Xcited to Meet Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises Took Delivery of Celebrity Edge 

& Lays Keel of Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Edge Sails for Florida 


Celebrity EDGE arrives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida the week of November 19th after crossing the Atlantic Ocean from its birthplace in France. It was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (STX France) in Saint-Nazaire, France. It was delivered to Celebrity Cruises on October 31, 2018 after four years of planning and a 23 month construction period. The 2,900-guest ship is the first of four ships in the new EDGE-class.

The 1,004-foot-long vessel’s unique features include the Magic Carpet, a large multi-use elevator of sorts that moves up and down the side of the 16-deck ship while playing the role of mass transportation, but also as an entertainment and dining venue. Another unique feature on Edge is the three-story venue called Eden that will feature an 18-foot-tall wall of plants over a bar that uses ingredients from the plants in its drinks. The venue will act as relaxing lounge during the day and dinner theater venue at night with aerialists and musicians.

We will be onboard Celebrity Edge for one of the initial pre-inaugural sailings in November and will be bringing you live images via our social media accounts.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the action.

View Celebrity Edge Sailings

Celebrity Edge Infographic

Connect With Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Cunard Celebrates Royal Wedding At Sea

Three Queens to Celebrate Royal Wedding at Sea

Prince William and Kate Middleton are to be wed 

on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

After a week of speculation, the royal couple have
announced their wedding plans.

Prince William's private secretary, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton,
said the couple chose the 1,000-year-old abbey in central
London because it has a sense of intimacy.


The wedding day will be a national holiday in Britain,
known there as a bank holiday, and has been described
as a semi-state occasion. It's also the feast day of St.
Catherine of Siena, whose name Middleton shares,
though that is a coincidence.

Engaged at last

On Nov. 16, the royal family announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged. The prince had popped the question to his longtime girlfriend during an October 2010 vacation to Kenya, it was revealed. William and Kate pose for the media at St. James's Palace in London on Nov. 16, after they announced their engagement. The couple are to wed in 2011. (Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP) 

"The wedding of Kate and William will be a happy and momentous occasion," said Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday. "We want to mark the day as one of national celebration, a public holiday will ensure the most people possible will have a chance to celebrate on the day."

Three Queens to View Royal Wedding at Sea

Guests on board Cunard's three ships - Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth - on 29 April 2011, the day of the Royal Wedding, need have no fear of missing one second of the historic union of the future King and Kate Middleton.

Each of the three ships feature Royal Court Theatres - West End in style and West End in size - where the wedding ceremony will be broadcast live. 

• Queen Mary 2's Royal Court Theatre (capacity 1000)
• Queen Elizabeth's Royal Court Theatre (capacity 800)
• Queen  Victoria's Royal Court Theatre (capacity 800)

 Additional venues will be used, such as Queen Mary's Planetarium and lecture room, Illuminations, which seats a further 450 passengers, should demand exceed seating capacity in the theatres.

A Day of Celebration

The day will also be one of celebration on all ships, with that evening's dinner featuring a commemorative menu and a champagne toast.

"Cunard is a company with an enviable heritage and unparalleled links to the Royal family - our ships were named either by Her Majesty The Queen or by her apparent successor, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard. "It follows then that our passengers are likely to have an above average interest in the pageantry of a Royal wedding. We intend to cater for that and ensure they do not miss one minute.

"Royal weddings don't happen that often and with our impeccable Royal connections we intend to ensure that our red ensign ships lead the British merchant marine in marking this momentous day." 

At the time Queen Elizabeth will be at sea heading for Southampton, Queen Victoria will be at sea in the Mediterranean, and Queen Mary 2 will be on a seven-night Transatlantic Crossing.

Congratulations to the Royal couple and to Cunard Lines for quickly responding to the announcement and assuring that their guests have an opportunity to participate in this festive occasion.

Allure of the Seas Crossing Ahead of Schedule

Allure of the Seas Thrusters

It is Day 12 of the Allure of the Seas Transatlantic crossing and the ship is ahead of schedule by about a day.    The ship made good time across the Atlantic, trying to keep ahead of the storms. 

Consequently, the Captain has decided to make an unplanned stop in the Bahamas to pick up a technician who will perform some testing while enroute to Fort Lauderdale.   This involves the use of the thrusters which will make a lot of noise.  This test is typically not done with passengers onboard, so this is the perfect time to conduct the test.

The dining venues continue to open and today The Dog House on Boardwalk is featured.   From a Coney Island Hot Dog to a German Sausage, there is something for everyone's taste.   Watch this video for a behind the scenes look at this dining alternative aboard the Allure.

Video:  The Top Dog on Allure: Taking Orders at the Dog House

Enjoying a great hotdog is a boardwalk tradition and now there's a world of options to choose from. Visit the Boardwalk Dog House on Allure of the Seas, for a wide menu of delicious sausages and hot dogs that span the globe in origin and flavor.

Allure of the Seas in Bermuda Triangle

Rita's Cantina on Allure of the Seas

ALLURE CONTINUES COURSE FOR FLORIDA

Day 11 and the Allure of the Seas is continuing its Atlantic crossing right on schedule.   The weather continues to cooperate with the ship crossing the path of the once powerful Tomas now much weaker and 200 miles away from the ship.  The ship has entered the Bermuda Triangle as it sails past Bermuda.

Captain Zini introduces one of the new dining venues, Rita's Cantina, in this video report from the bridge.   The cantina brings the flare and flavors of Mexico to passengers on the Allure of the Seas.

Video:  A Mexican Fiesta: Festive Fare at Rita's Cantina on Allure

A new dining sensation is adding some spice to the Boardwalk on Allure of the Seas. Enjoy the taste of fabulous Mexican fare and festivities with a visit to the exotic and enticing Rita's Cantina.

Powering the Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas Main Engine Room
Photo courtesy STX Europe

As one might imagine the 225,000 gross ton Allure of the Seas requires some powerful engines to produce the power for the ship.  In fact, the total power output of the ship's engines is 97,000 kW, giving a cruise speed of 22 knots.

On this Day 9 of the Allure's transatlantic crossing,  Captain Zini is still watching Hurricane Tomas, which is expected to cross paths to the south of the ship.   Tomas is quite the powerhouse of its own producing category one hurricane-force winds.

In this video, we'll have a behind the scenes look at the engine room of the Allure of the Seas.  Few people ever get to see the engine room on a large vessel, such as the Allure, so enjoy your virtual visit and learn about what powers the latest wonder in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Video: Moving a Wonder: The Engines of Allure Bring Smooth Sailing

Moving a modern wonder like Allure of the Seas through the ocean takes a lot of power. See how the complex combination of six engines provides 135,000 horsepower and a smooth ride for guests onboard.

Allure of the Seas Keeps Eye on Tomas

Hurricane Tomas Is Between Allure and Fort Lauderdale

Allure of the Seas

Watches Tomas

You might recall that Oasis of the Seas met with high winds and waves during its crossing of the North Atlantic a year ago. (Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic)  The Oasis handled herself very well during that storm, but Captain Zini isn't going to take any changes in tangling directly with Hurricane Tomas.

NHC issuing advisories on Hurricane TOMAS

(Update Saturday, November 6th)

Hurricane Tomas weakened briefly on Saturday, but once again regained strength to a Category One Hurricane.  Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-winds extend even further to about 200 miles on the west side of the hurricane.

Captain Zini and officers are constantly monitoring the storm and other weather conditions to keep the Allure and crew safe, just as they would with passengers onboard.  In this Day 8 video, he'll discuss the current weather conditions and how they are planning to avoid Tomas.

Samba Grill Opens

He'll then introduce us to Samba Grill, the Brazilian Steakhouse introduced on the Allure of the Seas.   I can't wait to taste and experience this new dining venue.   Allure is the second new vessel to introduce a Brazilian Steakhouse.   In another post, I'll write about the first one at sea, Moderno, which is on Norwegian Epic.  

Video: Savoring Samba: Brazilian Flavors Come to Allure

Enjoy South American dining at its best at Allure's new Samba Grill! Mouthwatering meats and a host of exotic flavors are all available for guests to savor.

Allure of the Seas Entertainment Preparations

Amber Theater (Photo courtesy STX Europe)

Allure of the Seas

Entertainment Preparations

It's Day 7 onboard Allure of the Seas which is crossing the North Atlantic on its journey to home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.    Today the weather has taken a turn for the worst as the ship gets closer to Hurricane Tomas.  Captain Zini and officers constantly monitor weather conditions to keep the ship, crew, and passengers safe at all times.

Weather plays an interesting role in onboard activities.  The ship's speed and movement impacts the various entertainers who could be either preparing for or performing a show.   In this video, Captain Zini talks about how the the staff work together to assure the safety of the performers and we get an inside look at preparations for Allure's shows.

Video: Setting Up for Showtime: Technical Preparations for Allure's Entertainment

Allure of the Seas will feature world-class entertainment on stage, ice and water but what goes into making sure these shows go live without a hitch? Watch as the crew gets everything from lights to sprinklers ready for showtime.

Allure of the Seas Atlantic Crossing Day 3

Captain Zini on Bridge of Allure of the Seas

It's day 3 of the Allure of the Seas crossing from Finland to Florida and Captain Zini and the crew pause to talk about their favorite things aboard the ship.   It has been smooth sailing thus far but the captain needs to speed up a bit to avoid an approaching storm.   Tomorrow the Allure will be entering the English Channel early in the morning.

Video: Worldwide Wow:First Reactions from Allure's International Crew



The largest and most revolutionary ship in the world is sure to get a WOW from all who see her and the crew of Allure of the Seas is no exception. Get their take on this impressive addition to Royal Caribbean's fleet as she makes her way across the Atlantic.

Allure of the Seas Atlantic Crossing Day 2

Allure of the Seas passes Denmark's Storebaelt Bridge

One of the first challenges for both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas was passing under Denmark's Storebaelt Bridge.   In order to accomplish this, the smoke stacks have to be lowered, the speed adjusted to create the proper draft, and ballast adjusted to obtain the proper clearance.

Video: A Mission Accomplished: Allure Clears Denmark's Storebaelt Bridge



Allure of the Seas is one step closer to her arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as she passes Denmark's Storebaelt Bridge with very little clearance to spare. Learn about the physics behind what helps the cruise ship make it under the landmark with such a tight fit.

Allure of the Seas Begins Atlantic Crossing

Allure of the Seas - Photo Courtesy STX Europe

Farewell Finland

Florida Bound

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line LTD.,  didn't get much sleep since the previous day's activities ended after midnight and the Allure of the Seas departure from Finland began at 5 AM.   The weather report showed some strong winds building in the morning so Captain Zini decided to schedule an earlier departure from the Turku, Finland shipyard.

Allure of the Seas Wheel House
Photo courtesy of STX Europe

After two years of construction, testing and outfitting, Allure of the Seas is finally ready to make the transatlantic voyage to her home port in Florida! Watch as this incredible ship bids farewell to Turku.

In this video log, Captain Zini reviews the weather and other critical information before ordering the lines to be cast off.   This is the moment everyone has been waiting for.

Just as the Oasis of the Seas did exactly a year ago, the Allure will head into the open Atlantic Ocean to make its way to Florida.   Come back periodically to watch additional videos and learn more about this incredible ship.

For us the anticipation is building as we await our chance to report live from the Allure of the Seas starting November 26th as she embarks on one of the pre-inaugural voyages out of Fort Lauderdale.  But for now, sit back and relax as we watch Captain Zini prepare for Allure's first voyage across the Atlantic.

Video:  Farewell Finland: Allure Begins a Transatlantic Voyage

Cunard Announces 2011-2012 Program

Photos courtesy Cunard Line

Cunard Line Announces 2011-2012 

Voyage Programme

 On Sale 26 April for Cunard 
World Club Members

Three Queens Offer More 
Itinerary Options 

on World's Youngest Luxury Fleet
 

Combining 170 years of experience with the youngest, luxury fleet at sea - flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the soon-to-be-launched Queen Elizabeth - Cunard is pleased to announce its most extensive range of voyages to date, with a greater choice of itineraries, departure dates and overnight stays. Guests will have more opportunities to experience the new golden age of ocean travel with the classic traditions and legendary White Star Service for which Cunard is renowned.

The line's flagship, Queen Mary 2, will continue to offer extended Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as to Hamburg; Queen Victoria will journey across the Atlantic for a second Americas season in early 2012; and new to the voyage schedule will be visits to the Holy Land aboard both Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth.

Legendary QUEEN MARY 2 Sailings

•  21 Transatlantic Crossings, plus extended voyages to and from Hamburg and five Grand Voyages roundtrip from New York.

•  Seven explorations of Northern Europe and an Around the British Isles voyage - all sailing roundtrip from Southampton. 

•  Two voyages to the Atlantic Isles and Iberia.

•  Enhanced 10-day Canada and New England sailing in the fall now featuring an overnight in Quebec, and a Fourth of July Getaway.

•  Caribbean Celebration holiday voyage.

Regal QUEEN VICTORIA Voyages

•  Five spectacular voyages based in the Mediterranean and visiting the best of the region including the Black Sea, Greek Isles, Egypt, and - new for 2011 - the Holy Land.  

• Enhanced Northern Europe itineraries including overnight stays in St. Petersburg and a new Gallic Overture voyage. 

• The celebrated QUEEN returns for her second Americas season in winter 2011/2012 including Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries.   

• Med, Canary Islands and Atlantic Isles roundtrip from Southampton are also available.

Adventures aboard the New QUEEN ELIZABETH

• New for 2011, a Voyage to the Holy Land, plus four Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Southampton.

• Northern Europe itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, the North Cape and two enhanced Baltic sailings that feature a full day and an overnight call in St Petersburg.

• Maiden Around the British Isles voyage.

• Two Iberian journeys and a Canary Islands voyage sailing roundtrip from Southampton.

 Full Text of Press Release - 15 March, 2010      Cunard Itineraries

Other news:  Cunard's Queen Mary 2 to Circumnavigate Australia (March 9, 2010)

Silversea Silver Spirit Crosses Atlantic

Silversea Cruises
Silver Spirit

January 3, 2010: Maiden Transatlantic Voyage, Lisbon, Portugal
Always an important time for any oceangoing ship, a first transoceanic voyage announces the new vessel’s presence to the world. Silver Spirit makes this sailing during a 16-day “Maiden Crossing” from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale.

Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit was delivered by Fincantieri shipbuilders on December 16, 2009. The 36,000 gross ton ship has 270 cabins making it the largest ship in Silversea's fleet. At the delivery, President Amerigo Perasso indicated that they hold an option for an additional sister ship to the Silver Spirit. We will keep an eye on this and let you know if that plan becomes a reality.

Highlights on the ship include six restaurants, including two that charge a fee, along with an Art Deco décor with lots of burgundy and dark woods. The ship’s official inaugural cruise departed December 23rd from Barcelona to Lisbon.

January 21, 2010 will be the next milestone date for the Silver Spirit as it will be christened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and depart on its 91-day “Grand Inaugural Voyage” to 45 ports in 20 nations including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Additional information about Silver Spirit including itineraries can be found here.

If you like small ships, luxury accommodations and service, Silver Spirit or one of the other ships in the Silversea's fleet might be a good candidate for your next cruise.

Oasis of the Seas Back to the Bridge

Captain William Wright on the Bridge of Oasis of the Seas - Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

While crossing the North Atlantic Ocean on its way to Port Everglades, Florida, Oasis of the Seas encountered strong winds and high seas. Due to the inclement weather, Oasis of the Seas is now scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades on the morning of November 13, 2009, two days later than originally scheduled. The late arrival will not impact any inaugural events, promotional activities or revenue sailings.

We continue our coverage of the Oasis of the Seas' first crossing by visiting with Captain Bill on the bridge. Joining him on the bridge are two well-known retired Captains of Royal Caribbean International: Captain Kent Ringborn (Ret.), also known as the "signing captain" to those of us that had the great fortune to sail with him, who was at the helm of the Radiance of the Seas when it was introduced and Captain Ulf Svensson (Ret.), who brought the Grandeur of the Seas into service. Both retired captains were amazed at the ship and how stable it was and how well it handled the rough seas of the North Atlantic.

Hear their comments and see their reaction to the ship in the following video.

Captains Log Day 10 Video: Back to the Bridge (click here)

In the following video, Captain Bill provides a detailed explanation of the equipment on the bridge of the Oasis. Then, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Turku, Finland shipbuilding yard where Oasis was built. Learn more about shipbuilding on STX Europe website.

Captains Log Day 11 Video: Shipbuilding in Turku (click here)

Related Blog posts:

Oasis of the Seas - Entertainment

Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey
Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge
Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home
Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER
November 15th at midnight (EXTENDED!)

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 15th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.

Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic

View from Bow Camera Onboard Oasis of the Seas - Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Oasis of the Seas is continuing its journey across the Atlantic to its home port of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This time of year the weather in the North Atlantic can be anything but cooperative. The winter storm has been intensifying and Captain Bill has had to reduce speed considerably to keep the ship and passengers safe. There is still lots of work being performed on the ship as well as various practice runs as the crew prepares for their first passengers.

The Oasis is encountering significant wave heights of up to 35 feet with some peak waves exceeding 60 feet. This is still hurricane season, so it is not unexpected to see Mother Nature putting on an impressive show. In fact, we are also tracking a potentially powerful storm in the Caribbean Sea.

Oasis of the Seas is on a southerly route from Finland to Ft. Lauderdale. The route does require you to spend time in the North Atlantic. Captain Bill is constantly adjusting course and speed and because of this, the Oasis is now expected to arrive late into its home port. At the present rate, it may be late by as much as two days.

In the following video, Captain Bill talks about the rough seas with winds approaching hurricane force, high waves, and how well the Oasis of the Seas is handling in these weather conditions. There is also a look at the environmental practices onboard the ship.

Captains Log Day 6 Video: Blue Seas Green Practices (click here)

In this next video, Captain Bill talks about the rough seas and keeping safe. There are also interviews with Ambasadors at Sea who help non-English speaking guests during their cruise.

Captains Log Day 7 Video: Ambassadors at Sea (click here)

On day 8, the Oasis of the Seas is now beyond the grip of the North Atlantic storm, that exhibited hurricane force winds and huge waves. The ship handled amazingly throughout the entire time, which in this video Captain Bill contributes to the design of the hull. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at hull while the ship was in dry dock in this next video.

Captains Log Day 8 Video: Hull Design (click here)

Related Blog posts:

Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey
Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge
Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home
Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER
Just a few days left

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 9th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.

Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey

Oasis of the Seas

Sails Past White Cliffs of Dover

Day 4 finds Oasis of the Seas in the English Channel passing the White Cliffs of Dover. Having sailed past them, and left from Dover, England on several occasions, I can assure you that the captain, crew, and workers onboard the Oasis had a magnificent view as they continued their journey to Fort Lauderdale, FL.

I'm sure there will be pictures posted from onlookers, so make sure to come back for any updates. I've included the link to the Captain's Log video which does show the White Cliffs in the background.

As with any initial ship crossing of the Atlantic, it's not playtime, but rather the chance to put the ship through it's paces and finish up remaining work in preparation for the first passenger voyages. The video shows work that is still in progress on the ship. For the most part, the work includes minor cosmetic changes and additions.

Captains Log Day 4 Video: Building at Sea (click here)

Related Blog posts:

Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge

Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic

Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home

Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 9th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.

Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge

Oasis of the Seas photo courtesy Royal Caribbean Internataional

As Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas sailed towards the Great Belt Bridge, one might have thought it was an informidable challenge. Not to the Oasis of the Seas with its high-tech gear. The Oasis of the Seas, crossed under the Danish Great Belt Bridge early Sunday with just 2 feet to spare after retracting it's funnels.

Bridges are challenges to all ships. If you have ever been on the top deck of a river boat, you would have witnessed the lowering of the bridge and other gear so that there would be sufficient clearance to pass under the bridge. While that is a common sight onboard a river boat, this is a first for a large cruise ship as until now, they would fit under the bridges without issue.

See my previous post Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water for more technical information about the Oasis of the Seas as well as a graphic which compares the ship to well known landmarks.

Captains Log Day 3 Video: Clearing a Landmark (click here)

Here is a video of the ship going under the Great Belt Bridge that was taken by a crew member. From this vantage point you will clearly see the 2 foot clearance. Turn your sound down as there is alot of yelling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njOHaQ7V0j4


Another video taken from onshore as the Oasis of the Seas passes under the Great Belt Bridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc3hnAKeKOc

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 9th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.

Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic

OASIS of the SEAS

Crossing the Atlantic

The Oasis of the Seas has left Finland and is crossing the Atlantic Ocean on its way to its home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. More Oasis of the Seas Details .... Brochure...

Royal Caribbean International is providing updates live from the bridge onboard the ship. Watch my blog for updates on the journey.

Captains Log Day 1 Video (click here)

Captains Log Day 2 Video (click here)

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 2nd and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.