Norwegian Cruise sets sail from Miami, Los Angeles or Seattle for cruises through the Panama Canal. Along the way are stops in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Columbia.

 

The Panama Canal is truly a technological marvel. Built in 1914, the canal has three sets of locks. They are Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. The construction of the canal was started by France and abandoned mainly due to malaria and yellow fever. Then it was discovered that these diseases were transmitted by mosquitoes. Health controls were put into place when the United States took over the work and the canal was finished.

 

As the ships pull up to each lock, it looks as though the cruise ship won’t fit, but it does with only a few feet clearance on each side. Electric locomotives called mules carefully maneuver the ship through. The rest of the trip across the isthmus is along rivers and lakes. There is such beauty to be found along these waterways. Sailing among the islands of Lake Gatun – under the marvelously designed Puente Centenario Bridge – through rainforests.

 

The Panama Canal transit takes only nine hours and the memories will last a lifetime.

Mandara Medi-Spas are being added to NCL cruises. This is the opportunity for passengers to have Botox, Perlane or Restylane treatments while cruising. Currently these are available on the Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn. In the fall all Norwegian cruise ships will host the procedures.

 

Botox is injected under the skin to minimize or smooth out wrinkles by relaxing the skin. Perlane and Restylane are sister products and are made with hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in skin. This is used to smooth wrinkles and deep lines. It can also be used on the lips, facial depressions and facial scarring. 

 

To utilize this service there is a 30 minute consultation with an onboard physician to create a treatment plan.

 

Just think how surprised friends and family will be when you disembark at your home port and you are glowing - and younger looking. They will think it was the rest and relaxation. Whether you tell or not is up to you!

 

Sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line just got a little bit better.

Like to catch your morning jog – go to a fitness center – spend time at the spa? 

 

Imagine using walking/jogging tracks 10 stories above the ocean.  Play a pickup game of basketball or volleyball.  Practice your golf driving. Swim in the lap pool. Work out on treadmills and ellipticals, or with free weights. Play some tennis or go bowling.

 

Part of the joy of cruising is the chance to pamper yourself, so indulge in a spa treatment and let your body and mind relax.

 

The NCL Mandara Spas are run by a division of Steiner Leisure. Steiner has spas on over 100 cruise ships and in many resorts around the world. Their staff is well trained and knows their business. Let them help you choose among styles of massage, facial treatments and body wraps. They will soothe your muscles and revitalize your skin.