Rooftop Garden Grill Dining

Dining Al Fresco on Celebrity Edge

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What would be more unexpected than dining Al fresco on a cruise ship?

With the introduction of specialty dining venues on cruise ships, designers were given the entire ship as their palate to create their dining experiences. Outdoor dining is the perfect way to enjoy a good meal while relaxing and enjoying nature. Celebrity Edge, which was put in service in 2018, is one example of an opportunity to dine outdoors during your cruise. We've had the good fortune of sailing on her twice.

Are you craving backyard BBQ? 

Discover the ultimate in outdoor eateries where you’re surrounded by the open sky and the most incredible garden and ocean views around when you dine Al fresco on Celebrity Edge. Te Rooftop Garden Grill serves up gourmet backyard favorites. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, start your outdoor culinary journey with Smoked Chicken Wings or the Pulled Pork Slider Trio (just to name a few).

Our Meal

As the sun began to set, the chefs prepared our appetizers and main dishes.  Since we had the drink package, in addition to the dining package, we could experiment with one of the specialty drinks served in the Rooftop Garden Grill - BBQ punch.   It was actually quite refreshing.  Before long our appetizers were served.

We each ordered something different for appetizer and main dish.  Appetizers were  Train Wreck Fries with bacon, scallions, four cheeses and ranch dressing (we left off the hot peppers) and the Braised Beef Short Rib Chili.   For our main course we had Hickory Smoked Brisket and Mesquite Baby Back Ribs.   

Dessert

No meal on a cruise is complete without having something sweat from the bakery.  Our selections were Cherry Apple Pie and The Cookie - "The One and Only with Vanilla Gelato".  Those that know me already are aware that we both love gelato.  

Dining outside on the upper deck of Celebrity Edge was one of our most enjoyable meals.  We highly recommend you have lunch or dinner there at least once during your cruise.  More images from our dinner can be found in our Shutterfly Photo Albums:  Rooftop Garden and Rooftop Garden Grill.

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The Sea is Calling and Barbie Answered

 Making Holiday Dreams

Come True 

for Little Girls

Just in time for the Holidays  

Save 30% Off the Experience
Click to download flyer

Since March 1959, Barbie^TM dolls have been an integral part of little girls' dreams and an important part of the fashion doll market.  As the holidays approach, little girls make up their wish lists of dolls and accessories for their toy chests. 

Taking things one step further, Royal Caribbean International has entered into a partnership with American toy-company Mattel, Inc. to bring the fashion dolls to sea in an exclusive add-on package.

The Barbie^TM Premium Experience, caters to girls age 4 to 11, but is open to anyone that loves Barbie.  Guests set sail on a Barbie dream cruise complete with fun, fashion and runway moments. Participants make lifelong memories and take to the waves in true Barbie style!


The experience starts in your stateroom with a decorated vanity area and special Barbie package including a Barbie^TM doll, three fashion accessories, blanket, pillowcase and toiletries. There are events throughout the cruise designed exclusively for children in the program that include a tea party, dance class, fashion design experience and fashion show.

The program fee for the Barbie^TM Premium Experience is $349 per child. For 3-4 night Bahamas sailings guests will receive a limited experience (no tea party or fashion designer workshop and smaller in-stateroom package) for $75. Once booked there are no additional charges for the activities included in the Premium Experience. 

Did you play with Barbie, Ken, and their playmates when you were growing up?   Would you daughters like to do so as well?   What was your favorite doll or accessory?  Don't you wish you could be a kid again (I know that I would.)?   Bring Barbie and her friends to life on one of Royal Caribbean's ships and watch the sparkle in the little girl's eyes.

Family Fun

What's Your Idea of Family Fun?

Royal Caribbean Thinks it Includes:

• Johnny Rockets for Family of Four (1 per stateroom)
• Soda Package (1 per stateroom for a child 17 years of age or younger)
• Dinner for Two (1 per stateroom)

Starting this coming Monday, April 29th, Royal Caribbean has a Family Fun Promotion that offers the above amenities when you book a 6+ Night Caribbean cruise sailing 7/1/13 - 12/31/13.

We are sweetening the deal by including an onboard credit up to $125 per stateroom depending on the type of accommodations.   Click on the image below to learn more.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Johnny Rockets, they have the best burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes at sea. Normally there is a minimal cover charge per person and shakes are extra. So this is a great way to add some fun and food with the whole family during your cruise.

Even the ketchup is smiling about this Johnny Rockets offer.   When you add in the Soda Package, Dinner for Two in a specialty restaurant and the onboard credit, we think you will agree that this is indeed some Family Fun.

Royal 5K Race

 Pack Your Running Shoes

 
Don’t miss the chance to hit the deck running onboard Allure of the Seas^®. On March 10, this ship sets sail for historic Falmouth, Jamaica, the destination for this year’s Royal 5K.  If you are already booked on this cruise, find out about adding the Royal 5K Package.  

March, 2013 Allure of the Seas® 7-night Western Caribbean March 10, 2013 Itinerary:     Fort Lauderdale, Florida     Labadee, Haiti     Falmouth, Jamaica     Cozumel, Mexico     Fort Lauderdale, Florida	December, 2013 Allure of the Seas® 7-night Eastern Caribbean December 8, 2013 Itinerary:     Fort Lauderdale, Florida     Nassau, Bahamas     Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas     Philipsburg, St. Maarten     Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In addition to the 5K race, the entire week will be full of activities such as:

• Private meet-and-greet sessions with high-profile racing athletes
• Seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes
• Personal training tips from experts
• Speed tests onboard the track on your ship

Note:  The race does not support any charity, which we think would be an added plus, however all of the above is included for the Royal 5K Package Price of $25.   The December race will occur in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Current Royal Caribbean Offers

RESERVE YOUR ROYAL CARIBBEAN VACATION WITH US TODAY!

Internet Trial at Sea

 

Keeping in Contact

While at Sea

New Internet

Improvements

on Carnival Magic

Carnival Cruise Line is experimenting with network infrastructure changes on Carnival Magic which has yielded much improved upload and download speeds.   It's not quite the same as being on your home network, but it is definitely an improvement of the slow connection speeds generally available at sea.

The ship is the first in the fleet to undergo the changes.   There currently is a six-week trial period in which the new changes are being tested in addition to some new pricing options.

In the past, passengers paid per minute or they could purchase a package which bundled a number of pre-paid minutes at a lower per minutes cost.   During the trial, you can sign up for $29.95 per day pricing or $119.95 for the 7-day cruise.

One big advantage of this new pricing model is that you don't have to watch your minute usage and if you are using your own hardware, you can stay connected and simply power down your device(s) when not in use.   This eliminates the need to keep logging into Carnival's network each time you want to use the internet.

Carnival will make decisions regarding the rest of the fleet after the conclusion of this trial period.

Not the Only Line Making Changes

We previously brought you news about changes the Royal Caribbean plans to introduce on Oasis of the Seas.   In our article, High Speed Internet at Sea Coming Soon, we shared details about an upgraded communication network that will be coming to the largest ship afloat, Oasis of the Seas, next summer.  

Responding to Demand

Both cruise lines are responding to increased demand for connectivity at sea.   With more and more light-weight portable devices emerging, it's not just the business traveler, that needs to stay in contact with the home office, that are seeking to be always connected even at sea.

This is good news for those that want something close to "high-speed" access during their cruise vacation.  

So You've Just Gotten Onboard - What to Do

 You Just Boarded 

Allure of the Seas^SM

So What Do You Do?

Well, if you are like us, you probably got to the pier around mid-day so the cabins aren't ready for occupancy yet.  We had a light breakfast at the hotel because we knew that once we got onboard, there would be several venues open for us to grab a snack.

Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrento's Pizza

The gangway of Allure of the Seas is on Deck 5 which is the Royal Promenade.   Here you'll find Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade which have extended hours and offer snacks.   A slice of pizza at Sorrento's was our choice for something quick.  After pizza we stayed awhile people watching, one of our favorite things to do onboard the ship.

Unlimited Coca Cola 

For those that like to drink Coca Cola products with their meals or while lounging by the pool, you may want to consider purchasing the "Coke Fountain Sticker" which entitles you to as many fountain drinks as you like throughout the cruise.  The cost is $6.90 per person per day plus tip and includes a limited edition Royal Caribbean Coke bottle which can be refilled at any bar or restaurant on the ship or on Labadee, the private island.  These can be purchased on the first day of the cruise on the Royal Promenade.

On the Boardwalk

We stopped for a sausage at Boardwalk Dog House before heading to our cabin.  Passengers were getting their first glimpse of all that the Allure of the Seas has to offer on the Boardwalk.   Go for a ride on the carrousel or enjoy some refreshments in one of the dining venues.  

We would reassemble here before we sailed for the mandatory safety drill.  It is not necessary to bring life jackets with you to the drill.   In a real emergency, life jackets would be provided by the crew at the muster stations.

Kung Fu Panda 2 Coming to a Theater at Sea

Fun for the Whole Family This Summer

Just in time for Summer vacations, Royal Caribbean has announced a special  "Pandamonium" Package featuring the brand new Kung Fu Panda 2^TM movie showing onboard four of their ships.

The movie premieres  worldwide on May 26th with special "red carpet premieres" being held for the film in June on the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, as well as the smaller Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

Press Release: Royal Caribbean Premieres Kung Fu Panda 2 at Sea (April 26, 2011)
 

What's included  (Click here for more details)

See Kung Fu Panda 2^TM in the 3D onboard theater when you cruise with Royal Caribbean International® this summer, plus score our Summer Pandamonium Package* featuring:

• VIP seating at the 3D movie!
• INCLUDED Pets at Sea^SM Plush Pal (1 per stateroom)
• INCLUDED Coca-Cola® Fountain Package (2 per stateroom)
• INCLUDED cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard (2 per stateroom)
• INCLUDED 8x10 photo with Po or other DreamWorks® characters
• Exclusive Meet & Greet and photo opportunity

Offer details

Package valued at $200! Plus, enjoy FREE character breakfasts, surprise appearances, and FREE parades with Po, Shrek, and friends – all part of RCI's exclusive DreamWorks® Experience.

Hurry, must book by May 31, 2011. Offer valid for sailings in June, July and August, subject to availability.  Be sure to mention the "Pandamonium" Package when booking.

Available on

The Summer Pandamonium Package is available on these innovative ships:

• Allure of the Seas®
• Oasis of the Seas®
• Freedom of the Seas®
• Liberty of the Seas®

See our video for a preview of the DreamWorks Parade Allure of the Seas on our YouTube channel.   Credits:  Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and properties TM & © 2011 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. ©2011 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships' registry: Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean and Universal Studios Vacation

WHY NOT COMBINE TWO 

GREAT VACATIONS INTO ONE?

Royal Caribbean® has teamed up with Universal Orlando Resort™ for an exclusive vacation package you won’t find on any other cruise line, featuring Universal’s imaginative parks plus four Royal Caribbean fan favorites — Oasis of the Seas®, Harmony of the Seas®, Mariner of the Seas®, and the Majesty of the Seas®.

What’s included?

• Hop on a 3/4 or 7 Night Bahamas or Caribbean cruise either before or after your Universal adventure.
• 2, 3 or 4 Nights at Universal Orlando Resort™ including hotel & admission to all Universal parks.
• Early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, plus free Universal Express℠ tickets on select properties to skip regular lines.
• All transfers between Universal Orlando™ and your Royal Caribbean departure port.

Why should you book?

• Less expensive than booking each separately
• Easy to book, we take care of everything!
• Packages can be customized to fit your needs

So what are you waiting for? Come experience an adventure made for the whole family. Book now to take advantage of this exclusive package.

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Azamara Club Golf Cruises

AZAMARA TEES UP AT THE 

WORLD’S FINEST COURSES

HIT THE LINKS AT OLD HEAD IN IRELAND


Azamara Club Cruises® is taking destination immersion a step further with the new Azamara Club Golf Cruises in partnership with PerryGolf. These unique and exclusive packages let guests play exquisite, championship-caliber golf courses in Asia and Europe while traveling in the comfort and style of Azamara Journey® or Quest®.

Let Azamara coordinate tee times, cart rentals, luxury transfers to the course, range time, golf balls, club storage and gratuities at .each course as well as plan special cocktail parties and socials for golfers. Play a round at Old Head, Portmarnock, Oitavos Dunes, Montgomerie Links, Mission Hills, Four Seasons Provence, Sperone or another world-class course knowing that Azamara’s personal touch service is taking care of you.

EACH PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Pre-voyage golf program with  overnight in specified hotel	Greens fees, confirmed tee  times, carts or pull carts
Caddies on request at  additional cost	Luxury, air-conditioned transfers  to and from golf courses
Golfers socials, cocktail parties  and Hors d’oeuvres	Two group dinners, one in  a specialty restaurant
Standard beverage package  for duration of the voyage	Casual tournaments with awards  and prizes for all participants
Bag and club handling  and storage Full-time Azamara Golf Manager	Selected special event  for non-golfers such as the  Spa Experience, culinary  classes and wine tastings

14 NIGHTS: HONG KONG – SINGAPORE

AZAMARA QUEST®  EMBARKS MARCH 28, 2011

11 NIGHTS: BARCELONA, SPAIN – NICE, FRANCE

AZAMARA JOURNEY®  EMBARKS MAY 15, 2011

4/5 NIGHTS (9 COMBINED): 

NICE, FRANCE – NICE, FRANCE / ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY

AZAMARA JOURNEY® EMBARKS MAY 26 & MAY 30, 2011

10 NIGHTS: DUBLIN, IRELAND – LISBON, PORTUGAL

AZAMARA JOURNEY® EMBARKS AUGUST 29, 2011

9 NIGHTS: LISBON, PORTUGAL – NICE FRANCE

AZAMARA JOURNEY®  EMBARKS SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

7 NIGHTS: NICE, FRANCE – NICE, FRANCE

AZAMARA JOURNEY®  EMBARKS SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

10 NIGHTS: NICE, FRANCE – ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY

AZAMARA JOURNEY®  EMBARKS SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

Azamara Journey Spa and Fitness

Astral Spa Fitness

Welcome to Astral Spa, Azamara Journey's spa and fitness center.  Following lunch we took a tour of the spa, signed up for the cruise pass for the Thermal Spring and private spa deck.   The Thermal Spring features a private spa deck with Thalassotherapy Bath.   Minerals in the warm water, combined with powerful jets massage your body will you bask in the sun.

Thalassotherapy Bath

One of the best bargains for a couple on the Journey is to sign up for the full cruise use of the spa deck which includes the Thalassotherapy Bath.   The price (at time of this post) is $20 per person for a one day pass or $99 a person for the whole cruise.   A couple can purchase the same pass for $175 which is a substantial savings over single use or individual pricing.

We signed up for the entire cruise but due to rough seas, all pools were closed the first sea day.   We'll just have to go multiple times some other day to make sure we get the full benefit of the package.

As is the case ships, this spa is run by Elemis and is a full service facility.   We are looking forward to hot stones massages on Friday.   Another bargain is to schedule your massage or other service on a port day, which is why we picked Friday.   We'll be in St. Martin for the entire day, leaving at 11 PM at night which gave us plenty of time to see the port while also taking advantage of special pricing.

Check out our Facebook page for more pictures.