| Thursday, May 21, 2009 |
Norwegian Epic Ready for Preview and Advanced Booking |
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Although the Norwegian Epic, NCLs latest and greatest ship, will not be completed and ready for passengers until July 2010, she is now available for booking. Best Cruise Buy has a great website with lots of previews. This ship will have many first of its kind features to include New Wave cabins with curved walls, the largest ship within a ship Villas area, an Ice bar, etc. I really don't need to say more....just check out the site.
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POSTED BY denise AT 12:00:00 AM 21 comments PERMALINK
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| Thursday, January 15, 2009 |
Cruise Show - The Cat's Pajamas |
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This men’s quartet must rank high for acapella groups. Their song list is a good mix that demonstrates the ability they have, and spiced with humor, it became a very enjoyable evening.
The bass, Brian Skinner, has a wonderful voice. His ability to mimic musical instruments is impressive. Between him and the other singers, there were times I would swear there was a soundtrack playing.
This acapella goup formed only three years ago and have been working on and off cruise ships for the last two. Four weeks ago they finally got a manager and I’m sure you’ll hear about them in the near future. Check them out at www.vocalmeow.com.
This is only one of the featured evening shows. All of them were top notch, playing to standing room only. Even being the early birds that we normally are, we went to a number of shows.
Much to my surprise, the cruise shows were my favorite part of the cruise. Ready to book? Check us out at www.bestcruisebuy.com. |
POSTED BY lindie AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments PERMALINK
cruise shows |
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| Monday, January 05, 2009 |
Activities on NCL Jewel |
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On board activities are similar between the cruise lines. Each has so many choices, and there is no way you can do everything.
Everyone coming home from a cruise seems to talk about the food. There are always a number of restaurants and/or buffets. For a nominal charge of $10-25/person, you can even go to the nicer restaurants. Be sure to make your reservations as soon as you can. Food is available around the clock
The casino always has lots of activity. Today I learned how to play roulette, craps, 3 card poker, and a special - Texas Hold Em. Although playing can be fun, I limit my stake because I know the odds are not in my favor. I absolutely hate the cigarette smoke.
Now bingo is gambling and fun and it isn’t smoky. It also doesn’t cost much to play a few games.
Of course there is swimming, the spa, working out, reading (check out the library if you haven’t brought a good book), basketball, life-size chess, cards, art auctions, and a host of other things.
My personal favorites are the night shows. The comedians are quite funny. The music is excellent. The special shows are great. Try to get a seat early and close. It’s worth it.
Ready to book? Check out www.bestcruisebuy.com or call as not all pricing can be discounted on the website. |
POSTED BY lindie AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments PERMALINK
on board activities |
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| Sunday, December 28, 2008 |
Cruise Passenger Safety - Lifeboat Drills |
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It is required that there be at least one life boat drill on each cruise. I don’t know who requires it but it makes good sense.
What is required seems to vary from cruise line to cruise line. OK, I’m only on my second line but there is a dramatic difference between the way it was done on Holland America and Norwegian.
On Holland America, we stood out on the decks in rows for 20-30 minutes while they accounted for everyone and then gave their little spiel. Now I am less than 5 feet tall and I was behind a tall lady with people in the rows on either side of me. No wonder I felt claustrophobic. Add the life jacket that came up high on my short neck. Ugh.
I know this may approximate real life conditions more than NCL but I liked NCL’s method better.
Instead of going down to the meeting area with the vest already on, we were instructed not to put it on in our rooms. We met in different areas where we could sit down. My group met in the theater so it felt very open. I happened to get a seat on the first row of the balcony so it felt even roomier.
The vest didn’t feel quite as confining around my neck. And not having people crammed in around me helped a bunch.
A couple of other tips I figured out.
- Don’t rush down to the area for the drill. Everyone can’t all get there at the same time anyway. Less time in the group meant less time to stress.
- Don’t rush back up to your room either. There is only so much room in the hallways, elevators, and stairs. Relax, this is vacation so let the crowd thin out a little.
Seriously though, the drill could save your life so pay attention. Do as instructed. It doesn’t really last that long and then you are free to do, well, whatever you want! |
POSTED BY lindie AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments PERMALINK
cruise safety, lifeboat drills |
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| Sunday, June 01, 2008 |
NCL Dawn Menus |
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Norwegian Cruise Line is unique in the quantity and quality of her restaurants and eateries. NCL Dawn menus range from steakhouse, French Bistro, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Mexican and Italian cuisines. This is in addition to the standard cruise dining rooms, buffet and a fast food joint. At the Oasis Pool on Deck 14 is the Bimini Bar & Grill.
Freestyle cruise dining is the option to eat where and when you want. There’s no set time for dinner seating and the dress code is sophisticated casual. Although meals are included in our fare, alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are not. Some of the specialty restaurants add an additional cover charge or a set charge for a given entrée.
Cagney’s steakhouse serves certified Premium Angus beef. The finely textured marbling in this meat gives mouth watering juiciness and flavor. Ah – what a taste treat.
Le Bistro’s menu has some typical French items like escargot, frog legs and foie gras. The food is anything but typical! Start with a salad with truffles and champagne vinaigrette. Absolutely go for the goat cheese tart with carmelized onions or the wild mushroom soup. The entrée choices can take you in many directions, including turbot, braised short ribs and grilled beef tenderloin, surf and turf, and lobster. So much of it is heavenly. Dessert – oh, wow! Their chocolate fondue dessert – chunks of fresh fruit for dipping in melted chocolate – a treat for a chocolate lover.
Make your reservation early for these or the other specialty restaurants – they just might fill up fast! |
POSTED BY francine h AT 12:00:00 AM 9 comments PERMALINK
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| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 |
The Norwegian Gem |
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Wow, what a beauty! NCL cruise lines left no stone unturned with their 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem, the youngest addition to their fleet. Living up to her name, this ship is polished to perfection and ready to dazzle its passengers.
The Courtyard Villas, Gem style, are a ‘ship within a ship’. In other words, it is a completely private, secluded area for those passengers staying in Courtyard Villa, Garden Villa or Owners Suites. They have their very own hot tub… pool… steam room… fitness area…sun deck…and…get this!…personal butler!
What about cruise ships with bowling alleys? Oh, yes! The Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club is decked out in ultraviolet artwork, plasma TV’s and a four lane bowling alley! There are ten bars and lounges to choose from aboard NCL’s Norwegian Gem, each one gaily themed. Topsiders Bar & Grill and the Great Outdoors Bar have outdoor seating. Lots of options, excitement and entertainment with NCL cruising.
Are you ready for some quiet time to rejuvenate your body? Massage, facials and body wraps are available, as are hair, nail and skin treatments.
And the food! With NCL’s signature Freestyle Cruising, the only choice to make is which restaurant, because there are twelve on board. Let’s say I’m feeling a little French and decide on Le Bistro French Restaurant on Deck 6…but on my way there, a delicious aroma at Cagney’s Steak catches my attention….alternate destination…no problem. That’s why I love Freestyle Cruising. I can eat whenever, at whatever restaurant I choose. It’s all about me!
Rock the night away… or, just roll over on the chaise lounge….just cruising… on
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POSTED BY cindy AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments PERMALINK
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| Wednesday, February 27, 2008 |
NCL Suites and Villas |
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Norwegian Cruise Line's Suites and Villas - A Touch of Class!
You have to check out the NCL Suites and Villas website to see for yourself how you can live in the lap of luxury next time you cruise with NCL. Just go to http://www.nclsuitesandvillas.com/.
My family and I had the good fortune to enjoy a Courtyard Villa this summer while aboard the Norwegian Jewel in the Mediterranean. What a treat from the moment we arrived at the port...a VIP room with refreshments at check-in, private butler service, concierge service, fabulous rooms with a bathroom larger and better appointed than most master bathrooms at home. Imagine taking a luxurious bath while overlooking the ocean. Of course, the kids had their own room with TV, DVD, closet and their own bathroom.
Oh, and don't forget the private balcony to sit and enjoy the latte you made in your in-room espresso machine. More...oh yes, we are just getting started! A private pool, exercise room, sundeck and Concierge Lounge await you just outside your door. This area is exclusively reserved for guests staying in the Villas. It is only accessible with your room key.
And I haven't forgotten the food...how about a full breakfast served in your Villa dining area before you disembark for a busy day on land? Or, is it dinner in the room you prefer....order from any of the restaurant menus and your private butler will deliver it upon request. If you want to go "out to dinner" instead, your private concierge will be happy to reserve a table in one of many specialty restaurants onboard.
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| Wednesday, December 19, 2007 |
Norwegian Cruise Line Christens New "It" Girl - Norwegian Gem |
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) named Cindy Cardella of Fairfield, NJ, the Godmother of its new "It" Girl, Norwegian Gem, during the ship's Christening ceremony held in New York in November 2007. Cindy was chosen by NCL and the public among five finalists vying for the Godmother crown following an online video contest hosted on www.gemitgirl.com. Not only does she take the esteemed position of Godmother but she also wins a seven-day cruise in the ultra-luxurious 5,000-square-foot Garden Villa for her and five of her family and friends.
NCL wanted to reward past guests with a once in a lifetime opportunity. After receiving nearly 10,000 votes from the public, Cindy was selected based on her ability to show how she embodies the attributes of NCL's hottest, hippest new ship, as well as the free spirit of NCL's Freestyle Cruising.
The Christening ceremony held on board the Norwegian Gem featured performances by Dem Boyz Step Team and the New York-based Luminescence Choir. In addition to comments from Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim, NCL Corporation President and CEO Colin Veitch, all five finalist's video entries were shown, along with the premiere of Norwegian Gem's movie-sode, "License to Thrill." Cindy officially named the ship and christened the ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. The ceremony and movie-sode can be viewed online at www.gemitgirl.com.
In her video, entitled "Cindy will let you in on a secret," Cindy, 31, explains how she has cruised on NCL since childhood and highlights all of the places she has visited. Cindy has sailed with NCL on more than 30 cruises and is a stay at home mom in Fairfield, NJ, with three boys, ages five, three and five months. Her husband, David, joined her at the Christening ceremony.
"Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line is the only way to cruise and I am honored NCL and the public chose me as Godmother for this stunning new ship," said Cindy. "As Godmother of Norwegian Gem, I will continue living the 'It' Girl lifestyle of sophistication, independence, confidence, eagerness to explore new destinations and le |
POSTED BY diane AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments PERMALINK
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| Tuesday, November 20, 2007 |
NCL Gem To Enters Service in September!
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The Norwegian Gem left dry-dock at Meyer Werftin Papenburg, Germany on Sunday, August 12th. Prior to leaving dry-dock, the 93,500-ton ship underwent a series of tests and engine trials, all of which went smoothly. While the finishing touches are completed, she will be berthed at the outfitting pier in Papenburg.
The Norwegian Gem not only marks the completion of NCL’s Jewel-class series of ships; but also solidifies NCL’s status as the youngest and most modern fleet in the cruise line industry.
The Norwegian Gem was custom built with Freestyle Cruising in mind. Like other NCL Jewel class of ships, the NCL Gem has extravagant suites and villas, unlike any other cruise line. With a crew of more that 1,000, the Norwegian Gem can accommodate 2,400 guests and has all of the top amenities guests have come to expect for NCL. Unlike any other ships the NCL Jewel class of ships have the world's first bowling alley.
At www.BestCruiseBuy.com we have sent hundreds of people on the Jewel class of ships and can report an exceptional rating from people returning. With this in mind, we rate the Norwegian Jewel with a 5 Star Rating and expect the Norwegian Gem to have the same rating. |
POSTED BY diane AT 12:00:00 AM 3 comments PERMALINK
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