Cabins Onboard Carnival Spirit

After recently seeing a variety of cabins on the Carnival Spirit the below is my guide to which cabins to book. 

Inside Cabins (17.19 sq metres)

Rooms are standard sized cabins. It’s an ideal option for those on a budget or not planning on spending much time in their cabin. But if wanting space and comfort I would suggest upgrading.

Rooms have 2 x singles that can convert to a twin cabin, 3^rd/4^th berth cabins include Pullmans that can be put away during the day for more space.

Inside with Obstructed Window (17.19 sq metres)

4K Obstructed Inside Cabin

I was pleasantly surprised by these cabins. The window is what is often referred to as a “French balcony”. There is a door that opens (but there is no balcony to go out onto), so you get the benefit of fresh air and natural light. The view is blocked by the bulk of the lifeboats however.

Bedding is 2 x singles that can convert to a twin cabin. Triples offer a Pullman, and quads offer a sofa bed and Pullman. The bonus is the twin beds can still be made into a King in most rooms and the sofa bed and Pullman can be put away during the day offering more space.

Oceanview Cabins (17.19 sq metres)

Standard Oceanview cabins with a “picture” window. The window can’t be opened, so if wanting fresh air, you’d be better in the Obstructed Inside or the Balcony.

Bedding is 2 x singles that can convert to a twin cabin. Triples offer a Pullman, and quads offer a sofa bed and Pullman. The bonus is the twin beds can still be made into a King in most rooms and the sofa bed and Pullman can be put away during the day offering more space.

Balcony Cabins (17.19 sq metres / Balcony 3.72 sq metres)

Bedding is 2 x singles that can convert to a twin cabin. Triples offer a sofa bed, and quads offer a sofa bed and Pullman. The twin beds can be made into a King and the sofa bed and Pullman can be put away during the day offering more space and somewhere to sit.

Obstructed Balcony Deck 5

Obstructed Balcony (17.19 sq metres / Balcony 3.72 sq metres)  Again I was surprised by these cabins, the obstruction was very minimal.

Extended Balcony (17.19 sq metres / Balcony 5.57 sq metres)
Premium Balcony (17.19 sq metres / Balcony 7.90 sq metres)  Ideal for those wanting to spend a bit more time on their cabins – a romantic dinner and bottle of wine from room service maybe?

Suites

The biggest plus (other than the cabin size and the whirpool bathtub) on the Suites would have to be the VIP check-in.

Ocean Suite

With VIP check-in it does not matter what time you choose on your check-in with your tickets, you can proceed on when it suits you. You have a separate queue to get into the terminal and then another one at check-in where you get priority service (Think Business Class on a flight). This continues all the way through customs and security until you are onboard the ship. Overall a seamless process and a great way to start your holiday! Disembarkation is as easy, though it’s always harder to leave I know…

The rooms are very spacious with plenty of storage for your clothes and items. There is a wardrobe and drawers in the bedroom area and then another wardrobe in the dressing room (along with a counter and mirror). The actual bathroom also had plenty of shelves and space and offered double sinks along with the shower over bath.

Junior Suite (25.55 sq metres / Balcony 3.72 sq metres)

Ocean Suite (25.55 sq metres / Balcony 7.90 sq metres)
Vista Suite (22.76 sq metres / Balcony 20.44 sq metres)
Offers a largewrap around balcony
Grand Suite (27.87 sq metres / Balcony 10.68 sq metres)

Interconnecting rooms



Oceanview Interconnecting



A great option for families or groups of friends with 4-6 passengers. Offering a lot more space inside and outside (as the balconies can also be opened up to be connected.  When referring to a deck plan

BOOK EARLY – there is not a huge amount and these will sell out quickly, especially during School/Christmas holidays.

Towel Animal

Here a few other facts and figures for you:

Bed Frame: Width 84cm, Length 1.98m, Height 38cm
Standard Bathroom: 1.22m x 2.13m Including Shower
Suite Bathrooms: 1.37m x 2.29m Including Tub
Balcony Rail Height 1.14m with clear plexiglass
Upper Berths: No age restrictions, maximum weight 113kg

If you have any other questions, please let us know on:

Australia: 1300 44 00 26
New Zealand: 0800 122 129

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty

Photos were either taken onboard by myself and other staff onboard Carnival Spirit and are an indication only.

P&O UK World Cruises

P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company) was founded in 1837 as a mail and passenger carrier, they are based in Britain where they en-masse to the Britons cruising locally.

However at the beginning of each year some of their ships embark on World cruises and head down our way and that is what I am going to highlight in this newsletter. But if you are ever in the UK and wanting to cruise, they offer some wonderful options from Southampton around Europe and the Baltics .

This year the ships heading off on a world cruise (and you can do the whole thing or just sectors to suit yourself) are Arcadia and Aurora.

Arcadia

Built in 2004, she holds 2,016 and is an Adults Only ship with contemporary decor.

Highlights onboard include: The Ocean Grill - Marco Pierre White restaurant, Two tier main restaurant, 3 tier Palladium theatre, The Crow's Nest lounge and bar, The Globe for comedy and live music, The Screening Room 30 seat cinema, Oasis Spa with hydropool and thermal suite, The Orchid - Asian fusion restaurant, Ocean view gymnasium, Poolside grill, Italian style cafe, 2 pools - 1 with skydome.

Aurora

Aurora at Sea

Built in 2000, she holds 1,870 passengers and is a family-orientated ship and is a more classic decor.

Highlights onboard include: Café Bordeaux - bistro created by Marco Pierre White, The Pennant Grill - al fresco grill restaurant, 3 pools - 1 with skydome and 4 whirlpool spas, The Crow's Nest lounge and bar, The Playhouse cinema, Monte Carlo Casino, Masquerade nightclub, Carmen's show lounge and bar, Anderson's bar, Champions sports bar, Curzon Theatre, Golf simulator & golf nets, Spa and gym

Families onboard
As well as Arcadia, the other adult only ships are Adonia and Oriana.
Aurora, Azure, Oceana and Ventura all offer a childrens club onboard, and interactive games room and a night nursery (Ventura does not have the games room but a Circus and Rock School instead).

Tipping

Tipping is voluntary on P&O UK and at your discretion. There is a recommended gratuity amount of £3.10 per person to show your appreciation to the staff for their service.

Is it for Me?

As P&O UK do cater to the British market year round the Brit influence onboard is strong and reflected throughout from the decor to the food. Shorter cruises (from UK) are great for all ages. The world cruises and sectors will generally have older passengers onboard, so may not suit those looking for a party atmosphere.

In 2010, I went on the Oriana from Auckland to Wellington as part of her World Cruise. For that leg of the cruise the ship was rather empty and the majority of passengers were retired Brits (with a few Aussies who had got on at San Francisco and heading back to Sydney and I think there were only 6 children onboard). While older they were still a lot of fun and keen to chat and include you in everything, even dancing in the club til the wee hours! So don't be put off by it being an older crowd just be aware.

Why choose P&O Cruises?

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty

Holland America Cruise Down Under

Holland America Line's $525 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts will provide cooking demonstrations and classes. Features also include the Explorations Café powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

During summer 2012 and autumn 2013, two Holland America Line ships -- ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam -- will sail a series of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises, visiting more than 50 ports where guests can revel in the cosmopolitan attractions of Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and explore the exotic landscapes of Vanuatu and Fiji in the South Pacific. 
   

Oosterdam

Oosterdam Atrium.

Christened in 2003 and taking up to 1,848 passengers, to symbolise Holland America Line's more than 135-year history of circumnavigating the globe, the centerpiece of the ms Oosterdam is a magnificent Waterford crystal globe, prominently displayed in a three-story atrium. 

Offering a range of cabin categories, her best feature is that 67% of these include a veranda, with 85% offering oceanviews.  

The Oosterdam offers 5 dining choices including the Main Dining Room, Lido buffet, Canaletto (Classic Italian), Terrace Grill and the Pinnacle Grill (Specialty restaurant charges apply). There are also 7 bars and lounges to choose from. 

Click here to view Oosterdam Itineraries  (Australia)

Click here to view Oosterdam Itineraries (New Zealand)

Volendam

Crows Nest Lounge

The Volendam reflects a beautiful garden 

theme throughout, with floral motifs and fresh tropical floral arrangements on display around the ship.   

She offers 17 different cabin categories, 5 bars and lounges including the Crows Nest (Offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening).      

I have had the privilege of dining in the Pinnacle grill on the Volendam, the elegance and atmosphere is outstanding. With choices of aged beef or fresh seafood, it is an ideal night for those special occasions.    

Click here to view Volendam itineraries (Australia pricing only).  

Unique Activities onboard 

Holland America offers Shows, Live Music, Movies and Casinos onboard to keep you entertained as well as the following unique features:

Culinary Arts Centre An innovative theatre-style venue with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen, where you can watch live cooking demonstrations and try your hand at a few recipes yourself 

Windows Digital Workshop A variety of classes including enhancing photos, joining Facebook or creating a Blog and sharing your cruise holiday with family & friends back home

Children onboard  

Holland Americas childrens programme is called Club HAL.

Club HAL Kids is for children 3-7 years, with activities that include: ice-cream parties, Little Artists crafts, storytelling and pirate treasure hunts.

Club HAL Tweens is for those aged 8-12 years and offers Wii and Xbox tournaments, scavenger hunts and karaoke parties.

The Loft and Oasis is for the 13-17 year teenagers with plenty of activities arranged or they can just chill out in the outdoor teen only Oasis

Club HAL Kids

Tipping 

As Holland America is an American ship, tipping (or gratuities) are required. These are automatically added to your onboard cabin account of US$11.50 per person per day or $12 per person per day in Suites. You are however welcome to adjust this amount with the purser at the end of your cruise.  All tips are given directly to the staff onboard from your waiter and cabin steward to the laundry and galley crew. 

Is it for Me?   

The exceptional onboard cruise experience delivered by Holland America Line and the Signature of Excellence enhancements appeal to discerning cruisers who prefer mid-sized ships, personalized service, five-star dining, and sophisticated ambiance throughout both public areas and staterooms.

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty            

Cure your Cruise Cravings

Princess Cruises have today kicked off a 7 day sale on selected World Cruise sectors, Grand Pacific Circle sectors and the China & Japan 2012 Cherry Blossom cruise.

With reduced fares and bonus onboard credits of AU$100 per person, now is a great time to book that extended cruise holiday!

There are a variety of lengths and embark/disembark ports to choose from.

To view the sectors applicable, click the below relevant link:

Australia Sale

New Zealand Sale

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty

Cherry Blossom 12 September 2012

Voyager of the Seas, the first Mega-liner to cruise DownUnder.

Measuring 311m long, 48m wide and with 15 passenger decks, she is twice the size of most cruise ships currently based in the region. She can carry up to 3,840 passengers and brings many firsts to these waters including an onboard Ice Rink and the Royal Promenade, an indoor area through the middle of the ship and 4 stories high, lined with places to eat, shop, drink and be entertained.

Cabins
With 1,556 staterooms, Voyager of the Seas is nearly two and a half times bigger then Melbournes Crowne Metropol (Australia's biggest hotel)

As well as the standard Interior, Oceanview and Verandah cabins - the Voyager of the Seas offers:
Promenade Staterooms: Featuring a bowed window overlooking the Royal Promenade.
Suites (Grand, Owners and Royal): Offering larger king beds and a large sitting area with a sofa bed, luxury extras such as bathrobes, slippers and bath products you also receive onboard privileges and priority service.
Family Rooms (Oceanview & Suite Options): Ideal for families all groups these rooms can sleep 5-8 guests.

Food & Drink
You will be spoiled for choice with 11 dining venues onboard the Voyager. Her most stunning eatery is the grand three-story, 1,920-seat main dining room, which will be the largest restaurant in Australasia.
Specialty Restaurants include, Portofino a classic Italian fine dining and Johnny Rocket a 1950's inspired American dinner. Also on offer is Ben & Jerry's Ice-cream bar, a Pizzeria and the Cafe Promenade.

Guests can choose to relax or let their hair down at the 13 lounges, bars and clubs which include the 2-deck "Vault" nightclub and English pub "Pig & Whistle". Voyager of the Seas also features an impressive 1,350-seat "Coral Theatre", two members-only lounges, an indoor pool, a 1,400-square metre Spa & Fitness Centre, beauty salon, boutiques, art gallery and the beautiful "Skylight Chapel" - a unique wedding chapel at sea.

Children
There are incredible facilities for kids and teens too with a huge, action-packed Adventure Ocean Club with an Adventure Beach water park, a dedicated teens disco and a video arcade.
The children are broken into groups: Aquanauts (3-6), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-11), Tweens & Teens (12-17)
Royal Tots & Babies:
For babies 6-18 months and tots 18-36 months interactive programmes are provided. (Parents must be present during these sessions).

My Family Dining
My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children of ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The programme starts on the second evening that you're on board. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.

Tipping
As the Voyager is an American ship, tipping (or gratuities) are required. You have the choice of pre-paying these when you book your cruise, paying onboard (automatically added to your onboard account) or asking for them to be removed and paying cash as you go. I do recommend pre-paying whenever possible. It is one less cost to worry about when onboard (more spending money for massages and drinks), also the queues to pay the onboard gratuities or get them removed can be very long.

Is it for Me?
With so much to do, see and eat onboard this cruise ship is for everyone from families, to couples to groups of friends.

To make your booking go to :
Australia: Voyager of the Seas
New Zealand: Voyager of the Seas

Happy Kruizing!
Kirsty

Carnival Spirit - Arriving October 2012

Built in 2001 and carrying up to 2,124 the Spirit is undergoing a 7 million dollar "Aussification" refurbishment before she leaves the USA to make Sydney her new permanent home from October 2012. Part of the refurbishment is the addition of "Green Thunder" the fastest water slide at sea plus the "backyard" which will boast an outdoor BBQ area. The ship will have a no tipping policy and the onboard currency is Australian dollars. Not just designed for families the Spirit an area on the ship called "Serenity", which is the largest adults only area at sea.

Cabins

Carnival are also known for designing good sized cabins so from their Inside Cabins to their Suites there are cabins to suit everyone: Carnival Spirit also offers a number of Interconnecting cabins, ideal for families or groups of friends going onboard. They even have interconnecting balcony and inside cabins which is a fantastic family cabin option.

All cabins offer two twin beds (that convert to a King on request), with triple and quad cabins have offering either pullman (upper) beds, or a sofa bed.

Grand Suite: Sofa, armchairs and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/bidet/ double sinks. 2 large closets. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Vista Suite:Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa, armchair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks. 1 large closet. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private wrap-around balcony with patio chairs and table.

Food & Drink

There are 3 main restaurant options onboard:

La Playa Grille Lido (Buffet) :Causal dining on the Lido deck with a range of local and international dishes

Empire (Ala Carte): In the main dining room, you get to choose your dining time at time of booking or go "Your Choice" dining and eat when you want

The Steakhouse: Book into the Specialty restaurant (charges apply) for mouth-watering cuisine

There is also an Outdoor BBQ, Pizzeria, Ice-Cream parlor, Sushi bar, Cafe (famous for it's Warm Chocolate Melting Cake) or a Sandwich and Salad Bar to choose from.

There are 16 bars and lounges to choose from once onboard the Spirit, so there is bound to be something to take your fancy. Sing along, listen to jazz, watch a game on the big-screen or dance the night away in the Disco.

Children

Carnival Waterworks Children from 2 to 17 will be happily occupied in the complimentary kids' clubs/areas onboard. There is all babysitting available til 3am.

And don't forget the amazing Carnival Waterworks! A fun water park area for all ages. One of the biggest addition to the Spirit is the "Green Thunder". "The 56-metre slide features a 10-metre almost vertical drop before finishing in the pool. Once you've picked up enough speed, you'll be rocketed out the side of the ship and loop around just in time to splash down and catch your breath,"

Is it for Me? With interconnecting cabins, an outstanding kids club (that starts from the age of 2), and baby sitting available until the wee hours of the morning Carnival Spirit is certainly suited for families. However if you are not travelling with children it's large range of balcony cabin and suite options plus a no tipping policy and Australian dollars onboard makes it an exciting cruise option on a 4 star+ ship.

Carnival Spirit Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ-sVlXTSpQ&feature=youtu.be

Book by 2nd March and get up to $300 Bonus onboard credits in your cabin!

To get pricing and check availability go to:

Australia: Carnival Spirit

New Zealand: Carnival Spirit

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty

Celebrity Solstice

Introducing the stunning Celebirty Solstice heading to Australian waters in November 2012. The epitome of Modern Luxury, she will be the largest, youngest and highest rated superliner in the region.

Unique features onboard include the The Lawn Club (an half-acre of real grass on the upper decks), a glass-blowing studio and more then 200 solar panels as a source of solar energy. With a guest to staff ratio of almost 2:1, you will enjoy exceptional service throughout the ship.

Staterooms: 85% of all cabins have their own balcony, the highest ratio in the world.

All staterooms are fitted with luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets.

Conceirge Class: Concierge Class A new class of accommodation which comes with personalised stationery, fresh flowers, verandas, impressive entertainment systems and a pillow menu.

Penthouse and Royal Suites: feature European-style butlers, separate lounge areas and the penthouse suites also have their own baby grand piano.

AquaClass: Guests can immerse themselves in spa life, designed to deliver the ultimate in blissful relaxation. Located close to the AquaSpa, guests enjoy a host of spa-related extras, including access to the AquaSpa relaxation room, the exotic aromatherapy and steam room as well as exclusive and complimentary access to the health-focused specialty restaurant "Blu".

Food & Drink:

Fine Dining is a key part of Celebrity Solstice with ten dining venues throughout. Including five speciality resturaunts: the classic steakhouse "Tuscan Grille", fine dining in "Murano", Asian specialties in "Silk Harvest", indulgent yet fresh healthyoptions in "Blu", and crepes at "Bistro on Five".

There are numerous Bars & Lounges onboard including the astounding Martini Bar, with hundreds of Vodkas available, bar staff to entertain and a bar made of crushed ice, it's a spot not to be missed.

Children:

Children from three to 11 will be happily occupied in the complimentary kids' club which has a huge range of activities organised by age group, while teens will love the X Club, an exclusive venue for them that features teen oriented entertainment and a dance club.

Is it for Me?

The Solstice is ideal for those wanting that something special on your next holiday. Modern Luxury at affordable prices and a holiday you want regret.Great for couples of all ages, a group of friends and even families you won't be dissapointed.

Celebrity Cruises have released a fantastic early bird offer on this stunning ship.

Make a booking on Celebrity Solstice sailings from Australia before the 29th of February to receive a free upgrade to a Balcony cabin! Upgrades are subject to availability at time of booking and valid in twin cabins only on selected departures.

Celebrity Sostice Video

Solstice AU prices and Itineraries

Solstice NZ prices and Itineraries

Happy Kruizing!

Kirsty