Mega Cruise Ships

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Until last month, my perception of cruise-ship travel was largely formed by watching the 1972 hit film The Poseidon Adventure. And this assignment had “disaster movie” written all over it: Ride aboard the maiden passenger voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship with other journalists, travel professionals and their families.

I even spotted actress Katie Holmes. (At least it wasn’t Shelley Winters or Ernest Borgnine.)

But this big, big ship, the Allure of the Seas, was about to change my perception in a big, big way.

Royal Caribbean International’s Allure is, indeed, the largest cruise ship in the world, nosing out sister ship Oasis of the Seas in length by 5 centimeters – about 2inches. I took a quick, two-night, out-and-back shakedown cruise. The itinerary will normally be seven days, alternating between a western Caribbean and eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale.

The statistics are staggering: The 1,187-foot-long Allure towers 213 feet above the waterline and cost more than $1 billion to build. The ship has 16 decks and room for more than 5,400 guests plus a crew of more than 2,000 – kind of like putting the entire town of Grandview Heights out to sea (not that I’m in any way commenting on the wisdom of that idea).

The ship has 2,700 staterooms with 37 different types of accommodations, from gigantic luxury loft suites to 160-square-foot interior staterooms. My ocean-view stateroom was a cozy 180-square-feet but seemed larger because of good design and an oceanfront balcony big enough for seating two comfortably.

But numbers alone don’t tell he tale. What about the amenities?

FlowRider surfing machine? Check.

Zip line? Check.

Ice rink? Oh, yeah.

Hit Broadway musical. Of course.

3-D movie theater? One of those, too.

The topper for me, however – the thing that made me actually stop in my tracks, sit on a bench and re-evaluate my complete belief system – was my first sight of Allure’s carousel.

Yes, I did say carousel, a full-size beauty made by the Carousel Works in Mansfield and located on the ship’s Boardwalk, one of seven huge, themed public areas including the Royal Promenade, which resembles a high-end indoor mall with shops such as Coach and the world’s first floating Starbucks; and Central Park, an open-air walk filled with plants such as calla lilies, birds of paradise, orchids and full-size olive trees, and featuring five-story high “green walls” covered with flowering vines.

The dining options are just as varied as the themed areas. Guests can eat in the traditional main dining room, Adagio, or opt for one of 20 other onboard restaurants, from steakhouse to Asian to pizzeria to hot dog stand to branded eateries such as Johnny Rockets. One of my favorites was the Samba Grill, a Brazilian-style churrascaria steakhouse where the waiters brought about 57 varieties of succulent meat (I actually lost count at six) to the table for carving and serving. The young dancer who performed around the tables, clad in a glittering, if scanty, traditional costume, didn’t detract from the experience.

(Food at some of the specialty restaurants is included in the price of the cruise. At others, the meals are extra.

The ship also has a dozen different bars and lounges, including the Rising Tide Bar that seems to float between decks 5 and 8 above a fountain. Just be sure it’s landed before trying to exit.

Guests will also find 13 retail stores featuring name-brand goodies from Roxy, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Dior and many more.

And a casino. (I certainly found the casino: The rules of blackjack, alas, are the same all over.)

Calling these big cruise ships “floating resorts” has become cliche – one repeated at an on-board news conference by DreamWorks Studios CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg – but there’s probably no better short description for Allure.

Katzenberg was aboard to tout the collaboration between Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks. In addition to the films and ice shows and other DreamWorks entertainment, passengers will see characters such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda‘s Po and many others walking around the ship or at a morning parade on the Royal Promenade.

The collaboration appears to be a first-class effort, not just a “me, too” response to Disney Cruise Line. (And throw Winnie the Pooh out of the mix, and my 5-year-old twins probably feel more love for DreamWorks characters such as Shrek than for Mickey and the gang, anyway.)

For me, the biggest surprise – after my jaw-dropping discovery of the carousel – was the quality of the on-board entertainment. I’d always thought of cruise-ship shows as something tending toward the banal and predictable, along the lines of The Tribute to Three Dog Night/Anne Murray Smile-Time Review!

But cruise passengers have become more demanding and more discerning when it comes to entertainment, said Peter Compton, Royal Caribbean’s vice president for entertainment.

“This is not your father’s cruise,” Compton said.

The on-board entertainment is the real deal, “not an imitation of something,” he said.

Those entertainment options include the Broadway musical Chicago (with a full orchestra); a (DreamWorks) How To Tra in Your Dragon Ic e Show; the custom-choreographed OceanAria aquatic show; the latest in 3-D movie projection technology, now showing the current-release DreamWorks cartoon Megamind; plus stand-up comedy; jazz, Latin, dance and calypso combos and other musical groups – and even, it was reliably reported, a ship’s bagpiper, although I never had the pleasure.

(Most of the highly experienced crew has transferred from other Royal Caribbean ships. “Our bagpiper, however, is new to the company,” noted one company executive, dryly.)

The ship has a number of performance venues including the 1,300-seat Amber Theater, the 750-seat AquaTheater amphitheater, the Studio B ice rink and theater and several smaller nightclub-sized spaces.

“The entertainment is world-class,” said Dave Matthews, owner of tour operator Prime Tours in Dublin.

“I saw Chicago on Broadway, and this production was equal to that.”

Matthews sailed on a shakedown cruise just after mine and was highly impressed by the stage shows – and a lot more.

“The size of the ship is all anybody talks about, but they’ve also gone above and beyond on design, decor, amenities – a lot of things that are special compared with any other ship. It seemed like every inch of the ship had beautiful design features.

“And there are just more things to do there than on any other ship.”

The ship and its sister Oasis have already become so iconic that during my visit parts of the Allure were actually being used as a movie set for the upcoming film Jack and Jill – accounting for my Katie Holmes sighting. (Alas, I missed Adam Sandler and Al Pacino.)

Topping it all was the gracious competence and bonhomie radiating from the entire crew, from Capt. Hernan Zini (who looks too young for the job but has 20 years’ experience) to the guy who brought the ice up to my stateroom.

So has the experience aboard Allure turned me into a cruise devotee?

Maybe not. I still like the idea of visiting actual places with a history and a culture (and the not-to-be-discounted option to flee overland, at a moment’s notice, should the need arise).

But now, when I think of cruises, I’ll think of great entertainment, food, shopping and service – and not of Shelley Winters.

Theme party marquee hire and themed props hire is a growing part of the specialist party marquees we supply for hire.

Obviously, our first response would be YES, since that’s what we hope to have you purchase from us. So, why do we think so? Here’s the company line: We think a river cruise is today’s best international vacation value and provides you the most rewarding, most luxurious and most relaxing way to experience some of the most beautiful and storied regions of the world.” Choose from a Rhine, Main or Danube River cruise, a Yangtze or Mekong River cruise, a Nile River Cruise or an Eastern European River cruise.

We understand if you’re not totally sold yet, and need a bit of convincing… We have some very good reasons why river cruises are the best vacation, and we’ve outlined them in this article.
You may have read elsewhere on the site that our Premier team is very experienced and has been fortunate enough to travel the world. We’ve also been on almost every major ocean going cruise ship and many of the river ships we sell. That said, we’re probably much like you, over 50, enjoy travel, enjoy learning as much as we can about a region, its people and their culture rather than struggle through a “if it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium” type vacation. Sure we still want to experience it all, but would prefer to do it with people “like me” who share similar interests, are fun, enjoy exploring and learning, and want a bit of pampering along the way… you know by day you want to interact with the people and places you visit and by night you want a fine Cabernet, a poached fresh salmon with asparagus, and great accommodations for the night – right? Yep.

Maybe you too have been on one of the newer generation of mega-cruise ships, you know the ones we mean, those that you share with 3500-5000 of your “best friends,” the crew never knows your name, you wait in line for almost everything, and it can take up to two hours to disembark the ship, only to wait in yet another line to get on to a crowded shore excursion bus – who enjoys that, no matter how “cool” the ship is.

I also would prefer not to think about the rigors of a traditional bus tour with 50 or so folks, making a stop every two hours for a look at another curio shop, one more church or to allow someone with a pea sized bladder yet another “restroom” break! And, do you really want to spend 13-15 nights in hotels you didn’t choose, packing and unpacking each day of the journey, eating from very selective menus in restaurants you don’t know, and complaining that everything costs too much? I wouldn’t and don’t think you would either.

So why not do what so many experienced travelers are doing? Choose a destination from your personal “bucket list.” Book a river cruise vacation and leave the driving to the ship’s captain. Meander along stunning rivers whose banks and hillsides are lined with medieval castles and vineyards, visit ancient and mystical places along the Nile River, explore the alluring floating markets of the Mekong River as it winds through fascinating Vietnam, or explore China’s incomparable Yangtze River. Today’s luxurious Eastern Europe river cruise ships allow you to experience any of these extraordinary places you’ve yearned to explore – in an up close and personal manner.

We want to welcome you to the incredibly immersive world of river cruising, where there are absolutely NO LINES, you can get on or off the ship in 30 seconds, the crew knows your name, your favorite beverage and provides you with warm, unpretentious ”European style” service. Best of all you travel with 130 or so like-minded folks who are there for the same reasons as you are, to experience a destination and its people in a very personal way, and to scratch off one the places on their “personal bucket lists.”

Today’s modern river cruise ships operated by distinguished companies such as Ama Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Tours, Uniworld, Tauck and Viking River Cruises. They have all the creature comforts including; gourmet food and complimentary regional wines, spacious and luxurious accommodations, all with a great river view [no inside cabins on river ships], in cabin entertainment including movies and U.S. T.V shows and much more. Your value-packed price also includes most of your guided, English only sightseeing tours and even includes free bicycles and Internet. [Please note that Viking River Cruises does not include complimentary regional wines on all sailings]

Do you still need a bit more convincing? Just think about this… unpack and pack only once, do as much as you want or very little, as you control the pace, exercise off the calories in the gym or relax in a sauna or on some ships, swim in the pool. You’ll also spend much more time seeing the places you visit because river cruise ships usually dock right in the center of town where you are only footsteps away from the local residents, the best sights, and if you choose a great walking streets for you to sit and enjoy a pastry and espresso as the world passes before you. Oh yes, river cruise ships stay later in port and in many cases that allows you to go ashore after dinner to get a different view of the city at night.

Oh yes, one more thing… if you’re like me, I love the fact that they don’t require you to dress up each night while you are on vacation. Leave the tux and the formal wear at home, and at dinnertime dress in relaxed, casual resort attire – it’s your vacation, why not enjoy it!

Are you getting ready to celebrate a Milestone Events such as a special birthday or significant anniversary? If so, there’s no better way to truly “celebrate” than on a value-packed and wonderfully rewarding river cruise. And, there’s no better way to get the most out of the celebration than by bringing a group of family or friends along with you to help celebrate!

At Premier River Cruises, we are the first travel company to recognize the importance of such Milestone Events by providing you and your guests who travel with you special cruise values, on-board acknowledgement of this important event and special gifts. To learn more about how we share in your Milestone Event, please see our Milestone Event section for complete details.
Your decision process can best be concluded by taking a few minutes to read our column entitled, “A day in the life of a river cruise guest.” This short diary-type view let’s you see what a typical day on a river cruise ship is like. Then we suggest you speak with one of our Premier river cruise experts to get you booked on that perfect river cruise, one that will fulfill your personal desires.

Shakespeare’s famous question and response has been uttered for centuries – “What’s in a name?” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” – On the river cruise topic, we’d have to mightily disagree as a river cruise by any other name – bus tour, ocean cruise – is simply not the same!

If you have questions, don’t hesitate… call and speak to one of our river cruise experts at 877-777-7273, or drop us an email at info@premierrivercruises.com. We have the answers that will help guide you to the best river cruise line selection, best cruise, and best value!

Ready to experience the world’s best cruise destinations in 2011? From the tropical island paradises of the Caribbean and Bahamas, mesmerizing wonders of Europe, breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, and beyond, here are our top choices for a completely unforgettable cruise vacation in the new year!

Travel to Top Island Paradises

In the Caribbean and Bahamas, you’ll discover complete relaxation, exhilarating adventures, unbelievable sightseeing, and much more during your island retreat to these best cruise destinations! On 7-night sailings with Royal Caribbean, you can enjoy exciting activities in gorgeous tropical climates – explore lush rainforests, snorkel in clear turquoise waters, visit Royal Caribbean’s private island, Labadee, and much more! Discover even more of the Caribbean on Celebrity Cruises for 7-nights, where you’ll have the chance to sail on the innovative Solstice class and enjoy a picnic or game of bocce ball on the freshly manicured Lawn Club deck. From visiting the Bacardi rum distillery in San Juan, deep-sea fishing, and beyond, you can experience everything the Caribbean has to offer with Celebrity Cruises. During 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, you can escape to another sunny getaway – the Bahamas – to see the world’s third largest barrier reef and enjoy thrilling island activities such as swimming with stingrays! With ‘Freestyle Cruising’, you can enjoy your sailing to one of these best cruise destinations while having the choice to do what you want, when you want, and wherever you want!

The Caribbean and Bahamas continue to be some of the world’s best cruise destinations, and as an Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guest you can take advantage of these great cruise deals:

Discover Europe’s Spectacular Art, Culture, and More!

Filled with historic landmarks, distinguished culture, and more, it’s no surprise that travelers return to Europe’s incredible countries year after year. In 2011, immerse yourself in a traditional Italian experience at sea during 7-night MSC Cruises to Europe that visit Rome, Venice, Genoa, and beyond. Offering the perfect blend of European charm and modern Italian elegance, authentic Italian cuisine, and beyond, your vacation with MSC Cruises will truly be one-of-a-kind. Want to discover Europe’s hidden treasures while on an intimate cruise through some of the world’s most breathtaking rivers? During Uniworld River Cruises sailings for 7-nights, you can enjoy complimentary fine European wines, captivating and included shore excursions, and more while sailing through the heart of Europe’s finest cities. From Amsterdam, Paris, and beyond, you can experience Europe up close and personal during a river cruise, and save up to $1,600 on 2011 sailings! To travel Europe in complete luxury, you can enjoy 11-night Crystal Cruises sailings to many popular destinations, including the breathtaking Baltic region. From Copenhagen, Stockholm, Saint Petersburg, and beyond, you’ll see everything Europe has to offer with decadent Crystal Cruises sailings.

Alaska Cruise Wonders

Observe the splendors of Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife on a cruise vacation to discover why it is one of the year’s top destinations. During 7-night Alaska sailings with Celebrity Cruises, you can visit this region to enjoy incredible excursions at Alaskan ports-of-call – from a glacier helicopter tour, kayaking along coves, and more. Princess Cruises also offers incredible Alaska adventures, and during Princess Cruises Alaska sailings for 7-nights, you’ll have the chance to experience a true signature taste of Alaskan cuisine during an on-deck fish barbeque, a reindeer chili and rockfish chowder cook-off, and beyond while passing by jaw-dropping glaciers and frontiers. Looking to explore even more of this spectacular region? During 10-night Alaska sailings with Oceania Cruises, you can travel onboard the popular Oceania Regatta to visit famed areas including Ketchikan, known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ which also features the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Also in this top destination, you’ll have the chance to hike along Mendenhall Glacier on the outskirts of Juneau, the state capital, stroll the sidewalks of the authentic Gold Rush town of Skagway, and much more!

With Alaska cruise vacations only available during the Summer, now is your chance to reserve your space before it’s too late! And, for an added bonus, Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guests can enjoy these amazing offers:

Now is your chance to visit the world’s best destinations for 2011. Contact your Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center Personal Vacation Planner today!

For more information, call 1-888-447-8459 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!