Tuesday, September 30, 2014

October 2014 is National Cruise Vacation Month

October is National Cruise Vacation Month

Explore the World of Cruise Vacationing
October 1 - 31, 2014
 
If you've ever thought about going on your first cruise, October is the time to begin that journey.

We're joining with member travel agencies from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) across the US and Canada to host the Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW) which is an opportunity for travelers like you to learn more about one of the most popular vacations: cruising!

Cruising is all about you. You can find adventure, culture and education or, relax the day away. Dine on fine cuisine. Indulge at the spa. Reconnect with family. Share romantic moments. All this, in the destination of your choice, for a few days, a week or more, on a cruise that's right for you.


We have a special page with Cruise Line Videos for you to explore.   Just click the cruise line logo of your choice and watch their video.  We'll also be featuring articles about cruising all month long in addition to our normal blog posts, so be sure to come back often to explore.

There are special offers throughout the month. The highlight will be October 6-13, 2014 which is designated the National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW). We will have a special page which lists the offers and other information.  Sign up for our eNewsletter to get updates.

Simply click on the cruise line of your choice 
and see what special deals they have to offer! 
Checkout our Facebook Page 
for more Cruising Tips and Offers

Monday, September 29, 2014

Least Likely Location for Stained Glass

Can You Guess Location 
for Our Next 
Stained Glass Collection

You can probably guess that the following stained glass works of art are inside a casino.  But can you guess where? 

What is the least likely location in your mind?
Do you give up?   Go ahead take a guess (don't cheat).




#FriFotos #greatINDOORS - Inspiration for Series

We started this series of articles in preparation for our guest co-host appearance last Friday on #FriFotos #greatINDOORS.    If you aren't familiar with it is a weekly photo forum by . Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

Every week in preparation for our participation, we search through our archives for a few images that meet that week's criteria.   Some themes are hard, while others, like last week's #greatINDOORS provide a wealth of possibilities.   

Royal Caribbean Jewel Of the Seas

This stained glass piece is actually built into the staircase that takes you from one level to another inside Casino Royale aboard Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas.   There are several more stained glass windows throughout the casino.


We've posted several more examples on our Pinterest page, All Things Glass Around the Globe.

As the name implies, it won't be limited to images of stained glass windows.   Anything made from glass, including glassware, chandeliers, and blown glass, will be pinned for your enjoyment.  We welcome your feedback as well.

(Click on images for a closer look)




Our Stained Glass Journey Thus Far: 
@ChrisPappinMCC
Stained Glass Off the Beaten Path

Where will we be next?

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Stained Glass Off the Beaten Path

Inspired by #FriFotos
#greatINDOORS


Museum Willet-Holthuysen
Amsterdam

This week we had the distinct privilege of co-hosting the Twitter travel event #FriFotos.    is a weekly photo forum by . Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

As usual, we went through our photo archives preparing the the big day, where we get to share some of our images taken during our travels.   A subset of those images contained images of #stainedglass windows from places across the globe.  (Click on any of these images for a closer look).

We've already posted articles with a sampling of images captured during our visit to Yusupov's Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia and also Canterbury Cathedral in England.  You'll admit that those are well known destinations.   In this article, we go off the beaten path.

Inside Canal House

One of the less known attractions in Amsterdam is Museum Willet-Holthuysen a canal house at Herengracht 605 which has been turned into a museum.

The museum houses the extraordinary art and craft collection collected by Abraham Willet (1825-1888).  The exhibitions include ceramics, glassware, silver, furniture, expensive trinkets, paintings, prints, drawings and photographs.

Looking Outside

The garden, which can be seen through the stained glass windows, was laid out as an early 18th-century city garden in the French style.  According to their website, they are not certain how the garden looked when the family was in residence.

All Things Glass Across the Globe

We have several more images of the stained glass, including some more close-up images.  Thanks to the inspiration from #FriFotos, we have just started a Pinterest page, where we'll add more images like these from all across the globe.   As the name implies, it won't be limited to images of stained glass windows.   Anything made from glass, including glassware, chandeliers, and blown glass, will be pinned for your enjoyment.  We welcome your feedback as well.




@ChrisPappinMCC
Our Stained Glass Journey Thus Far:

Stained Glass Around the World
Stained Glass Around the World Part 2

Where will we be next?


Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.


Friday, September 26, 2014

Stained Glass Around the World Part 2

Searching #GreatINDOORS 
for Stained Glass Art

Canterbury Cathedral

In conjunction with co-hosting this week's edition of #FriFotos on Twitter, we've been on the hunt for images of #stainedglass to share. 

Our next stop is Canterbury Cathedral in England. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site.   



 

Join Us Friday for #FriFotos #greatINDOORS

This week's Twitter  theme is #greatINDOORS. #FriFotos is a weekly photo forum by . Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

 

(Click images for larger view)


We are very excited to be guest Co-Hosts this week.   As avid followers and participants in this weekly photo adventure, we have enjoyed countless hours searching through our photo archives for those perfect representatives that demonstrate the given theme.   Equally exciting has been exploring the images of our fellow contributors.   We have virtually traveled around the globe and anxiously await each Friday's image collection.

 





YOU should participate.  It's easy - just tweet your images on Friday (any time / in your time zone - across all time zones if you like).   Simply add a description and include #FriFotos #greatINDOORS.  See all the rules here.

There are some rather unique stained glass windows inside Canterbury Cathedral.  Here are just a few of the windows you'll see there.   Plan on spending several hours exploring the interior of the cathedral.

We are just getting started with our #stainedglass tour across the globe.   Where we we be in our next post?   Follow us on Twitter and here on our Blog to find out.


Stained Glass Around the World

Searching #GreatINDOORS
for Stained Glass Art
 
Yusupov's Palace 
St. Petersburg Russia

In conjunction with co-hosting this week's edition of #FriFotos on Twitter, we've been on the hunt for images of #stainedglass to share. 

Our first stop is Yusupov's Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.  The palace was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family and which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history - the murder of Grigory Rasputin.

 
Join Us Friday for #FriFotos #greatINDOORS

This week's Twitter  theme is #greatINDOORS. #FriFotos is a weekly photo forum by . Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

We are very excited to be guest Co-Hosts this week.   As avid followers and participants in this weekly photo adventure, we have enjoyed countless hours searching through our photo archives for those perfect representatives that demonstrate the given theme.   Equally exciting has been exploring the images of our fellow contributors.   We have virtually traveled around the globe and anxiously await each Friday's image collection.

YOU should participate.  It's easy - just tweet your images on Friday (any time / in your time zone - across all time zones if you like).   Simply add a description and include #FriFotos #greatINDOORS.  See all the rules here.

Where will our #greatINDOORS adventure take us next?   Visit us again to find out.
 
 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Visit Great Indoors Across the Globe

Yusupov's Palace (click image to enlarge)
Look Inside
When Traveling the Globe


Look at your travel pictures from a recent trip. Divide them into two categories: pictures taken outside (landscapes, buildings, people at work and play) and secondly, those taken indoors (hotel rooms, airports, cruise ship interiors, train stations, museums, furniture, paintings, chandeliers).

Have you taken more images inside or outside? If you are like most travelers, you probably have more images outside. There's nothing wrong with that - just an interesting theory on my part.  We have two challenges for you if you are willing participants.

Join Us Friday for #FriFotos #greatINDOORS

This week's Twitter  theme is #greatINDOORS. #FriFotos is a weekly photo forum by . Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

We are very excited to be guest Co-Hosts this week.   As avid followers and participants in this weekly photo adventure, we have enjoyed countless hours searching through our photo archives for those perfect representatives that demonstrate the given theme.   Equally exciting has been exploring the images of our fellow contributors.   We have virtually traveled around the globe and anxiously await each Friday's image collection.

YOU should participate.  It's easy - just tweet your images on Friday (any time / in your time zone - across all time zones if you like).   Simply add a description and include #FriFotos #greatINDOORS.
See all the rules here.

Challenge #2

If you've gone through your images, from one or more recent trips, and find few images captured INDOORS, why not consider adding a few more #greatINDOORS images during your next trip?  

Have a Plan: Just as a football coach and the team review footage, statistics, and other information prior to game day, we like to research each destination in advance of our visit.   If you have a travel professional, they can help you identify local attractions of interest.  You can always search on the internet, including #FriFotos for ideas.

Having a plan helps to assure you will have a photo journal that you can share with family, friends, and even the larger online community.   We like to pay it forward by sharing our images online.

About the Image Above

During a Baltic cruise, we spent two complete days in St. Petersburg, Russia where we explored many of the main attractions.   These images were captured INDOORS at Yusupov's Palace.  It was built by one of the richest families of Russia during Tsarist times and is one of the most amazing buildings in all the world.   Truly this is an excellent example of the #greatINDOORS.

Crystal Chandeliers, tapestries, exquisite furniture, and art are amongst the items you will see on your guided tour of Yusupov's Palace.  The guides speak excellent English and share background information which will enhance your visit.



@ChrisPappinMCC
Join me Friday along with my other co-hosts for a fantastic journey indoors from sea to shining sea.   We'd love to see some of YOUR images as well, so help me make this one of the most successful #FriFotos themes by participating.

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Getting to Know Carnival Breeze Cabin

New to Cruising?
Not Sailed on Carnival Breeze?
What to Expect?
 
Once you get on board the ship money is no longer needed so you can tuck your wallet and other valuables in your room safe.   Select a four digit code to lock the safe.


It's dark in here...  


Modern ships are designed with energy conservation in mind.  In order for the lights to operate you need to insert your Sail 'n Sign card, or other card, into the slot.   When you remove the card, lights stay on for a bit allowing you to get out the cabin door before they go off.

Privacy Please!

When you are sleeping, just as in a hotel, you can hang a "Snoozin" sign on your door so that noone disturbs you.

Time to head off for breakfast...   Just put the "Cruisin'" sign on your cabin door so that your steward knows you are out of the cabin.   By the time you return from breakfast your bed will be made and new towels hung in the bathroom.

The Temperature is Just Right !

Each cabin's temperature is individually controlled by the guests.  Next to the bathroom door, you'll find the temperature controls.  They are simple to operate just press the arrow in the direction you wan the temperature to go.   The green LED light shows the current setting.

Rub a Dub - Time to Scrub

If you've not sailed on Carnival before, you might look at the shower controls and say - now what do I do.  You'll notice there are two nobs on either end.  There's also a warning sign that says to be sure to test the water to avoid scalding.   It goes on to say, make sure water temperature is set to 38 degrees.   The right-hand knob has a line which you need to line up with 38.   I suggest taking the shower head from it's holder and turning on the left knob.   Check the temperature and then put the shower head back in the holder.  

Instead of small bottles of shampoo and bath gel, the shower has a built-in dispenser of the two liquids.   There is also a place to hold a bar of soap or any other bottle you might have brought to use instead of the ones supplied.

There are several shelves on both sides of the sink for you to place your various toiletries.  Since we only brought carry-on bags for our cruise, you'll notice several 3 oz. size bottles in our image.   The mirror is a nice touch to get a close-up of your face (eg. when shaving).   There is an outlet that can only be used by a shaver, if you don't have a rechargeable shaver.

Electrical Outlets

There are two 110v outlets and one 220v outlet over the desk / storage unit in the cabin.   We bring a small power strip which makes it easier when you need to charge all your tech gadgets at one time.   Just be sure that you don't overload the circuit or you'll have someone knocking on your cabin door and probably confiscating anything that is not allowed.

There are certain devices which you should never bring with you.  They include things like irons, hair-curlers, and anything with an open flame (eg. candles).  Refer to your cruise documents or Carnival website for details.

How many times have you entered a hotel room and gone on a hunt for a hair dryer?   You'd have to go on the same hunt here unless you were clued in on the secret in this article.   The top drawer of your storage unit pulls out and has a compartment for the hair dryer.   This means you need to dry your hair outside the bathroom, which shouldn't be an issue since you are provided with robes.

Finally, on the back of the cabin door is the safety information, just like you would find in a hotel room.  Be sure to familiarize everyone in the family with the safety information and do attend the mandatory safety drill.   The ship is required to complete the drill within 24 hours of sailing, but usually this happens before departure (just like on an airplane).  

We've focused on Carnival Breeze in this article because we just completed a seminar at sea on her.  Most of the ships in the Carnival fleet are setup similarly.  There might be variations in the safe and hair-dryer on some of the older ships as the models have changed over time.

We'll touch on a few more pointers in other articles.  In the meantime, if you have a specific question and can't wait, do leave us a comment or contact us by clicking above.











Thursday, September 11, 2014

Patriot Day 2014


President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance Patriot Day - 9/11 
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Obama officially proclaimed September 11, 2014, as Patriot Day.

Patriot DayIn his remarks, the President said "America will never forget the September tragedy that shook our Nation's core 13 years ago.  On a day that began like so many others, a clear blue sky was pierced by billowing black smoke as a wave of grief crashed over us.  But in one of our darkest moments, we summoned strength and courage, and out of horrible devastation emerged the best of our humanity.  On this solemn anniversary, we pause in remembrance, in reflection, and once again in unity."

He continued, "On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men, women, and children -- friends and neighbors, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters -- were taken from us with a heartbreaking swiftness and cruelty.  As we come together once more to mourn their loss, we also recall how the worst terrorist attack in our history brought out the true character of the American people.”

View our WTC Memorial Album on Shutterfly
During our pre-conference stay in New York last year, we decided to revisit the site of the World Trade Center.  The site was quite different from the last time we were there.   Rebuilding of the towers was moving along nicely.  The 9/11 Memorial fountains had been completed.  Click on the link above to view the album.


Remembering 9/11/2001

Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Color Your World With Orange

Once Upon A Time We Saw Everything in Black & White
Now We Can See The World in Living Color

Today's #FriFotos Theme:
#Orange
is a weekly photo forum by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. Theme is revealed every Tues 12pm ET. Participants from all over the globe share their personal images with the audience. Here are some that we shared this week, we hope you enjoy this mini journey across the globe.

Plenty of Orange on Cruise Ships


The image above was taken last week on Carnival Breeze at the Water Works slide.  I'm not sure if it was the orange color that drew me to the challenge, but I just had to try out this water slide.   It was great!

Another water slide entry is this one from Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic ship.  After sliding thru the enclosed tube, you find yourself dumped into the orange and yellow bowl.  Once again, this was a lot of fun.   BTW, did I mention that I can't swim?

Cruise lines invest a lot of money in interesting art which you can explore during your cruise. This eagle, which has its fair share of orange, was sited on Celebrity Cruise's Mercury. In this other image, taken on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, someone brought their imagination to life on the ship.

Not pictured here, but can be seen on our Twitter profile, are images of life boats, life preservers, and more art which you can find on a cruise vacation.

Nature Paints with Orange

Not all the color in the world is man-made.  There is nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous sunset at sea.  As the sun sinks slowly into the water, the sky comes alive with shades of red, orange, and yellow.   

Images like these can be yours when you explore the world by cruise ship.   We suggest giving yourself a photo assignment to seek out more images where the world has been painted with orange.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more images from around the globe.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Norwegian Oceania and Regent to Wed

Norwegian Announces Marriage With
Prestige Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line published a press release on Tuesday announcing that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prestige Cruises International, Inc, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in cash and stock for a total transaction consideration of $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt.

"The combination of three distinct brands, each serving a different market segment, under one umbrella immediately creates an industry-leading cruise operator with an unmatched growth trajectory and a portfolio of products that allows us to appeal to guests at every stage of their life cycle. We are fully committed to retaining the brand propositions, guest experiences and cultures of the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent brands that have allowed each to realize such success."  ~Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO

Following the announcement, they also had several meetings with investors, media, and their travel partners to discuss the transaction in further detail.  What does this mean to you as a cruise enthusiast?


The Courtship

It is important to note that both company's senior management forged relationships during the courtship, prior to this transaction being entered, and sought to understand the philosophies that drove each individual company.  As stated by Norwegian's CEO, Kevin Sheehan, these distinct brands serve different market segments and have loyal followings.   It is critical that the brand cultures don't change and that guest experiences are preserved.

The Wedding

The actual consummation of the deal will not occur until some time later this year, most likely in Q4 2014.  Until then, customers and travel partners should expect "business as usual".   If you are really interested, all the legal-ESE can be found in the actual press release.

In the industry briefing, it was clear that both companies had taken this merger seriously and done their due diligence.  This was "day one" and too early to answer many questions that were lurking in people's minds, but assurances were given that in due time there would be answers.  

The Honeymoon

After the deal becomes official, there may be some changes as one might expect.  Indications were that both companies have some best practices and that the intention was to learn from each other.   Prestige for example has already merged two companies, Regent and Oceania, so some of those past experiences will come in handy with this new entity. Customers and travel partners should benefit in the long run from the merger.

There is a definite life-cycle that cruise guests follow.   Using these three brands as an example customers going on their first cruises would typically start out on Norwegian.   As they mature and have families, Norwegian would still most likely be a fit.  As the kids get older, couples may want to cruise on their own and have a more upscale experience.  Oceania could be the cruise line of choice for those guests.   Later in life, Regent, with their all-inclusive experience, might become the preferred cruise line.   There should not be a need to go outside this new family of cruise lines to meet goals of any specific cruise vacation.  (There could be exceptions to that, such as river cruising).

There were questions about the loyalty programs as you might expect.  It is too early to determine what changes, if any would be made.  As travel partners and guests, the hope is that loyalty will be rewarded, while still preserving the individual benefits for the given brand within the family of brands.

Married Life

This deal has a life-cycle as well, and all we can do is wait and see.  We've been invited to the wedding feast and anxiously await the day of the event.   We all wish the partners well in their new journey together.  After all, it is in everyone's interest that this new "marriage" live long and be prosperous.   We expect more announcements in the months ahead and we will bring you updates as appropriate.

Congratulations to the entire Norwegian and Prestige Cruises family - we wish you well.


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Keeping Watch on Iceland Volcanic Activities

Monitoring Bárðarbunga and Holuhraun 

You might recall the major air traffic woes in 2010 and 2011 across Europe when ash from erupting volcanoes in Iceland grounded or diverted airlines.   This had a ripple effect on the travel industry, including the cruise segment.

When the Bardarbunga Volcano eruption over the weekend created lava fountains more than 50m (165ft) high, the Met Office in Iceland raised its ash warning for aviation to red, the highest level.  The level was later reduced to the second highest, orange.

Icelandic Met Office

Bárðarbunga - updated information 

Aviation colour code map

Because of the current seismic activity in nortwestern Vatnajökull, IMO has been allowed to publish the chapter Bárðarbunga System, an extract from a much larger work in progress.


Should Volcanic Ash clouds form, the following additional resources will be helpful:

Nine Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) around the world are responsible for advising international aviation of the location and movement of clouds of volcanic ash.

Current Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) from London and Toulouse

 More information from NOAA about volcanoes.

Ash from the eruption of Grímsvötn (Credit: Icelandic Met Office)
Ash from the eruption of Grímsvötn (Credit: Icelandic Met Office)

London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

The London VAAC is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designated centre, responsible for issuing advisories for volcanic eruptions originating in Iceland and the north-eastern corner of the North Atlantic.

Cambridge scientists and PhD students are at the forefront of monitoring the activity of the Bárðarbunga volcano in Iceland.
Watch some amazing footage of the lava flows of the two active volcanic eruptions in Iceland.



 
 
 

Monday, September 1, 2014

How to Spend Summer Vacation

When we think of Summer...
CRUISING comes to mind

We missed the "live" tweeting on #travelpics because we were on a Seminar at Sea on board Carnival Breeze.   We still wanted to share our responses, so pardon the late entries.

Questions for last Monday’s summer-themed #travelpics chat: 

(3:00) Intros: Please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re tweeting from today!
Key West, FL during Carnival Breeze #cruise #travelpics (picture above is Carnival Breeze in port)
(3:05) Q1: Home or abroad, where is your favorite place to spend your summer? Why?
A1: On a cruise - doesn't matter where it is going. Great way to #seetheworld  #travelpics

Seeing the world by cruise ship is one of the easiest ways to get around.  You embark your ship and unpack and each day you are either somewhere at sea or in a new port of call.

This cruise took us from Miami, Florida to Key West, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico before returning to home port of Miami.

(3:10) Q2: Share a photo from your most recent quintessential summer vacation.
A2: Relaxing is what #summer #vacation means to us  - by the pool, in the sun or shade #travelpics


I guess we can't be more recent than the vacation in progress during this #travelpics chat.  Truth be told, it was a mix of business and pleasure, but our trips always are that way since we are constantly learning and gathering images and information to share with our followers.

In this image, you see the Carnival Breeze main pool area on Lido deck.   It's not far form there to your favorite meal venue, such as Guy's Burger Joint.

The perfect ingredients of sun, shade, water, and plenty of places to simply relax can be found around the pool area.  Top that off with perfect weather, and it doesn't get much better than this.
 
(3:20) Q3: BESIDES swimming at the beach, what do you think of when you picture summer? Favorite activities?
A3: #summer fun activities for me include #waterparks Carnival Water Works #travelpics

At home we've been known to take a summer vacation that includes some time at a water park or two.  Carnival Breeze's Water Works is a great place to splash around.  I opted for the slightly slower orange tube which dumps you into the "drain" at the bottom of the slide.

(3:30) Q4: Show a summer photo of yours that ISN’T sand, surf, or sunglasses.
A4: as I get older, I'm getting braver Carnival Breeze Rope Course was my next conquest #travelpics


This definitely doesn't include sand or surf, but since it was bright, but glasses did automatically darken.  Here I am waiting for the people ahead of me to clear this next section of the rope course.  It took some figuring out at first, but once I got the hang of it, the rest was "easy".

(3:40) Q5: What is the most unique place you’ve ever spent your summer?
A5: it was end of #summer when we visited #galapagos Celebrity Cruises #travelpics

We explored this Land Beyond Xpectations via Celebrity Xpedition.  Here you'll see species that can be found nowhere else on earth.  You can snorkel with turtles, sea lions, and other marine line.   Walk along paths where Darwin explored over a hundred years ago before writing his famous publication.

(3:50) Q6: From hiking to wildflowers, show off your favorite view of summer anywhere in the world!
A6: #galapagos islands have many beaches like Urbina Bay #travelpics


We traveled by zodiac from Celebrity Xpedition to this landing site in Urbina Bay.  You can't tell from the picture, but it is one of the more difficult wet landing sites on our trip due to the inclination of the beach.   After landing on the beach we went on a short hike in search of Giant Land Tortoises and Land Iguanas before returning to spend some time snorkeling and swimming in the bay.

This concludes our #travelpics chat about #Summer.  We'd be happy to share other images from our summertime cruising adventures if it helps you plan your escape.

This final image was captured in Cozumel at Secrets Aura Resort.   We spent the entire day there relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a fabulous fresh fish lunch.  We'll write more about our day there in future posts, as well as the rest of our trip, so be sure to follow our blog.

Have you seen the  recap?

Join us for on Monday's at 3 PM ET every week for a fun-filled hour related to travel and photography. 
Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.


Where is the Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat Last Seen on Carnival Breeze Last Week

Boys and Girls, Moms and Dads, the Cruise Director and Staff all met at the Liquid Nightclub lounge (deck 5 aft) on Carnival Breeze last Monday at 4 PM in hopes of finding the Cat in the Hat.    

Where was that cat?

They searched from the lounge all the way to the Ovation Theater (deck 3 forward).   They went down the hallway on deck 5 to the stairway and followed the winding staircase down two decks below.   Still they had not found the Cat in the Hat.  

Oh my, what to do now ... They continued their quest onto the stage in the Ovation Theater.

We were there live and captured all the action in three videos.  In the first video, we see the search party descending the staircase.  In the second, they continue onto stage where some volunteers are requested to help the Cruise Director and team.   Finally, the Cat in the Hat appeared and the reading of the Dr. Seuss book "The Cat in the Hat" was hosted by Cruise Director, Matt, with character appearances and audience participation.   Sit back and relax as we bring you live from Carnival Breeze...

SEUSS-A-PALOOZA PARADE & STORY TIME





 
 
 
Carnival Seuss at Sea Program
 
Late last year, Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. to bring the beloved children’s brand to the lines fleet of 24 ships. In an industry first, the Carnival Seuss at Sea program will offer a variety of exciting and immersive on board youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the beloved characters and words of Dr. Seuss.

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast

On the final sea day, you and your children can join the Cat in the Hat and friends for green eggs & ham breakfast.   Reservations are required and there is a nominal charge added to your sail 'n sign card.  (Read More...)

Carnival & Dr. Seuss Enterprises Comment on Program:
Our youth and family programming continues to be highly rated and extremely popular with the millions of families who sail with Carnival, but we’re constantly challenging ourselves to uncover unique and interesting ways to further enhance our guest experience,” said Mark Tamis, senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Lines. “We are thrilled to bring the fun, whimsical and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss to life for our guests of all ages to create even more fun and memorable moments during our cruise vacations"

“Dr. Seuss inspires imaginations across generations and encourages a playfulness and whimsy that is often lost in today’s ‘always on’ society,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We’re excited to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring some of the timeless magic of Dr. Seuss to the families that sail each year. Seuss at Sea will let kids and parents alike explore their imaginations through the memorable onboard experiences we’re building together.”
Roll-out of the Seuss at Sea program will begin aboard Carnival Splendor in March 2014 with implementation across the full fleet by 2015, as well as Carnival Vista when that ship enters service in early 2016.

Learn more about Seuss At Sea here:
Schedule: 
Carnival Legend (August 2014), Carnival Liberty (September 2014)
This Experience Is Available On: Carnival Breeze, Carnival DreamCarnival Freedom, Carnival MagicCarnival Splendor and Carnival Sunshine.

Images courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

We applaud the two companies for partnering to expand the youth programs across the Carnival fleet.