Artistry II Embarkation Evening

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Schedule at a Glance

Besides the printed schedule that was on our bed in the cabin, the computer monitor in the lobby had the day's events posted. You could also pull up the schedule, as well as other information, on the TV in your cabin.

It is very easy to find out about the schedule.

Safety Exercise

All passengers assembled on the sky deck at 6:15 PM where they were provided with a life jacket. Unlike large ocean cruise ships, the life jackets are stored in compartments on the open top deck. Instructions were given on how to put on the vests and after everyone was accounted for, we returned them and headed to the lounge for the actual safety briefing.

Welcome Aboard

Our Cruise Director (CD), Mark, introduced the First Captain who welcomed us onboard and introduced the rest of the crew.  This was followed by a champagne toast (the crew had ginger ale).

Mark then took over and provided the safety briefing.   In the event of an emergency, we would assemble on the sky deck where we'd be given life preservers like we were in the exercise.


Port Talk

Prior to dinner every evening, our CD held a briefing about the next day's activities.  On this first evening, he gave an overview of the first few days by showing us a presentation.   Most days started with an included excursion in the morning, followed by lunch, and one or more optional excursions in the afternoon.  There were some days where we'd have an afternoon sailing to our next destination.  Some days included overnight stays, where we could explore on our own in the evening if desired.

Following the talk, there were sign-up sheets for those passengers that had pre-booked included and optional excursions or for those that might have changed their minds after hearing more about the ports.  Then it was time to head for the dining room for our Embarkation Dinner.

^{Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page}

Basel - Embarkation
Artistry2 - Embarkation Evening

Click on the image to the left for more Blog posts about this trip.

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Celebrity Cruises Revamps Captain's Club

Celebrity Cruises

"Become the Center of Our Attention"

Loyalty has its rewards. I'm sure you've heard that from many of the businesses you frequent. Whether it's the local grocery store, restaurant, airline, or other business, you are rewarded for repeat business in various ways. The same holds true in the cruise line industry.

Celebrity Cruises has launched the new Captain’s Club, a redesigned recognition and rewards program that delivers brand new benefits and an unparalleled cruise experience to their most loyal guests. Celebrity indicated that joining the new Captain’s Club will "make you the center of our attention".

Celebrity believes that their most loyal guests deserve more. More recognition, more service, more benefits and, quite simply, more reasons to cruise with them. They have added several exciting new features and benefits to everything members have come to expect from the existing program.

The Captain's Club is made up of three tiers currently: Classic (1-4 tier credits), Select (5-9), and Elite (10+). Celebrity plans to add an additional higher tier with additional benefits.
Depending on your tier, the following benefits have been added:

• Invitation to the all new Captain’s Club Celebration event (All)
• Upgraded benefits for onboard internet usage (Select, Elite)
• Upgraded onboard laundry service benefits (Select, Elite)
• Access to the Captain’s Club Lounge at Michael’s Club (Elite)
  

It's Easy to Earn Tier Credits
Unlike other cruise loyalty programs, the Captain's Club uses their tier credits rather than cruises to determine your benefits. Celebrity currently offers up to three ways to earn tier credits on a single cruise. This makes it easier for members to qualify for higher tiers and receive more exclusive benefits quickly. Earn 1 tier credit for each of the following (up to a maximum of 3 tier credits per cruise):

• Sailing with Celebrity or Azamara Cruises®
• Sailing on an itinerary of 12 nights or more
• Sailing in a Concierge Class, AquaClass SM, or Suite Stateroom

Of the added benefits, the premier change is the Captains' Club Lounge:

For those interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity introduced the Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions each morning and early evening. This new lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experience from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety of reading materials and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access. Every evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Captain's Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to enjoy socializing with fellow members, participate in a wine tasting event, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.

Celebrity plans to expand the program throughout 2009, adding additional benefits and a new tier. If you haven't tried Celebrity Cruises before, now is the time to start. Celebrity has always provided exceptional service, food, and entertainment to all guests, with rewards for their loyal customers. This revamped program leverages their award-winning ships, dining, and service to set a new standard for the industry for loyalty programs.

More information about Celebrity Cruises and itineraries

More information about Azamara Cruises and itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines. I'm an Elite member so I am definitely excited about the expanded program. I highly recommend you include Celebrity or Azamara Cruises in your future travel plans. I'll be happy to discuss the additional benefits or provide any information about upcoming cruises. Call or email me today for more information.

Carnival Triumph - Great Cities Theme

Carnival Triumph - Ship Decor

While on our recent Canada & New England cruise aboard Carnival Triumph, I learned that the theme for the ship is "Great Cities". In looking at the decor throughout the ship, I might have thought it was "Around the Globe" or "The World" since the globe theme appears throughout the public areas.

When you look at the names of the various public spaces, the theme does start to take shape. The two dining rooms are called London and Paris. The main show lounge is the Rome Lounge. Another entertainment venue is Club Rio Lounge. You can enjoy a drink and cigar in the Oxford Bar or perhaps curl up with your favorite book in Washington Library. Those are just a sample of the "Great Cities" represented on Carnival Triumph.

Decor of a ship contributes to the overall atmosphere during your cruise experience. Modern cruise ships are brightly decorated often, with abstract art throughout the vessel. In ages gone by, the ships were decorated with exquisite wood and often times the decor was very dark. Cruise lines spend a large portion of the new ship budget bringing their vision to life.

The next time you are onboard a ship, take a look at the decor and see if you can determine the ship's theme. Take some time, perhaps on one of the sea days, to walk around the ship and enjoy the various art that is displayed throughout the ship. This may open up an entirely new aspect to your cruise experience.