We've been meaning to highlight Popular Cruising's review of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Europa 2. This look at one of the unique cruise lines is well worth your time. It covers how the Europa 2 provides luxury, yet also meets the needs of families. While smaller, the ship still has plenty of unique spaces and characteristics.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Popular Cruising reviews the Europa 2
We've been meaning to highlight Popular Cruising's review of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Europa 2. This look at one of the unique cruise lines is well worth your time. It covers how the Europa 2 provides luxury, yet also meets the needs of families. While smaller, the ship still has plenty of unique spaces and characteristics.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
Having a bad Thanksgiving weekend? Just “Shake it off,” Mexico Style!! #Cabo #Mexico #CruiseLife @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/FRNdftkWWL
— Kevin Fippin (@kfippin) November 23, 2015Today, we kick off the 4th Annual #CruiseChat Awards - aka #TheBirdies, named after @CaptainBirdie of course! pic.twitter.com/cm5TrlN8Pn
— Simon (@SimonTravels) November 24, 2015#ShipSundaySelfie of our beautiful #NorwegianEscape arriving in her home port of Miami last Sunday pic.twitter.com/7ZWlKEXLyl
— NCL UK (@NCL_UK) November 22, 2015It's #BlackFriday @ sea lots of #Bargains and the #guests (and #crew ) are loving it. #saletime #lovetravel pic.twitter.com/1HBsmFMsVk
— Azamara Quest (@AzamaraQuest) November 27, 2015Thursday, November 26, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Cruise Law News only site reporting on Anthem of the Seas emergency
According to Cruise Law New, the Anthem of the Seas cut short a cruise earlier this week due to four passengers suffering from a medical emergency. Yet there is nothing in the media. Nothing on social media from Royal Caribbean or even passenger chat. We trust Cruise Law News and wish other outlets would follow up on these issues.
We understand that negative publicity impacts perceptions of cruises, but we really think the industry would benefit from better reporting. Take this case. If the details are true and there were four emergencies, why not get more information out there. It is a huge ship. Four people getting sick or injured could just be coincidence. But by not having more reporting, it seems like there is something wrong on board. It seems like there is something to hide.
Those people who don't like cruises or don't like cruising are not going to change their mind about one news report. But the lack of good reporting can hurt those who do want to sail on the Anthem.
We understand that negative publicity impacts perceptions of cruises, but we really think the industry would benefit from better reporting. Take this case. If the details are true and there were four emergencies, why not get more information out there. It is a huge ship. Four people getting sick or injured could just be coincidence. But by not having more reporting, it seems like there is something wrong on board. It seems like there is something to hide.
Those people who don't like cruises or don't like cruising are not going to change their mind about one news report. But the lack of good reporting can hurt those who do want to sail on the Anthem.
Monday, November 23, 2015
CruiseTipsTV on Seuss at Sea
Friday, November 20, 2015
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
@SimonTravels A3: Days at sea are great, because it allows more time to explore these fantastic ships! #CruiseChat pic.twitter.com/f0f88tByLw
— Royal Caribbean Blog (@theRCLblog) November 17, 2015Small but superb, Our Little Cabin That Could on the #CarnivalSunshine. @CarnivalCruise #MWBcarnival #cruiselife pic.twitter.com/MJxuIkZE0V
— Jeff Bogle (@OWTK) November 14, 2015Dear Mom, wretched view, terrible drinks. Send money. 😉 #SailingWithTheScotts #CruiseLife pic.twitter.com/KCAyPyfMDd
— Kat M (@neko_gaijin) November 17, 2015Ocean views #getmeonharmony #cruiselife #allureoftheseas @MyRoyalUK @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/WzsRn8F6b1
— Joanna Guest (@shimmerpetals) November 15, 2015Welcome to #Roatan to those aboard the TWO @CruiseNorwegian ships in today! #cruise #cruiselikeanorwegian pic.twitter.com/zu7xQ2KUN1
— Maggie Jackson (@RoatanGallery) November 18, 2015Thursday, November 19, 2015
USA Today has latest on Haimark cancellation
When you book a fledgling cruise line, cancellations are always a fear. It looks like that fear came true for some Haimark passengers. USA Today is reporting that the small ship line started cancelling trips in November. It is supposedly related to the company's recent bankruptcy filing.
Cancellations can happen with the major cruise lines too, but with those companies there is a better chance to get a refund and many more cruise alternatives where you can redeem your cancellation credit.
As a reminder, if you are booking on a small line or you have some concerns about the future of your trip, there are plenty of travel insurance providers.
Cancellations can happen with the major cruise lines too, but with those companies there is a better chance to get a refund and many more cruise alternatives where you can redeem your cancellation credit.
As a reminder, if you are booking on a small line or you have some concerns about the future of your trip, there are plenty of travel insurance providers.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Cruise Fever's video review of the Norwegian Escape
More reviews keep rolling in for the Norwegian Escape. The video above is from Cruise Fever. It is a mix of still photos and video and includes plenty of detail on the ship. Like all the other early feedback, this video is very positive and has us ready to sail on the Escape.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Cruise Radio's Norwegian Escape review
We keep seeing the Norwegian Escape in the news, but what is the actual ship like? Doug Parker posted his latest Cruise Radio show on the Norwegian Escape. Joining him is Jason from Popular Cruising. The two are very experienced cruisers and give a thorough review of the ship.
They give the ship high marks for food choice and the entertainment.
Later Nancy Schretterr joined the show to discuss the family options, including the water park and ropes course.
If there is one criticism of the show, it is that they do get caught up in comments that really aren't going to concern the average cruiser (location of the USB port?). But overall this is a worthwhile listen and definitely a good resource for anyone considering a trip on the Escape.
They give the ship high marks for food choice and the entertainment.
Later Nancy Schretterr joined the show to discuss the family options, including the water park and ropes course.
If there is one criticism of the show, it is that they do get caught up in comments that really aren't going to concern the average cruiser (location of the USB port?). But overall this is a worthwhile listen and definitely a good resource for anyone considering a trip on the Escape.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
#NorwegianEscape & #NorwegianBreakaway #meet in #Nassau #Bahamas on https://t.co/EJRqRs6Xl7 @CruiseNorwegian pic.twitter.com/TWP9QH61n7
— PTZtv (@PTZtv) November 12, 2015We’re #thankful to our Veterans for their service and bravery. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/Bidcqtefuh
— Holland America Line (@HALcruises) November 11, 2015A10: All of them! Q10: more than 40 cruise ships will debut. Which are you looking forward to & why? #TWchats pic.twitter.com/z0X94ipMsN
— Cruise: The News (@CruiseTheNews) November 11, 2015#CelebrityReflection Departing Miami..... #BridgeView @CelebrityCruise pic.twitter.com/H8MtyJcWhX
— Capt. Dimitris (@DimitrisPetras) November 7, 2015This red carpet leads to the Disney Dream. #disneycruise https://t.co/48pXQsgiHB pic.twitter.com/5YNuU1CnAN
— Captain E(g)O (@AtDisneyAgain) November 11, 2015Thursday, November 12, 2015
Royal Caribbean Blog checks in on Harmony of the Seas
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Disney, Royal Caribbean dominate "Best" list
U.S. News released their annual cruise rankings and Disney and Royal Caribbean finished No. 1 and 2 in most of the important categories. Both got high marks for families, value and Caribbean. The more adult and upscale categories were dominated by Crystal and Regent Seven Seas.
U.S. News ranked the companies based on their editors' votes, traveler ratings and health ratings.
Considering how many brands Carnival runs and how many travelers they serve, it is surprising that they are not higher up in more of the categories. But with so many individual reviews online and so much word of mouth, are that many people booking based on a "Best of" list?
U.S. News ranked the companies based on their editors' votes, traveler ratings and health ratings.
Considering how many brands Carnival runs and how many travelers they serve, it is surprising that they are not higher up in more of the categories. But with so many individual reviews online and so much word of mouth, are that many people booking based on a "Best of" list?
Monday, November 9, 2015
Two sides disagree on overboard Royal Caribbean passenger
All interested parties agree that Oasis of the Seas passenger Bernardo Elbaz went overboard November 6. How and why is now the point of contention. Attorneys for the Elbaz family said the man was subject to anti-gay hostility from the crew and that an altercation in his cabin led to the fall. Royal Caribbean's statement was that a domestic dispute led to Elbaz jumping.
Complicating matters is the disturbing video of Elbaz clinging to a life boat after the initial fall from his balcony. In the video someone can be heard yelling: "You don’t touch me. Because of you this happened, because I stepped out the door. Let go of me."
If the reports are true that multiple crew members came to the cabin that night, it will be tough to dispute the true nature of the event. Either the crew members' stories will be consistent and point to Elbaz, or one of the crew members will come forward to identify any Royal Caribbean employees who might have physically forced Elbaz off the ship.
Our guess is that regardless of guilt, Royal Caribbean will look to settle. They don't want any negative attention especially as the industry approaches wave season.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
The evolution of @CruiseNorwegian ~ #NorwegianBreakaway #SSNorway #NCL #CruiseLikeANorwegian pic.twitter.com/pOAfqlJzKu
— Derk (@DerkThePig2) November 2, 2015Goodnight beautiful world pic.twitter.com/zVIkJjKu5X
— Paul Gauguin Cruises (@PaulGauguin) November 3, 2015who wouldn't want cruise when you can eat in restaurants like this 🍽🍾 #finedining #cruiselife #getmeonharmony 🚢 pic.twitter.com/88oxoFpECz
— Melanie (@MelanieSmith87) October 31, 2015Thank you @Disney #disneycruise for an amazing day!! @HOT957 pic.twitter.com/O8lTbfVUau
— Sarah Pepper (@sarahhot957) November 2, 2015More from The Great Escape.
#NorwegianEscape #cruiselikeanorwegian pic.twitter.com/ytnwf4BcLk
— nigel allen (@nig1102) November 2, 2015Thursday, November 5, 2015
No one really cares what a ship looks like
Skift took news about NCL's massive dry-dock plans for its fleet to insult the cruise company's look and appeal: "Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ambitions Collide With Its Ugly Ships." Calling ships ugly is certainly an attention getter, but misses the larger point. No one really cares about how a ship looks.
While some of the newer mega-ships have great aesthetic appeal and classic naval sight lines, most are bulky floating resorts. Ever since Royal Caribbean's first Sovereign ship the industry has trended toward biggness and bulk and didn't care how the ships compared to the old classics. And how have passengers reacted? By booking the bigger and newer ships with the rock walls, huge dining spaces and tons of cabins with balconies. If someone wanted classic elegance, there were choices, but the majority spoke with their dollars.
Now a big part of NCL's improvements is not about the look of the ship, but more about the cleanliness and inside. That will always remain important. Even customers seeking value want to feel their ship is in good shape.
NCL's ambitions are correct. Invest in new and big and don't worry about what the ship experts think. They have other brands to cater to those ship enthusiasts. Their goal should be to get as many people on board as possible and make sure they have a good time.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Another Quantum-Class ship for Royal Caribbean
Bigger is better it seems, as Royal Caribbean ordered another one of their Quantum-class ships. It will be the fifth is the series and ready in 2020.
Even though the series of ships is new, the popularity justifies another ship. The company did not announce where the ship would be based. However, multiple Quantums are already planned for Asia. It wouldn't be surprising for a third to head into the growing market.
While 2020 seems like a long way off, this is good news for cruise fans. New ships entering the market means new opportunities and new deals.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Video Reviews: Norwegian Escape
The first media and video bloggers to see NCL's newest ship the Norwegian Escape are now starting to post their videos. Here are three examples. All are a little off beat, but each provides plenty of good footage of the state of the art ship.
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