Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises, announced this week that they've contracted Fincantieri ship yards to build two new Allura-class ships at a costs of $658USD million each, roughly 30% greater than the cost of the fleet's newest operating ships, Marina and Riviera. read more
Looking back on great cruises is nice, but looking forward to those trips we have ahead of us is even more exciting. On this episode Ric and Billy discuss their 2018 cruises and talk about where they'll be sailing in 2019.
It's a new year and that means it's time to do the math of some 2018 numbers. This time around? Gastrointestinal issues on cruise ships, and the news is good... read more
Updated: On Jan 6, 2019 Carnival announced they are suspending and re-evaluating room service charges.
Today, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, John Heald announced on Facebook that Carnival will now be charging for room service and will also be increasing the price of the Bottomless Bubbles (soda) package. That is not however what I’m writing to talk about on New Years Eve (it would make for a short article). Instead, I want to channel my inner John Heald and tell you how I really feel... read more
Celebrity Edge offers a space all the way aft (at the back) that has tall windows, wrapping around over 180 degrees, where you can dine, get a hand-crafted cocktail, read a book, sit outside, or experience the amazing performers in a rather unconventional display of talents. The name of this space? Eden. Together, the aforementioned elements create not a venue, or a show, but an experience. This experience is so unique that we... read more
When cruising Celebrity Edge, we found that Eden isn't just a bar, restaurant, show, cafe, or lounge - nor is it all those things smashed into one space. Struggling to describe Eden, and especially the experiences this fantastic space provides, we decided it would be best to dedicate an entire episode to just this topic. We've also linked to a number of relevant photos in the notes below.
In part two of our review of Celebrity Edge, we start discussing the entertainment options around Edge, mention some crew members and officers, and even cover what we wish was different on this great new ship. If you've not yet listened to the first part of this episode, you can find it linked in the show notes below, along with pictures, video, and more.
Ric and Billy were fortunate enough to be among the first guests to sail on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Edge. Being the first ship in a new class there is a lot to share, so we've split our review of our three night sailing into two episodes. They're a bit longer than usual, but we think you'll enjoy learning about the Magic Carpet, Eden, La Petite Chef, the wonderful crew, and so much more that Edge has to offer. For photos and videos, be sure to check out our live blogs and other articles linked in the show notes below.
After my late night at The Club and the outdoor area of Eden, I stayed in bed fairly late. Late for me, normal for Billy. When I got up, I wanted to check out Eden Cafe for lunch again. Hoping they opened at 11:30am, I got there at 11:45am to find the cafe opens at noon. The staff members were making their final preparations for the day’s lunch service... read more
When Celebrity Cruises announced the specialty dining venues for Celebrity Edge, they debuted the Le Petit Chef dining experience produced in conjunction with Skullmapping and TableMotion. When the Celebrity Revolution fleet revitalization project was announced, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo shared plans to bring the chef to a new home in Qsine on the Millennium and Solstice-class ships. When I was on Celebrity Infinity, I had the opportunity to meet Le Petit Chef and try his menu.
In this version, the tiny French chef is joined by a Spanish chef, an Italian chef, and a Japanese chef — all of the same diminutive proportions... read more