Cruise Connoisseurs's Blog

There is no shortage of beautiful sites in Jamaica. From the picturesque Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, to the beach resort town of Negril, there is plenty to do and see. 

An article by Remy Scalza for the NYTimes just brought this small, but gorgeous town into my radar - Treasure Island. "Rum and Reggae? Not here" explores this incredible spot, pulled away from the tourist hustle and bustle and secluded in its own raw, natural beauty. 

Here's an excerpt from the article:

"A twisting, two-hour drive through rain forest from the international airport in Montego Bay, Treasure Beach has long drawn travelers who come as much for its inaccessibility as for the black-streaked sand and azure water. The contrast from the rum-and-Rasta Jamaica of package tours is pronounced: no sprawling all-inclusives, no Margaritavilles; just a string of waterfront guesthouses set among local homes and a patchwork of rolling farmland."

Stay in one of many beachside boho-chic lodgings, pick up some hand-painted ceramics, and share jerk chicken and grilled lobsters with the locals at the newly built Frenchman's Reef.

We can even help you cruise there! Start your trip today with Cruise Connoisseurs!

There There are few things I like as much when I'm traveling as food. Normally, I eat a mostly vegetarian, healthy diet. On vacation though, the gloves come off. I love trying new flavors and ingredients and getting ideas for dishes back home.

Vietnam is one of the foodie gems that offers some of the most delicious and unique culinary treats in the world.

Travelbunny.com posted an article on "Hoi An - a Culinary Quest" - definitely check it out and get inspired. 

Here's an excerpt:

"Being a bit of a foodie meant that a big part of our trip to Vietnam was for the cuisine.  Fresh, zingy flavours bursting onto the taste-buds combined with mouth-watering herbs and the warmth of South East Asian spices was such a lure. The Red Bridge Cooking School kept cropping up during our research so we booked ourselves on a half-day cooking class hoping to glean tips to help us recreate those tantalising flavours when we returned home. We were so glad we did – it was a mouth-watering highlight of our week in Hoi An."

Remember - plenty of top-notch cruises make their way to Vietnam and the surrounding region. If this sounds like the adventure for you, contact the friendly experts at Cruise Connoisseurs. 

For me at least, there are few things more fun than a long weekend in the Big Apple. I love when I have the chance to fly in, catch a show, do some shopping, and eat world-class food. Sometimes, it's exactly what I need to break up my daily life, and the best part about New York is that you never run out of things to do. 

[My current to-do list? Check out the new Islamic Art Exhibition at the MET - it looks incredible!]

Finding somewhere to stay however, can seem a little daunting. There are so, so many places to choose from and in reference to location, your choice can make a big difference in your trip. As for anywhere you travel, we always recommend staying somewhere centrally located, or at least near to access to public transportation. It will save you a lot of hassle (and money!). 

I always like hearing about new places to check out, which is why I was intrigued by the NYTimes Hotel Review: The Nolitan, in New York.

This place looks really neat! Here are the basics:

"Opened in August after a long delay, this 55-room property is a nice alternative to those in Midtown. Designed by the New York architecture firm Grzywinski+Pons — who also did the Hotel on Rivington — it appeals to an under-35 crowd with its bar, style-conscious rooms and downtown location (though when I stayed, during the holidays, families were also in evidence)."

Check out the full review by Bonnie Tsui for more information!

And as always, when you're ready to book your trip to NYC - or anyone else in the world! - contact Cruise Connoisseurs. 

The summer brings with it the possibility for adventure, something that we are all fans of here at Cruise Connoisseurs. 

One idea is Trinidad - this beautiful Caribbean island is somewhat off the beaten path but offers amazing food, culture and experiences in its own right. 

Get inspired with this slide show by Baz Dreisinger with photos by Piotr Redlinski for the New York Times.

We can help you plan a cruise today! Contact us to get started.

By now, everyone has heard of the Costa Concordia, a cruise ship owned by Genoa-based Costa Cruises that ran aground on a sand bank off the island of Giglio a few months ago. 

Such occurrences are exceedingly rare, though as this tragedy shows us, they're still possible even with the technology and resources we have today. In the 100th anniversary of the Titantic, it's a good reminder to pay attention to cruise ship regulations and safety drills. Hopefully it will also be a good reminder to cruise captains and crew to improve their safety plans. According the CNN.com,

"Under current international regulations, each cruise company must have a safety plan, called a safety management system, that details responsibilities in the event of an emergency."

While you have little control over the abilities of the captain or crew, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, in the very rare circumstance of something happening. 

The CNN article by Katia Hetter ("In a cruise ship crisis, what should happen?") recommends making a copy of your passport and keeping a bag of necessities like important medication. Participate in the mandatory safety drill, and find out where you can get a life jacket. 

Here at Cruise Connoisseurs, we're certainly going to keep on cruisin' - and using our common sense. 

While some of us might be seasoned cruisers, others might be just considering their first trip. In any case, we all have something in common - to get the most out of our cruise experience. Now to some, that might mean taking plenty of naps outside on the ship's patio, visiting the spa, and overall getting some much needed R&R.

For others though, the many activities available on cruises is part of the appeal. From the casino to the kids' center to the comedy show, we get to keep busy all day having fun with our family and friends. 

Still others have a different idea of cruising. Megan for BohemianTrails.com posted an article on "How to be Cultured on a Cruise." She's put together a list of 5 activities for getting the most culture you can out of a cruise. 

Here's one idea:

1) Observe the Art Fair

"Our boat had an art gallery where guests could browse through the international works and potentially win a painting during a bidding. I remember seeing a lot of different styles of art represented and there were some that definitely caught my eye."

Check out the rest of the article and get inspired! Whether you want a formal, social cruise or one with a pool slide, we got you covered!

A sarong might be the most useful item that you pack on your trip, from beginning to end. Freezing on the flight? Wrap yourself up and get cozy. Headed to the beach? Use it as a beach blanket. It's also a quick make -shift towel, and can be gathered in a way that you have a tote to carry around some belongings.  

If you enter a place of worship, you can use the sarong to cover your shoulders or legs. Depending on your creativitiy, its use is limitless.

They're light and can be easily rolled up, so don't worry about them taking up too much room in your bags. You can also just buy one at your destination and voilà - it's a souvenir. 

Even a guy could appreciate this kind of utility! 

Cruise Connoisseurs has partnered with Shoretrips to provide you with an alternative to Cruise line shore excursions.

Please check out the link to Shoretrips on the right side of our website and their extensive list of available tours

If you're trying to pack light on your next trip by don't want to sacrifice the liquid products you rely on, there are alternatives to consider. 

Wanderplex.com just posted a list of 7 alternative products to help you get around carry-on restrictions. Instead of stashing your perfume in your shorts, invest in a tin of solid perfume. This and many other solid alternatives will open up space in your bag of liquids.

And they're nice on their own! Who knows, maybe you will learn to love bar shampoo. 

Often when a Cruise gets into port travelers are looking for great things to do.

Check out below the top 5 free things to do once you arrive in the port of Brisbane, Australia

1. Window shop on Queen Street ( may not be free after all but certainly entertaining )

2. Check out the museum of Brisbane- The price tag is free and the museum in chalk full of amazing   exibits.

3. Wander around the Roma street parklands- The worlds largest subtropical garden in a city centre.

4. Take a walk in the city botanic gardens ,and take in amazing views of the river.

5. Check out the amazing vistor experience centre at Brisbane city hall.

At Cruise Connoisseurs we specialize in Exotic cruises to the South Pacific so call us to today !!!!

The majority of major cruise lines perform maintenance to their ships on a regular basis. Fresh paint and new carpets, but also updates to the menu and entertainment happen almost annually. 

This year however, several cruiselines are undertaking some large-scale modifications to their most popular ships. 

Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas, for exmple, is to gain a number of new dining venues and lounges for top passengers, as well as an outdoor movie screen and the integration of many new technology-based amenities, including digitial signage and iPads - in every cabin.

CruiseCritic.com just posted an article - 5 Extreme Cruise Ship Makeovers Coming in 2012 with much more information about these updates. Check it out!

Here at Cruise Connoisseurs, we're certainly excited about these changes and can't wait to see the final product. 

As always, you can contact us to help you plan and book an incredible trip. We have the expertise to put you on the cruise ship that's perfect for the experience you're looking for.

Just contact us for more information!

In preparation for our amazing 28 day Australia & New Zealand Tour departing November 7th 2012 we thought we should set the stage by delivering to you the 

Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.  Try not to go during the day as it can be very hot in the fashionable grey space suits you are given to wear.
2. View and or visit the Sydney opera house and view the harbour bridge from Mrs. Macquarie’s chair. The chair itself was built for the Governors wife so that she could look over the harbour from it
3. Visit the World Famous Bondi Beach
4. Visit Feather dale wild life Park and handle a Koala bear or visit with a Kangaroo.
5. Visit the Blue Mountains. Great afternoon of beautiful scenery including the three sister’s formation.
6. Sydney harbour cruise. Wind in your hair amazing sunsets this is a must
7. Take a trip to the Hunter Valley to enjoy a wine tasting
8. Visit Doyles in Watsons Bay which has been serving up fresh fare since 1885
9. Jet Boat riding in Sydney Harbour ( Enough Said)
10. Darling harbour Sydney aquarium. Very Unique and very interactive

New Zealand is home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems, with magnificent landscapes and unique wildlife. It also enjoys some of the highest standards of living in the world, and is characterized by a rich, diverse culture.

I wanted to share this really incredible video created by Metron of New Zealand, South Island: 

Aoraki / Mt.Cook, Mt.Tasman, Milford Sound, Lake Matheson,

Lake Tekapo, Castle Hill, Arthur's Pass, Tasman Glacier Lake,

Hooker Glacier Lake, Gillespies Beach, The Remarkables, Queenstown

We highly recommend you visit!

Did you know that 97% of the land in the islands is national park, and you're not allowed to step on it without a guide! It's been this way since 1959 as a way to protect this incredibly important natural landmark. 

Travelers to the islands are not permitted to just wander around each island, many of which are not inhabited by humans. You must have a guide, and one that will take you on specfically designated paths. 

This might sound a little confining, but having the guides there to tell you interesting things about the wildlife - flora and fauna - is super helpful. This trip is the best kind of first-hand education. 

This is also where Cruise Connoisseurs can help. We know exactly what it takes to create your perfect trip to the Galapagos - so the only thing you need to worry about is having a good time. 

Contact us to get started!

Everyone loves a good cruise to the Caribbean (I know I do!), or even one of those luxury cruises to the Mediterranean. But what about something different for 2012?

Linda Coffman of the Fodor's Travel Blog posted a list of The Year's Most Unusual Cruises. These cruises surprise and inspire even cruise veterans like us!

For example, how about a cruise From Arabia to India?

First, head to the other side of the world, where midway through an 18-day cruise aboard Seabourn Legend from Singapore to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, you can hop off in Mumbai for three nights and visit theTaj Mahal at sunset and again at sunrise before moving on to other sites in Agra, the second capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries, and finally Delhi for a flight back to the ship.

Details: Departing February 28, 2012, this Seabourn Legend cruise has ocean-view suites starting from $5,599 per person.

Sounds amazing, right? Check out the full article for more ideas, and to make these dream trips a reality, contact us to start!

Swim with the dolphins in Punta Cana to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat!

Dolphin Explorer in Punta Cana invites visitors into its unique tropical world where you can discover, touch and swim with the dolphins in their natural environment. 

Although this trip is super fun, it's also educational, and you'll learn about the anatomy and convervation of the dolphins. The trainers will coach you for the "foot push" where the dolphins push you at a high speed across the water. 

For those of you a little more adventurous, you can also try swimming with sharks and stingrays!

Bonus!

A trip to Punta Cana might be just what you need - warm, relaxing, fun. We can take all of the stress out of the planning and booking of your travels. Just contact us for more info!

Jodi Thompson of CruiseCritic.com brought up this concern: Why Late-Comers to the Main Dining Room Leave a Bad Taste.

The issue is this: late-comers to mealtime on a cruise delays service for others as well, putting those who arrived on time behind schedule and possibly late for a show they had planned to attend after dinner.

Is this fair? The obvious answer is no, but most cruise lines are reluctant to enforce a cut-off time and turn away late-comers. You can also make the case that those with plans after dinner should simply change tables or skip dessert, but some old-time cruisers believe this does not address the larger problem.

One commenter summed it up quite nicely:

“Rules and guidelines are in place for a reason, and that is because while one issue may seem nothing to one person it may be a very big deal to somebody else. Therefore, as a courtesy to other travelers and the staff everyone should follow the rules and guidelines that are in place.” - CA girl in TX

What do you think? Should cruisers be able to come and go as they please or is there a line to draw for the greater good?

Happy New Year from all of us at Cruise Connoisseurs!

Donna Hull of MyItchyTravelFeet.com just posted a really terrific article I wanted to share:8 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Cruise.

Anyone who has been on a cruise knows that temptations await at every turn: a 24 hour ice cream bar; unlimited drink (soda) passes; rich, filling meals. This calls for some smart decision making if you’re watching what you eat. 

Staying healthy while you travel is a popular topic, but this is one of the best articles I’ve read for tips and info. And not only does this list apply to cruising, but with the holiday season coming up, it’s a great read for any conscientious eater.

Here are some examples:

Boomer Travel Tips:

• Ask for a smaller plate or ½ portion
• Transfer 1/3 of the meal to your bread plate, then ask the waiter to remove it
• Use a smaller salad plate for the buffet
• Survey the buffet first and put only items you’d rate as a “10” on your plate
• Eat a low calorie, high volume food first: a non-creamy soup (watch the sodium here though) or salad with vinegar only or light dressing so you’re less hungry.

I particularly like the point about eating only food you’d rate as a “10.” When the holidays come around, and you’re inundated with treats and eats, instead of mindlessly snacking because it’s out in front of you, only eat your favorites.

Another tip Donna recommended is taking a walk around the deck after your meal. It helps your food settle and burns off a few calories - plus with the right person and a salty breeze, can be very romantic.

So! Whether you’re headed off on an ocean liner or preparing to see mom for the holidays, check out these tips to stay healthy.

From http://www.ThatTravelSpark.com:

"We aren't cruise enthusiasts but we did learn a lot after cruising. Here are some of my tips for first time cruisers."

For more tips on booking excursions, saving money and more, contact us at Cruise Connoisseurs!

Cruise Online News posted a list of 10 Top Things to Pack for a Cruise. The article, by Diane Schwod Zubrick,  includes items I might not have thought of but after reading I won't forget on my next trip. 

Some of these might not matter to you (I probably would leave my iPad at home if I had one) but some are very clever:

5. Something to hang on your cabin door.

"It can be a welcome sign, a photo, or just a simple decoration. You will be glad you have something on your door when you are walking down the long corridor trying to help find your room. Trust me, it is easy to get turned around on the ship and all the doors look very much alike!"

Check out the full list!

And as always, contact us at Cruise Connoisseurs for all of your travel needs!

Cruises may be the travel choice for many people, especially for older travellers seeking a no-fuss, all-inclusive vacation. Like everywhere though, it's important to take certain health precautions and do some planning before embarking. 

CTV News just posted a really helpful article on this topic: How to Prevent Cruises from Becoming Health Nightmares. Aside from the dramatic title, there are a lot of good info and tips here to be learned. 

One main point is that much of it depends on what kind of cruise you take - you should select your cruising according to your health and abilities (don't worry - Cruise Connnoisseurs can help with that!). 

As pointed out in the article,

"A cruise is a pretty low-risk kind of trip. But if you have a chronic condition that could lead to an emergency ... you might need to be put on a helicopter ... and be air evacuated," explains Dr. Pierre Ploudre, who chairs the committee to advise on tropical medicine and travel, an expert panel that advises the Public Health Agency."

For the $100-$200 health insurance, it might be worth it. Cruises are required to have experienced doctors and medical facilities onboard but they are limited. 

(AP Photo / Ricardo Arduengo)

Other recommendations include being up-to-date on your vaccinations (check with your doctor), and packing enough medication and a little extra for the entire trip. 

Check out the full article here. Remember - we can help too! We are experts in cruising and can help find the PERFECT cruise for your interests, budget and needs. Contact us here for more information!