Showing posts with label features. Show all posts
Showing posts with label features. Show all posts

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Introducing Infinite Veranda

Transforming Ocean Views


The most transformational aspect of Celebrity Cruises new stateroom design is the introduction of the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, where with the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge. 

These staterooms feature the latest in design and technology, and they’re 23% larger than their award-winning Solstice® Class veranda staterooms.


Welcome Aboard Celebrity Edge


We arrived at Port Everglades Pier 25 around 11:30 AM, used our Celebrity App to check in, and proceeded to the gangway to go onboard.   Once onboard the ship, we were greeted with the traditional selection of champagne and other drinks.  We finished our drink and headed for our cabin.

As usual, the cabins were still being made up, but we were able to drop off our luggage and snap a few pics before heading off to explore the ship.  Here is your first glimpse of Celebrity Cruise's latest cabin innovations.


Concierge Cabin - Infinite Veranda

More Pics:  Concierge Cabin album
Our cabin was 11145 on deck 11 starboard side.  The highlight new feature was the infinite veranda.  You'll notice in the picture, that the cabin steward has the room setup as if the veranda was a sitting area, but obviously, you can rearrange the chairs and tables any way you like.

The controls in the picture raise and lower the shade and window of the infinite veranda.  The key pad controls can also be used, as can your cell phone, if you've installed the Celebrity App.  Both of those devices can also adjust lighting in the room and more.  Watch the video on our previous article to get more details.

Another feature which we loved was the charging station with both electric and USB connections as well as the additional connections on both sides of the bed.  You can be lying in bed, charging your phone, and controlling everything in the cabin from your mobile device or tablet.  They've come a long way from having only one or two outlets in the cabin and no USB connections. 

When the window is closed, the cabin is very quiet. One design improvement might be to include a curtain across the veranda area.   You can lower the shade to keep out the sun or moon, but if someone wanted to get up early and sit on the veranda without disturbing other guests in the cabin, that really isn't possible.  They will most likely wake up unless you are as quiet as a mouse and the burst of light (when you raise the shade) doesn't disturb their sleep.



November 25-27, 2018   Trade & Press Sailing

Click on Celebrity Edge's Magic Carpet to be transported to our Preview Sailing adventure.  Be among the first to see the brand new ship before it is sailing revenue cruises.


Check out our dedicated Celebrity Edge page on our Shutterfly Share Site.


@ChrisPappinMCC

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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Our Norwegian Bliss Cabin

Norwegian Bliss - Cabin #11238 (Mini-suite)
Home Suite Home on Norwegian Bliss

Our embarkation was expedited because we had a general session scheduled for 1 PM in the Bliss Theater. Even though the cabins were still being readied, we were able to drop off our hand luggage in our mini-suite. After a quick picture, we headed off to get some lunch before our meeting.

There is plenty of storage in the closets, in the counter cabinets, and even in drawers of the sofa bed.  In fact, we didn't even use all of the available space for storage. This balcony cabin is slightly larger than the standard verandah cabin.  Over the years, we've found that it's best to upgrade our balcony to a higher cabin category to get the additional space, especially when we traveled with our son.

Little Things That Make a Difference

The first thing that got our attention was the double sink with two storage drawers in addition to the shelf which could be used for toothbrush and additional toiletries.   Build-in cup holders with 4 cups are out of the way, leaving full utilization of shelf space.

There is a built-in soap dispenser by the sink as well as body wash and shampoo dispensers in the shower.

Speaking of the shower,  we simply loved the shower head, and wanted to take it home with us.  You could adjust the rain shower head and additional shower faucets such that you had up to six shower jets directing a stream to whatever part of your body was ailing you.  There was plenty of room in the bathroom and shower such that two people could easily be getting ready at the same time if you so desired.   That is very unusual for a cruise ship bathroom.  The bathrooms vary based on cabin category; one of our agent friends had a tub/shower combination for example.

Keep Your Devices Charged

There are two electric outlets on the counter which are situated such that they can both be used together.  Some ships, while they have multiple plugs, may not have enough room so that they can be used at the same time.  In addition, the light by the night stands, includes a reading light, overhead light, and USB port so that you can charge your phone or other device while you are in bed.   All the lights are controlled by a switch which is activated by inserting your room key.  When you remove the key, all power is turned off. 

Tip:   If you don't want to use your room key, you can use a hotel or similar key that has a magnetic strip.

There's a safe inside the closet to keep your valuables secure. The hairdryer is underneath the counter, powered by it's own power source, keeping the other outlets free for your use.

The LCD TV is your access to ship's information, including your onboard expense account and ship's dining and entertainment.   You can even make reservations from your room via your remote.

The balcony had two chairs and a table so that you could relax with a cup of coffee, which you could make yourself or order room service.  The cabin was very comfortable and well designed.  Norwegian Bliss has taken advantage of years of feedback from their passengers - Well done !!

Inspire Conference  - Click for More Stories & Pictures



Norwegian Bliss
October 20-27, 2018
7 days R/T Port of Los Angeles (Long Beach)

Additional photos can be found on our Norwegian Bliss Shutterfly page

Bliss Mini-Suite album

View Our Other Shutterfly Share Pages


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Sunday, September 3, 2017

Latest News Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss Racetrack      Photo: Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer, unveiled Norwegian Bliss features at an exclusive event at Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, where media and travel partners were able to Imagine Bliss through interactive 3D virtual reality experiences of the ship’s race track, Observation Lounge, The Waterfront, pool deck and a waterslide.
 “Norwegian Bliss will no doubt be our most incredible ship to date,” said Stuart. 
“We have elevated Norwegian Bliss’s onboard experience to new heights, bringing the best features from across our fleet plus exciting new first-at-sea activities like the largest race track and new dining concepts to create the ultimate cruising experience.”
At approximately 167,800 gross tons and accommodating 4,000 guests, Norwegian Bliss is currently being constructed at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany and is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2018.

Just when we thought we've seen it all on a cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Line's designers took freestyle cruising to a new level with another first for a North American-based cruise ship with a two level electric-car race track. The competitive track, the longest at sea at nearly 1,000 feet, will rev up the hearts of all who race around her many twists and turns with four speed settings accommodating novice, intermediate and advanced drivers, reaching up to 30 miles per hour — with a special “turbo boost” available on each lap.

The electric cars run silent so as to not disturb those seeking to enjoy the serene environment. But guests will have the full racing experience while they channel their inner Andretti, as the sounds of a race car engine are piped in through speakers located in the car’s headrest.

Visit our Norwegian Bliss Microsite to Learn More



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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Anthem of the Seas Conveyance

Royal Caribbean Anthem of  the Seas         Courtesy Meyer Werft


Anthem of the Seas is almost here - she recently went through her conveyance and it was a success! Want to learn more about the conveyance process? Check out this video to learn more and let me know what you think. Pretty neat, right?


The building of the Anthem of the Seas, the sister vessel of the Quantum of the Seas, commenced with the keel laying on 19th November 2013. Work will be completed upon delivery of the ship this Spring.

Anthem of the Seas Main Characteristics 


Tonnage167,800 GT
Overall Length348 m
Width41.4 m
Decks18
Engine Output67,200 kW
Speed22 kts
Number of Passenger Cabins2,094
Passengers4,188


As far as entertainment, engineering and safety are concerned, the Anthem of the Seas will be of an equal standard as its sister vessel, the Quantum of the Seas.

Highlights:
  • virtual balconies into the inside cabins 
  • an unforgettable view from the ninety-metre-high ‘North Star‘ observation capsule
  • high-action entertainment such as bumper cars available in the SeaPlex multifunctional room
  • simulated parachute jumping courtesy of the ‘RipCord by iFly‘
  • traditional attractions, such as the ‘FlowRider‘ surfing simulator


Once it has commenced service, the Anthem of the Seas will sail with its 4,100 passengers from Southampton (England) to Norway and the Mediterranean, before making its way from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to the Caribbean in winter 2015. A third quantum-class ship has been ordered from the shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2016.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Oasis' Third Sister is Named

Harmony of the Seas℠

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas℠ is the next addition to the Oasis class. Keeping with the tradition of innovation, she will have Royal Caribbean's first water slides at sea. This artist rendering shows the water slides, which will span three decks with exhilarating twists and turns.

Additional Announced Features

  • Harmony of the Seas also will feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade.
  • Guests onboard Harmony of the Seas will enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands.
  • Suite guests also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy like Coastal Kitchen and a Suite Sun Zone sun deck.
  • Dynamic Dining will come to Harmony of the Seas. Those preferring a more traditional cruise dining style may select the “Classic”option which will offer two set seating times. Dynamic Dining’s “Classic”option allows guests to rotate through each of the main complimentary restaurants at an early- or a late-seating time throughout their cruise with their dining group and the same assigned waiter each evening.
  • New specialty restaurant concepts including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant and Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.
This ship, currently under construction at STX France, will be the third ship in the Oasis class which includes Allure of the Seas the largest ship at sea.   It is scheduled to debut in April, 2016.   A fourth unnamed ship is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Cruise Like a Norwegian - Escape Starting November

What's New From Norwegian Cruise Line
 

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their innovation and the new Norwegian Escape, which debuts this November will be no exception.

Norwegian Escape will homeport in Miami and sail to the Caribbean year-round.  We've just attended a local unveiling of some of the new features onboard this fabulous new ship.   Watch this video to learn more about what awaits you when you step onboard to Cruise Like a Norwegian.





Some Highlights on Norwegian Escape 
  
Bayamo Pincho 
Tapas Bar (Jose Garces)

The District Brew House (Bar Lab / Wynwood Brewing)
 678 Ocean Place

The Cellars 

(Michael Mondavi wine bar)

Tobacco Road

Food Republic
(Pubbelly Boys)
(click on images to enlarge)

 Margaritaville & 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar 
(Jimmy Buffett)

Teenage Mutant Ninja
 Turtles Mini-Golf

Snow Room


Aqua Park

Sports Complex 
- Ropes Course


This Breakaway Plus class ship will have many innovations as you can see from these images (courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line). We hope you enjoyed these artist renderings of some of the attractions that will be found on the new Norwegian Escape.  Our 2015 National Conference is being held on this new ship.  We will be among the first people to sail out of Miami.

>>> Learn More about Norwegian Escape