EdgeCited to Set Sail on Edge Again

Second Time on 
Celebrity Edge

November 2018 we sailed on Celebrity Edge for one of the Trade and Press Preview sailings. We immediately fell in love with the ship, and vowed to sail on her again. Two days just wasn't enough time to fully experience the ship.

 Celebrations at Sea 

After the cruise we checked upcoming sailings, and as luck would have it, there was a Western Caribbean itinerary during my birthday week. A cruise can enhance any special celebration, so we decided to book a Sunset Veranda cabin.   Last time we sailed on Edge, we were in an Infinite Veranda.  This way we could experience the difference in order to share with our guests.

We are especially EdgeCited that Captain Kate McCue will be the skipper for this sailing. Follow her on Instagram

We began our story about Celebrity Edge in our Post:

Most Anticipated Ship of 2018 Arrives Florida

The story continues here (we'll pick up where we left off).  For convenience, we'll combine both experiences into one.  We'll do more videos this time as well.  Be sure to follow our social media accounts so that you can sail along with us.

Bookmark this Page - we will be posting more soon

BLOG POST LINK (click title)	Photo Albums / Videos
Celebrity Edge Revealed	First Glimpse
Xcited to Meet Celebrity Edge	Concierge Cabin
Setting Sail on Celebrity Edge	Resort Deck
Introducing Infinite Veranda	Solarium
Celebrity Edge Resort Deck	Magic Carpet
How Suite it is on Celebrity Edge	Edge Villas    Sky Suite      Luminae Royal Suite    Iconic Suite
Pamper Yourself on Celebrity Edge	Edge Spa & Fitness
Pre-Cruise Fort Lauderdale	Staybridge Suites          Hard Rock Hotel Guitar Light Show (Video)
Celebrity Edge Embarkation	Embarkation
Edge Embarkation Lunch	Embarkation Lunch
These Are My Favorite Edge Things In Martini Heaven on Celebrity Edge	Martini Bar      Bartenders Juggling (Video)
Making Birthday Memories  Tiny Chefs EdgeCiting Meal	Sunset Veranda  Le Petit Chef     LePetit Chef Playlist (Videos)

View Celebrity Edge Sailings

Celebrity Edge Infographic

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Cloud 9 on Carnival Breeze

Just Onboard Carnival Breeze
 What to Do

Sunday August 24th we began our seminar at sea onboard Carnival Breeze out of Miami, Florida. Since we had priority boarding, it wasn't long after completing the embarkation process that we were on our way to our cabin. Most ships wouldn't have the cabins ready that early, but starting around 12:30 PM, you could go to your cabin and drop off your bags.

As usual, we had some lunch, which in our case was one of Guy's Burgers. We'll write about those in another post because we want to skip ahead to the relaxing part of the day.

After having our burger, we headed to Cloud 9 Spa for a tour of the facility.  After all, it was #SpaSunday, so we needed to get some images for our Twitter followers.   That was a good excuse don't you think?

One of the therapists, pictured above, demonstrated the hot stones technique on our arms.  This is by far our favorite treatment, so it didn't take much convincing that we should start our cruise out right.

Couples Hot Stones Massage

Pictured here is one of the couples treatment rooms that we saw on our spa tour.   At the conclusion of the tour we booked the hot stones treatment for right after the mandatory safety drill.

TIP:   If you plan on having a massage or other spa treatment during your  cruise, go to the spa tour and book your appointments.  If you can, take advantage of embarkation day specials as well.

Feeling Like We're on Cloud 9

When we were done with our 75 minutes of the full body massage with hot stones, we certainly felt like we were no longer on a ship, but floating on Cloud 9.  We headed back to our cabin after the massage.

This wouldn't be our final visit to the spa.  In fact it was just the beginning because we also booked the couples pass to the thermal suite which we'll describe in another article.  Welcome aboard Carnival Breeze - visit us again to continue the journey.

AquaDunk on Disney Magic

Courtesy Disney Cruise Line (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Make a Splash on Re-imagineered

Disney Magic

AquaDunk on the Disney Magic is a thrilling new three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch when the floor beneath guests’ feet opens like a trap door. The drop sends them on an exhilarating, swift and splashy ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

Courtesy Disney Cruise Line (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

 The Disney Magic has just emerged from dry dock and is sailing, for the first time ever, from Miami, Florida to tropical locales like Grand Cayman, the Bahamas and beyond!

Know Before You Go

Guests must be at least 48" or taller to ride AquaDunk. Please note that the slide's entry capsule may prohibit Guests of certain body sizes or those weighing more than 300 lbs. from riding. Operating hours are likely to vary, so once you're onboard, check the Personal Navigator—the Disney Cruise Line daily newsletter detailing all there is to see and do—for the most accurate operating times.

Read more about the enhancements planned:

Disney to Sprinkle Pixie Dust on Magic

The AquaDunk is just one of the many changes onboard the re-imagined Disney Magic, which has emerged following the completion of its dry-dock in Spain this month.

To learn more about the changes and see an album with the Disney Imagineers renderings as well as some additional images, become a fan on our Facebook Page and click the Disney Link on our Welcome Page.

Click on this image to go there now.

The newly re-imagined Disney Magic is now sailing from Miami. Enjoy 3-, 4- and 5-night Disney Cruise Line sailings to the Bahamas, or 5-night Western Caribbean cruises, all departing from this vibrant South Florida city. Explore the Everglades by airboat, stop by Little Havana, soak up the sun on South Beach and more!

Disney to Sprinkle Pixie Dust on Magic

You've Probably Heard the News...

Disney Magic will be 

Re-Imagined This Year

We thought we'd take a different approach to the latest news coming out of Disney Cruise Line by looking at Disney Magic then (1998) and now (2013).

First, the News...

Disney Cruise Line has announced that they will sprinkle some pixie dust on the 15 year old Disney Magic vessel which will transform the ship into something closer to the more recent additions to the line, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The ship will be taken out of service from September 7 to October 10 for its biggest-ever refurbishment. The operation, being done in Cadiz, Spain, will cover restaurants, bars, the spa, the atrium, cabins and kids' spaces, and will include the addition of an AquaDunk water attraction that can be seen in the photo above. It will be similar, but quite different to the AquaDuck on the Dream-class ships.

It's 1998...

When the Disney executives decided to enter the Cruise market in the 90's, they set about bringing the on-land Disney family experience to sea. Obviously, there were some standard features that are needed on a cruise ship that they started with, but they made some changes geared towards family entertainment and the Disney culture.

Most notably missing was the casino, which could be found on most other ships of the same size, currently sailing the seven seas. Disney wanted to have entertainment for the entire family to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. Therefore, they added an entire deck's worth of space devoted to kids and family activities, and two technologically advanced theaters which featured evening entertainment appropriate for all ages. 

Cabins were another area that needed attention for families traveling together. The standard outside cabin (with or without balcony) was clearly designed with families in mind. Beds convert from twins to queen and are placed in the middle section near a curtain that divides the bedroom area from the sitting area, which is particularly useful at night, after the kids are asleep. In the sitting area, there's a sleeper sofa, coffee table, desk and color television. Balcony cabins are plentiful at 44 percent of outside staterooms.

After the Pixie Dust Settles...

Guest this Fall will be amongst the first to see the changes that occur during the month-long dry-dock including the following: 

• AquaDunk on the Disney Magic is a thrilling three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch, sending guests on a near-vertical drop and through a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.
• The grand atrium lobby on the Disney Magic, inspired by elegant art deco and elements of the sea, features a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine, a dazzling new chandelier and a grand staircase.
• The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca's, a new restaurant on the Disney Magic. During the day, buffet meals feature a festival theme before night falls and the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janiero, with city-side windows softly illuminated and lanterns flickering overhead. 
• Disney Cruise Line's popular adult-exclusive Palo restaurant receives a makeover on the Disney Magic, with stylish wood fixtures, glass artwork panels, decorative lighting and hand-tufted carpet.  
• Animator's Palate on the Disney Magic, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around. 
• Cabanas on the Disney Magic, drawing inspiration from Australian influences with uniquely Disney touches, includes a beach-themed dining room that has beach umbrellas and teak Adirondack chairs to create a sunny "down under" décor for guests. 
• Fathoms on the Disney Magic is a night club inspired by the excitement of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night. 
• The youngest (and smallest) cruisers --- ages three months to three years --- can enjoy the new It's a Small World Nursery on the Disney Magic. 
• Mickey Mouse Club is a new youth area in Disney's Oceaneer Club on the Disney Magic where kids can create crafts and play games on custom, ear-shaped tables, in a room splashed with Mickey's signature colors of red, yellow and black.  
• Keys on the Disney Magic is a piano bar and lounge perfect for guests wanting a low-key nighttime experience. 

These are but a few of the many changes onboard the re-imagined Disney Magic, which will emerge following the completion of its dry-dock in October.

To learn more about the changes and see an album with the Disney Imagineers renderings, become a fan on our Facebook Page and click the Disney Link on our Welcome Page.

Click on this image to go there now.

The newly reimagined Disney Magic will sail from Miami this fall! Enjoy 3-, 4- and 5-night Disney Cruise Line sailings to the Bahamas, or 5-night Western Caribbean cruises, all departing from this vibrant South Florida city. Explore the Everglades by airboat, stop by Little Havana, soak up the sun on South Beach and more!

If We Build It They Will Come

Plans courtesy of Banana Coast

Next New Cruise Port?

Banana Coast

Tired of the same ports of call in the Western Caribbean? Developers think you might be, and as of this month have begun construction of a brand new cruise pier in Trujillo, Honduras. Located 45 miles south of the Island of Roatan, and situated within the Bay of Trujillo, you will find the new Banana Coast Landing development.

The finger pier will accommodate two post-Panamax cruise vessels by late 2012. A tender dock has been available for ships tenders since 2010.

A Day going Bananas?

Not exactly...   The name of the development comes from a high-point in the town's history.   The economy was fueled in the 1920s - 1940s by the banana trade.

Step into the history of those glory days, as you disembark from your cruise ship.  You will walk where Christopher Columbus did in 1502, during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Trujillo was settled in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors and later became strategic for Spanish interests in the New World. The Santa Bárbara Fort, constructed in1575, remains largely intact today and provides amazing vistas of the Caribbean Sea.

What awaits guests as they arrive at Banana Coast Landing?

They will find a themed retail destination with approximately 50,000 square feet of retail shopping, including jewelry stores, designer boutiques, a themed restaurant and bar, and a large, sandy beach. This tropical setting, framed by the picturesque mountains to the west, is the perfect paradise for cruise passengers seeking new adventure in the Western Caribbean.

They Will Come?

Banana Coast is being designed by OBM International, the same firm that put Carnival's Grand Turk Cruise Center and Royal Caribbean's private island of CocoCay on the cruise map. The cruise port should be completed by December 2012, so we would anticipate the first passengers could arrive Winter 2012-13 or Spring 2013.

Cruise lines have begun posting their schedules for early 2013, but so far, none include Trujillo, Honduras. We will keep watch to see which cruise line will be the first to call in what sounds like a wonderful addition to the Western Caribbean ports of call.

Navigator Redeploys to Caribbean for Winter 2011-12

Labadee, Haiti Royal Caribbean's Private Island   Courtesy: RCI

We previously reported that Royal Caribbean has one of its largest European Deployments to date in Europe this Summer and had planned to homeport Navigator of the Seas in Barcelona for the Winter, sailing a 14-day eastern Mediterranean itinerary, including calls in Egypt. Royal Caribbean announced plans to redeploy the ship to the Caribbean for Winter 2011-12.

Navigator of the Seas will now homeport in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), FL for the Winter 2011-12 Season.    Itineraries are now open for sale.


Revised Schedule

• 14-night, trans-Atlantic itinerary from Rome to Port Everglades, FL (11/6)
• Five to Nine-Night Eastern & Western Caribbean Itineraries (starting 11/20)
• 6-Night Western:  Grand Cayman, Historic Falmouth Port, and Labadee, Haiti
• 8-Night Eastern:  St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Eastern: St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Western:  Grand Cayman, Historic Falmouth Port, Cozumel, Mexico and Labadee, Haiti
• 9-Night New Years cruise adds St. Thomas to 8-Night Eastern
• 15-night return cruise to Rome on April 14, 2012

For more information about these itineraries, click here.

Princess Galveston Deployment 2012-13

Galveston, TX - Sea Wall

More Ships Sailing 

From Galveston

2012-13
Caribbean Season

Princess Cruises announced that for the first time since 2007, they will be returning to Galveston, Texas sailing Western Caribbean Itineraries.

Crown Princess  will offer 19 departures from Galveston between December 22, 2012 and April 27, 2013. The seven-day R/T Western Caribbean itinerary includes ports of call at Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The 113,700 GT Crown Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,070 and offers many signature features including a piazza-style atrium with International Café and Vines wine bar; the 300-square-foot Movies Under the Stars poolside theater; The Sanctuary, an adults-only "oasis of tranquility"; and a variety of dining, recreation and entertainment options. 

The addition of Crown Princess to Galveston, TX will add additional passenger capacity to a growing market amongst one of the 23 U.S.  home-port options for cruise passengers.   Galveston's famous Sea Wall is a great place to take a stroll, shop among the seaside shops, dine at one of the popular seafood restaurants, or relax in your hotel before your cruise.

Princess Executives & Galveston Officials Comment

"We've received a great deal of feedback from cruisers interested in sailing from Galveston again," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "So we're excited to be returning in 2012 to bring our Western Caribbean sailings back to Texas."

"Welcoming back Princess Cruises and hosting Crown Princess is a great addition to the Texas cruise market. We're excited that the return of Princess Cruises will offer our passengers additional options of cruise vacations sailing from Texas' premiere cruise port," said Steven M. Cernak, Galveston port director. 

The remainder of the Princess Cruises Caribbean schedule will be announced later this month. We will bring you additional information about their schedules, as well as those for the other cruise lines.

Carnival Legend Gets a Facelift

Carnival Legend Serenity Area - Photos Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Warm Caribbean Breezes Calm Seas

Tranquility & Relaxation

Now on Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend emerged from a 14-day dry dock this weekend with a new look.   A variety of enhancements were made, including a renovated children’s pool area, and the addition of Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat.

Carnival Legend Serenity

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat

Carnival Legend became the 13^th Carnival ship to feature a Serenity area. Designed as an oasis for tranquility and relaxation, Serenity offers colorful, oversized umbrellas, comfortable chaise lounges and chairs, whirlpools, a full bar and breathtaking sea views.

One of the great benefits of a cruise vacation is there is something for everyone.  For adults, it is good to take some time and get away from the everyday routine and unwind.   There is no better place to do that on a Carnival cruise ship then in this adult-only area.   Whether you want sun or shade, there are comfortable chairs and chaise lounges.   Read a book,  sip your favorite beverage, take a dip in the whirlpool, or simply catch some Zzzzzzzzz's  - the choice is completely yours.   And, there are no kids to disturb you.

Carnival Legend Children's Pool

Pool Gets an Uplift

The ship’s children’s pool area now features colorful new tiles in vibrant sea-animal designs, while the casino has been reconfigured with additional slot machines and poker tables. Other enhancements include new upholstery and chairs in the Lido restaurant, dining room and dance club.

Carnival Legend sails to the Caribbean on year-round seven-day sailings from Tampa.

Carnival Legend - Itineraries & Pricing (click)

Carnival Legend Ship Facts & Itinerary 7- Night Western Caribbean - Tampa, Florida R/T
Total Staterooms - 1,062 Decks - 12 Passenger capacity - 2,124 Total crew - 930 Officer's nationality - Italian	Ship size - Large Tonnage - 88,500 Ship length - 963   Maiden Voyage - 2002 Registry - Panama	Sunday - Tampa Monday - At Sea Tuesday - Grand Cayman Wednesday - Cozumel Thursday - Belize Friday - Roatan Saturday - At Sea Ports & order may vary

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Norwegian Epic - Main Pool

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

 

Where is Chris?

Treetops - Vancouver, Canada

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2010 go? As has become my tradition, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm thankful for and highlight some of my adventures this year.

I hope that you, your family, and friends have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. I know that I have plenty of things to be thankful for, including my health, family, and friends and the ability to share my love of cruising with all of you. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to explore new worlds with family and friends again this year.

While this has been another tough economic year, it appears that the cruise industry has weathered the storm once again. Just this month, we have been highlighting the introduction of Allure of the Seas. Just a year ago, her sister ship was added to Royal Caribbean International's fleet.  The two ships are the largest ships afloat.

The value of cruising has never been stronger. Even in these tough times, more and more families have taken to the seas.  Indications are that the record discounts offered the past two years will be coming to an end.  In the meantime those discounts have made cruising an even better value, and consequently we have seen a surge in first-time cruisers.

The photos above are from some of our cruises this year.  Cruises Inc. and Cruise One held their National Conference on the brand new Norwegian Epic and we were fortunate to be able to attend.  Just like the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, several new innovations were introduced on the Epic.   Although it isn't quite as large as the RCI ships, it is no small ship.   The entertainment and food on the Epic take center stage along with the studio suites, which allow solo travelers their own haven at a price point to match. The Epic has much to offer cruisers.

Norwegian Epic alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.   Our conference was on the latter itinerary which included stops in Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.   The picture of me in front of the Epic was in Roatan where we hired a local cab driver to take us around the island after we did a bit of shopping near the pier.


In June this year we attended Cruise3Sixty, CLIA's annual conference.  This year it was held in Vancouver, Canada.  We extended our stay following the formal conference which allowed for touring of some of the local attractions, which despite many trips there in the past, we had not had time for.  I'm pictured here hiking through Treetops at the  Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Boardwalk

The highlight of the year is yet to come.   We will be sailing on Allure of the Seas for one of the pre-inaugural sailings.   The final cruise of the year will be on Azamara Club Cruises Journey.   We will tour the West Indies on that cruise.

We wonder what the Pilgrims, who came to the New World in Tall Ships, would think about the Allure of the Seas.  Their ships measured 110 feet, held 150 passengers at most, and took months to cross the Atlantic.  The Allure is more than 10 times that length (1182 feet), holds almost 8000 passengers and crew, and took just a couple weeks to cross the Atlantic.

Thank you for making our blog column a part of your lives in 2010.   I hope that the information we share helps you to dream about future cruises of your own. I'd be honored to help you plan those trips. I have the best job in the world - helping make dreams come true. For that, I'm truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

  

First Norwegian Epic Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Epic Sailing from Miami - Courtesy NCL

Epic Sets Sail for First Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Epic set sail today on it's first Eastern Caribbean voyage after successfully crossing the Atlantic and completing several short inaugural cruises.   On July 2nd, Reba McEntire christened the new ship in New York before inaugural events continued, including a live broadcast from the ship during 4th of July festivities in conjunction with Macy's 34th Annual Fireworks display.

Norwegian Epic is sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday from it's home port in Miami where it will remain through April 2011.  Its first voyage will be to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. In the Western Caribbean, Norwegian Epic will visit Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, Honduras.

“We are thrilled to have Norwegian Epic set sail on its first Caribbean voyage,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far and we are looking forward to a really strong and successful inaugural season.”

That's Entertainment

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. New York-based Slam Allen Band rocks the house with down-home blues in Fat Cats Jazz and Blues club.

Innovation at Sea

The 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

Freestyle Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Dining about ten years ago now.   Experience the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.  I suspect the favorite new edition to dining choices will be Moderno Churrascaria, which features an expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors ($18 per person charge added to your account).  More info...  Norwegian Epic Freestyle Choices

Additional References

Norwegian Epic Blog Posts

Norwegian Epic Launch Offer

Magic Coming to Galveston

Everything is Big in Texas

Including Carnival Magic 

Galveston, Texas will become the new home for Carnival Cruise Lines' new ship, Carnival Magic. Beginning November 14, 2011, Carnival Magic will operate 7-night Caribbean cruises from it's new homeport.  The Carnival Dream and Magic are the largest ships in Carnival's fleet so it is fitting that one of those two ships will be sailing from Texas.

Select from two different itineraries: a seven-day Western Caribbean voyage to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and a week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Big Screen
&
Waterworks

Carnival Magic Highlights

Class and type: Dream class cruise ship Tonnage: gross tonnage (GT) of 130,000 tons Length: 1,004 feet (306.02 m) Beam: 122 feet (37.19 m) (37m) Decks: 14 decks Propulsion: 6 Wärtsilä 12V46 engines (75,600kw) Speed: 22.5-knot (42 km/h; 26 mph) Capacity: 3,652 Passengers Crew: 1,369

Like its sister ship, the Carnival Dream, the Carnival Magic features exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides, and expansive spa and children's facilities.

Carnival Magic has a range of stateroom choices, including family-friendly, five-berth deluxe two-bathroom ocean view accommodations; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and special spa staterooms.  Some special unique features will be announced in the future.

The Carnival Magic will debut in Europe in May 2011, offering seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to October 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing October 28, 2011. 


For more information about Carnival Magic Itineraries, click here.


Perhaps you are close enough to drive to Galveston instead of flying there.   If so, the addition of this new large ship will give you opportunities to sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from close to home.

Drive to Your Next Cruise Vacation

Stretching the Vacation Budget

A recent survey indicated that more and more families are deciding not to fly to their destination this year and instead are taking to the roads.   This makes sense especially for families with two or more children.   The cost of airfare adds up quickly when you travel with the entire family.

You don't have to limit your final destination to the 50 contiguous states if you decide to drive to your vacation spot.  Did you know that there are 23 U.S. ports that you can select from, some of which offer year-round cruising?

These cruise ports also offer parking facilities, some of which are covered parking, that offer prices comparable to airport parking garages.   You can also explore near-by hotels that offer stay and park packages complete with transportation to the pier.

Carnival Fascination Sailing From
Charleston, SC  Year-round

Starting May 18th, Carnival Fascination is sailing year-round five-, six- and seven-day cruises to The Bahamas and Key West, Florida from Charleston, SC.   The ship will also offer six six-day Bermuda cruises from Charleston next year.  Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry 140,000 passengers annually from Charleston.

This past week, Carnival Cruises and Charleston officials participated in several events commemorating the new sailing program including: Carnival’s Launch of Year-Round Service from Charleston Highlighted by City’s First-Ever Water Slide Races

The recent addition of the awesome aquatic amenities of Carnival WaterWorks, Serenity Adult-only Retreat, and a tropical resort-style pool make this 70,367 ton, 2,056 passenger vessel the perfect vacation destination.

Elation Arrival, Courtesy Carnival

Carnival Elation Sailing From

Mobile, AL Year-round

Starting May 15th, Carnival Elation replaced Carnival Fascination sailing four-, five- and seven-day Western Caribbean cruises from Mobile, Alabama.  Carnival Elation is scheduled to operate 74 voyages annually from Mobile, carrying an estimated 170,000 passengers each year.

This past week, Carnival Cruises and Mobile officials participated in a traditional maritime plaque ceremony to commemorate launch of the year-round program. Carnival Elation is a sister ship of Carnival Fascination, so the same on-board amenities await you and your family.

These are just a couple examples of recent announcements for cruise vacation options from ports of call within driving distance.   So pack up the family and drive to one of the U.S. ports of call to begin your cruise.