everything becomes critical to the patient. Crews aboard the ship will treat the situation with care, and quickness. Oftenthe ship will either re-route to a near land, or the coast guard will be called to sea to hoist the patient. There are medical facilities, however they are not completely meant for performing deep surgical operations, or if a person has become ill, an evacuation will ac cure.

 Ever find yourself slightly sick before a cruise? Well allways remember that health is the most important part of yourself, andthe people around you so the best decision would be to cancel your cruise. There is all ways a personal situation as well, so decide whats best for you because, cruises are fun, but can become very uncomfortableif you are sick before boarding. If you find yourself seasick while on board, don’t worry it’s not major, and can be treated in a variety of safe ways. This year my grandparents had to cancel 2 cruises of the many they often take per year due to injury, or sickness. Here is a photo that I personally toke while cruising aboard the Carnival Victory when a medical evacuation occurred,

 I was standing on deck  14, and was able to catch the roaring/ J-hawk / U.S.C.G chopper get close to the funnel.

 In other news, last weeks blog was about the recent dry docks for many of the ship. I mentioned that the Carnival Fantasy class is receivingthe “evolutions of fun upgrades” which consists of a new 4 story water slide+2 story slides as a part of the water park, adult only serenity, new resort style pool area, interior refurbishments, and much more. Well the Carnival Sensation has receivedthis upgradein addition to what the other ships haven’t got.

 What the other ships haven’t got is new balconies reshaping the aft section, & new ones to mid ship. This idea was inspired by the Destiny class, & Conquest class balcony upgrades, and makes the hull of “Carnival Sensation” look sleeker. The ship is running 3 & 4 night voyages from Port Canaveral Florida, Here is picture from www.Johnhealdsblog.comwho recently returned from a 2nd bloggers cruise aboard the “Carnival Fantasy” including the new upgrades, except for new balconies,

  Thinking about taking a cruise…….don’t know whats your style, what you wants, or what you’ll like? Well on www.Bestblogstsea.comyou can decide with a variety of individual cruising blogs of carnival corporation, anywhere from Costa, to Cunard.

 Yesterday I saw the Carnival Freedom once again in port along with “Ruby Princess”, “MSC Orchestra”, “Independence of the seas”, & a few more I couldn’t get a clear view of specifically, but fun to see.

 Royal Caribbean ship…”Sovereign of the Seas”…has been sold officially. She is now under the name of..”Sovereing”, but owned by Pullmantur cruise lines. I believe that she is sailing south America which reminds me. Today the “Carnival Splendor” is in Rio de janeiro as a part of here south America voyage underway to California where she will settle into home port. 

 Another question that has come to me is how I was able to get to the bridge of the “Enchantment of the seas”, well I apologise & can’t release that information due to a level of security I wouldn’t want to mess with even on land, but lets say….”If you write a note to the captain”…you may ave the honer of experiencing a visit to the bridge. Different cruise lines allow this, but many do not dueto once again very high security regulations under safety.  Here is a picture of me on the bridge of this vessel,

 Enchantment of the seas is a beautiful ship that for sure stands out from the rest of the fleet. Here interior designkeeps it comfortable at a nice size of  70,000, and includes Rock wall, Sport, family, and solarium pools, bungee trampoline, Clubs & lounges, Chops grill steak house, Snack bar, Main dinning room, windjammer cafe, friendly casino, kids-teens clubs, and much more.  Believe that now she is running out of Panama for 7 night central America cruises.

                                                                           Good night,  JAKE

                                                                                                ps. keep the comments coming.

Bringing Italy To You

Hello everyone,

 This week I wanted to go into “Italian cruising”. Italian cruising maybe not in Italy, but on Italian Lines. Lines such as Costa, and MSC.

 Yes many cruise lines offers Mediterranean cruises, however Costa, & MSC brings it to your home port.  They offer The interior Decor of Italy, and experience as if you where strolling through Rome. Many may say…”why don’t I just cruise direct in the Mediterranean?” The answer is that middle class budgets have been cut throughoutthe U.S with our economy, and a portion of people can still cruise but, possibly can’t affordto travel to the ship in Europe. With MSC Lirica, and MSC fantasia sailing from ft.Luaderdale 7 & 10 night voyages you can enjoy the fun Caribbean ports of call while cruising on a nice ship.  Costa cruise lines is the Italy of carnival. Carnival Cruise lines, owns Costa as a branch, and with Costa Fortuna, and Costa atlantica sailing the Caribbean you can have a fantastic experiance. Costa Fortuna is a vista sister ship to Carnival Destiny class., & Costa atlantica is a vista sister to the Carnival Spirit class.

  My grandmother was down in port Everglades this morning picking up here friends, and the Celebrity solstice, Costa Fortuna, MSC Lirica, Carnival Freedom, Island Princess, Crown Princess, Westerdam, Noordam, and I think a sea dream ship. Pictures unfortunately where token, but not stored, but not to worry I have pictures I personally toke of the 101,000 ton Costa Fortuna navigate into place in San Juan Puerto Rico when I was either on the Victory, or Explorer of the seas. I was standing on deck 10 aft. take a look,

 

 What a spectacular ship she is.

  Moving on, Costa cruises is currently hosting a contest to win a cruise aboard they’re line, and has to do with they’re cuisine, so keep watch on this fun contest to win a free cruise on they’re upcoming new ship “Costa Pacifica”(contest in 300 word or less)

 I am looking toward an interview next week with someone you all might know that has appeared on T.V many times so remember to check back next Sunday night for this up-coming interview post.

  Royal Caribbean Ship, “Mariner of the seas” is begging to run cruises from Los Angeles, along with “Carnival Splendor.” They are on the same course coming from Ft.Luaderdale, ad Port Canaveral Florida navigating a course along SouthAmerica, and together they will be the biggest ships ever to sail from the west-coast. They will sail for 7 nights, and will both offer a variety of fun-filled innovation from Carnival Splendors Twisting 4 story high water slide, to Mariners Rock wall in additionto the many more features of both floating cities.

  Speaking of Royal Caribbean & they’rebis ships, This week cruise addicts discussed that Royal’s new ship setting sail in December of 2009, is the equivalency of 11+ ships from The show “Love Boat”…The “Love Boat” is an actual ship by the name of, “Pacific Princess” which I recently saw pull out of my home town area. She’s a part of a big vista class that lines such as Renaissance (Regent), Oceania, Princess, Azamara, Minerva, & Pullmatur cruises have all had a piece of. The construction is coming along great over in Finland. It has been a great feeling for everyone to think about the ship that will break a new standard over the cruise industry.

 Oasis of the seas isn’t at all the only new ship coming to us. Carnival Dream is starting to wake up as she takes interior form in the Fincanteri yard in Italy. Carnival Dream will come in at around 130,00 tons sailing from Port Canaveral Florida. She will be fantastic, and will definitelycompete with Oasis… however on this blog we like all the lines. when completed,

 As you see from the exterior she is waiting to be matched by another ship, and Oasis is competing for sure with here. Carnival Dream will launch in September of 2009, and John Healds bloggers will have 2 bloggers cruises aboard here.

 Celebrity Equinox, sister ship of new Celebrity Solstice, is set to launch Auguest 10th, and here maiden voyage will take here through Norway, and the brilliant fjords for 8 days round trip form South Hampton England. I have come to notice that some of teship that set sail in 2008 cruised from England. Ships such as P&O’s newest “Ventura” (vista sister to Crown Princess class & British line), Royal Caribbeans newest “Independence of the seas”, and Carnival’s newest ”Carnival Splendor.”

                                   good night, JAKE                                                                                                               ps.  Stay tuned for interview, and keep the comments coming.

No better Then The Other

Hello everyone,

 I would like to start off by saying that I apology for the error I made on last weeks post. I accidentally said,  “that the MSC Fantasia is sailing the Caribbean, when I meant to say that the Orchestra is”.

 Today, (Sunday) is the day that my grandmother is boarding her possibly 95th, to 100th cruise aboard…the Celebrity Solstice. I hope to have pictures to share from here voyage aboard this new spectacular premium class ship.

 I also would like to apologise for not having my promised interview. I am expecting 2 to come, & one should arrive next week, followed the next.

 This week Costa Romantica suffered engine room fire, and was forced to anchor off  Punte del Este.

 In other news, Mariner of the seas arrived in Los Angeles this week after sailing through South America from Port Canaveral in Orlando Florida. Carnival Splendor which is navigating the same course, made is round around the horn this week now sailing on the eastern side of South America underway to California.

 air ambulance arrived in Miami from Dominica carrying several passengers that have been injured from an incident of a Celebrity Summit shore excursion is which a bus crashed.

 This week my grandmother told me she was recently at dinner withfriends when the question.. “best line” came up. My grandmother replied: “There is no answere to this question”. This is a common question that appeares many times, and some now how to attack the question, and some simply answere witha name. I now how to attack. There is many cruise lines, divided into many classes of cruising. You have lower standard, standard, premium, and luxury. My grandmother for instance Loves Carnival, at loves Silver sea at the same time. This shows there is truly no particular cruise line that’s the best.  You can do different things on different lines. 

 When Carnival is my favorite line Royal Caribbean has always been neck, and neck for my favorite I compared. For example I can Flow-ride, or water slide and have the same fun in different ways.

  I wanted to also post images of when I was in St. Thomas on the Carnival Victory during departure seeing the Celebrity MillenniumDepart, along with the Explorer of the seas.. The picture of Explorer I toke Before we departed from St.Thomas, and you can see the ship majestically, and carefully navigating out of the channel using the Azipods to guide here,

 You may notice that all my personal-loaded pictures are either from he Carnival Victory, or Enchantment of the seas. That is because I didn’t have a camera until these cruises.

 I’m going to cut this blog short in preparation for next weeks possiblyextended post with interview.

                    from, JAKE S.

Cruise Director Butch Begovitch Interview

Hello everyone,

 I wanted to post the “Cruise Director Butch Begovich interview”, because the reply was received, and this interview was also posted on www.Johnhealdsblog.com and I would like to thank John for allowing me to ask the questions, and for putting me in touch with Carnival Glory’s cruise Director Butch. After reading this interview, scroll down to see this weeks post.

Tell us a little about your self, and what ship you’re currently onboard.

I just arrived back to the Carnival Glory after a six week vacation…….I had a great break, but it is nice to be back at work.

Where has Carnival taken you in your years onboard our “FUN SHIPS?”

I have been all over the world…….The Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Europe.

What does your job involve?

My job as a cruise director involves planning and implementing all of the on-board entertainment, including the shows, activities, and musical performances; hosting my own audience participation events, informing guests regarding the daily activities of the ship and ports of call; and managing a department of 65 people. Recently, my job has focused a lot more on safety as well. I now head a guest safety team committee and am in charge of all safety messages and announcements.

What’s the most rewarding part of your position?

The most rewarding part of my job is the fact that I get to be a part of so many people’s vacation memories, I get to help people let loose and enjoy themselves……..it is a great feeling!

 What would your #1 most memorable moment be from your fantastic job?

I don’t know if I can pinpoint a #1 memorable moment……I have a couple of………Being a part of the inaugural entertainment team on the Carnival Liberty (thank you John) , Having the opportunity to learn and work with Mr. Heald, and making life long friends are just a few of the things that come to mind.

What’s your favorite itinerary to cruise, and why?

I really enjoyed cruising the Med a couple of years ago……..I don’t know if I have a favorite itinerary so much as some favorite ports of calls. I really am glad that I had a chance to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia a couple of years ago on the Carnival Liberty, a beautiful port on the Adriatic Sea that has to most picturesque coastline and a warm and welcoming people. Puerta Vallarta is my favorite Mexican port, there is just so mush to see and do. I also really enjoy St. Maarten, in my opinion they have the best beaches in the Caribbean.

What types of guests do you meet?

 meet folks from all over the world, including guests who are just cruising for vacation, others who are cruising for celebrations. I have also been honored to meet many guests that I continue to run into again and again ………one of the most rewarding parts of my job is to see folks that are repeat cruisers.

What would you say to someone that has never cruised with Carnival before?

Get ready to have FUN! Carnival is the ultimate worry-free vacation.

What ship are you currently aboard?

The Carnival Glory. We sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla. and rotate seven-day eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

I understand you have recently been promoted. Please tell us a little about your your promotion.

In the spring of 2006 I began “filling In” for full-time cruise directors around the fleet as what is called “acting cruise director.” In August of last year I was honored to receive a permanent promotion to full-time cruise director.

Back On Track

Hello  everyone,

 As you see I decided to take a short break last week but have a full blog for you this week.

 

 Moving on, Disney cruise lines next ship in line, which is currently un-named, had construction officially begin last week, and is set to release in 2011 at 122,000 tons followed in 2012 bye here sister ship.

 

 Disney wasn’t the only line to release news about construction, NCL released news that “Norwegian Epic”, there newest class at 153,000 tons in 2010.

 Both of these new ships will be a pleasure to experience, and I’m eager to compare up-coming ships.

 Around the difficult economy, Carnival Cruise Lines broke line history this week with the most booking recorded ever for the Cruise Lines that just goes to show that “yes”  the economy is still struggling, however you can’t put a price on cruising. 

 

 My grandmother returned last week from the new “Celebrity Solstice”, and says i was spectacular. Yes the ship is at an incredible size at 122,000 tons making her one of the largest, but the ship as you may have heard is very spaced out, and comfortable. She says “The ships interior was very modern”. I think this shows that the cruise industry is once again continuously moderatingonce again. Plenty of new lines are coming out with improvements to the class moderating the general design, and expanding into further innovation.

 I wanna thank “Staci Sandford” for sending me the wonderful gift. Staci, of cruise planners sent me a mouth dropping Formal model of the Holland America ship…”Prisendam”. The cozy ship at 37,000 is a famous vessel in Holland America’s history.

 

I will have pictures of the model ship next week. In the mean while check out these of the “Norwegian Epic” (F3 Class)

along with a picture of the Disney fleet with new class,

They will grow as a great competing classes, along with “Oasis of the seas”, and “Carnival Dream”. Speaking of these two up-coming ships, as you may know my grandmother told me that we are officially booked aboard Oasis for December 4th. It will be a 4 day inagular sailing in the Caribbean. This week she also told me that in 2010 we are going to cruise aboard the Dream. Both will give me the opportunity to have fun, and enjoy as well as taking a deep look into comparing, and contrasting.

 Bye now, many may have heard the Royal Caribbean rumors of “cheating”, but I still LOVE the line, & if it’s true then that’s the P.R departments issue. I say what I feel freely on any particular line.

 Here are a few pictures I wanted to post of 70,000 ton “Enchantment of the seas” as we approached on the tender in Belize.

 Belize is made up of a series of islands, and the typical time for a ship to navigate out of the waters is 2 hours. Since the actual city is deep through shallow waters, dozens of buoys, and port pilots help maneuver the ship carefully to, and from the tender grounds. If you where to get stuck, and miss the ship…..you would have a little bite of a problem. Tenders usually overcharge to take you to the ship if you had missed it bye a couple to a few miles, and plane rides dig right into to your vacation bill. Despite the clock watching in Belize, you can find lots of spectacular scuba diving, and snorkeling excursions.

 Carnival Splendor is “almost to California” after near 2 month voyage from Ft.Luaderdale, around the horn of South America, and up the continents west coast back into America. Carnival Splendor is unable to transit the central America “Panama Canal” making her a “non-pannamax ship”.

 next week I will have a list of all the new ship set to launch in 2009, so check back.

                                 from, JAKE S.