Sail Away Party Norwegian Bliss

click images to enlarge

Let's Get This Cruise Started ...


After the mandatory safety drill, we headed up to the pool deck to meet some friends and get ready for the Sail Away Party. Our first stop was at the Waves bar for one of the featured drinks. Since we weren't in international waters, the 20% gratuity was added to our tab despite having the unlimited beverage package.

The Cruise Director and staff hosted the Sail Away Party. Soon the pool deck was bopping to the live music. No matter where you were sitting or standing around the pool, you could see the activity on the ship's big projection screen.

As you can see from these pictures, it was a gorgeous day in Los Angeles. What better way to start your cruise than to watch from the open decks as the ship departs the port?

Following the sail away, it was time to head back to our cabin to see if our luggage had been delivered and get ready for the evening festivities.

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

Sailaway Party album

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Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Unforgettable Nights at Sea

#FriFotos Theme = #NIGHT

Pirates in the Caribbean

This week #FriFotos theme is #NIGHT.  It is being repeated by popular demand.  When thinking about images that could represent the theme, the first thing that came to mind was our unforgettable night aboard Disney Dream for our National Conference a couple years ago when we were entertained by the Disney Cast and their Pirates in the Caribbean deck party.

The highlight of the event is when Disney lights up the sky with fireworks which can be seen from your balcony or on the open decks.
Due to technical difficulties caused by weather, it was actually postponed a day during our cruise, which made the anticipation even greater.

(For those that don't know:  #FriFotos is a weekly Twitter photo forum by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.)    Recently, @spencerspellman joined the team as a permanent co-host.  We even had the chance to co-host one week late last year.)


Disney Dream Deck Party

All the guests gather on the open deck for a high-energy show as the highlight of Pirate in the Caribbean night.  If you want a different perspective of the show, why not include a ride on the AquaDuck which is awesome at night.

Yo Ho Yo Ho 

a Pirate's Life for Me

So, don you pirate costumes and join the Disney Cast on deck for an unforgettable night of entertainment.  Disney was the first cruise line to bring fireworks on board their cruises; others have now followed suite.

We don't want to spoil all the fun of anticipation, but we have a few more images in our photo album: Disney Dream - Pirates in the Caribbean   


If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc
Want to learn more about Disney Dream, see our photo journal:
 

Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Happy FOURth Birthday #FriFotos

Celebrating a Milestone
#FriFotos #FOUR 
 

Since joining the Twitter community, we have been participating in the weekly #FriFotos  photo forum hosted by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. A new theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.

Today we celebrate #FriFoto's fourth birthday and the theme fittingly is "#FOUR".

Every week in preparation for our participation, we search through our archives for a few images that meet that week's criteria.   Some themes are hard, while others, such as #greatINDOORS, provide a wealth of possibilities.   We actually co-hosted the event that week which was a lot of fun.

Commemorating the Event

There are many ways to interpret a theme, which actually adds to our enjoyment of the photo forum.   It causes us to look through our archives with a different perspective searching for photos that convey the theme.   It is interesting to see how others interpret the theme as well.   We often get ideas for future trips by reviewing others' contributions.  Here are some of our entries for this week:

#Four Dancers bringing balloons to #FriFotos birthday party

You can't have a birthday party without balloons, so we searched through our archives and found this image captured during a cruise on Caribbean Princess.

Let the Party Begin
 

Need some music for #FriFotos #Four birthday - we invited the Beatles but they were on @RoyalCaribbean Allure OTS 

What's a birthday party without some good music?  This group of #FOUR launched the world into a frenzy with their music and the rest is history.  I think they'd be the perfect group to perform at our party.

 

#Four dancing stars will provide some entertainment for #FriFotos birthday Direct from @PrincessCruises stage  

These energetic #Four dancing stars are on stage to really get our party going.   Join us on #FriFotos today so that you don't miss all the fun.

 

Many Well-Wishers On Hand

Congratulations @CharlesYap @TravelDesigned @EpsteinTravels from @RoyalCaribbean Captain Zini & Crew #FriFotos #Four

Everyone is invited to the party and look who showed up. Royal Caribbean's Captain of the largest vessel afloat brought along #Four of his crew members to with the #FriFotos team a Happy Fourth Birthday.

If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

Congratulations to the best Four-Some on Twitter:
Charles Yap, Jonathan Epstein, Stephanie Diehl & You (the contributors who make it worth the effort)

5 Ingredients for Tropical Island Night

#1 - Event Announcements

 What better way to publicize a party than to put it in bright lights on the big screen?

 #2 - Location, Location, Location

The location for this Tropical Island Night was non other than Caribbean Princess cruise ship's main pool.  There is plenty of room on the outdoor decks for all to partake comfortably.

#3 - Participants

This party was hosted by our Cruise Director along with his staff.   All guests were welcome.

 #4 - Food & Entertainment

Take the first 3 ingredients, add in some food and entertainment, stir it all up and you have the makings of a fun-filled evening at sea.   

Missing Ingredient:

YOU

 

This should be you enjoying a gorgeous night at sea under the stars with some new friends, great food, and entertainment.

We got a tip that your beach ball is lost somewhere on the ship - contact us to arrange a trip to retrieve it.

Follow our adventures on:

Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc

Did anyone ever tell you that a CRUISE IS BORING?  

What do YOU think NOW?

Super Sunday on Carnival Conquest

Embarkation Day

Superbowl Sunday

Get Ready for the "Big Game"

We embarked the Carnival Conquest on February 2nd shortly after noon.  The cabins weren't ready as expected and we headed up to Lido Deck (deck 9) for some lunch.  The first thing we saw was the big screen in the pool area.   It was displaying the Superbowl logo because later this evening this would be the site of the biggest viewing onboard the ship of the "Big Game".

Lido Deck is the perfect spot to watch the game since you are close to food and of course, beverages.

RedFrog Rum Bar   

Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of “frog approved” Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher and plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.  View RedFrog Rum Bar Menu
 

"Big Game" at Sea (click for more images)

BlueIguana Tequila Bar

The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a line up of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or pitcher and even a special Mexican beer cocktail.   View BlueIguana Tequila Bar Menu  As we mentioned in earlier posts, we had made a dinner reservation at "The Point" Steakhouse for 6:00 PM, so we only watched the start of the game and then headed off to dinner.   When we returned, the game was in the third period, so we watched the final minutes from the Lido deck chairs.   Unfortunately, it wasn't much of a game, but it still was a lot of fun watching with so many people on the open deck of Carnival Conquest.
 

Click for Mini-Series Articles / Images

Following the game, there was lot's to do onboard the ship.  In our next posts, we'll continue our tour of the ship and the activities onboard and then we'll be headed to our first port of call, Nassau, Bahamas.

Be sure to come back to visit us for more of our experiences and tips to make your next Carnival cruise enjoyable.

Wave Season 2013

Wave (n) A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore

Despite the image, that's not the definition we have in mind. The cruise industry's "Wave Season," which takes place between January and March, is when cruise lines offer some of their very best extra-value incentives for booking cruise vacations.

Timing is Everything - Plan Early

January to March is the time when there are the most consumers looking at cruise vacations.   You might have special needs / wants, such as a mid-ship location, larger cabins holding 3 or more passengers, a handicapped cabin, an itinerary on a particular small ship that has limited occupancy.   You probably aren't the only ones with similar requirements.  To quote a popular saying, "the early bird gets the worm".

When looking at special needs such as triple or quad occupancy, handicapped cabins, mid-ship location, etc., there are a finite number of cabins that meet those classifications.   These are among the first cabins selected by early planners.  If you wait until late in Wave Season, or worse, later in the year, you may not be able to find your choice, or at the very least, will pay a premium for that selection.

Taking Advantage of Wave Season


What's the best deal during Wave Season?  There are so many offers during Wave Season, it's hard to determine what's the best deal to take advantage of.   We'd suggest you focus on offers that provide cabin upgrades, free or reduced airfare, and other amenities which typically aren't available year-round.   We have offers crossing our desk every day throughout Wave Season.  We'll do our best to publicize them on our website, here in this blog, and limit a few to our Facebook Fans only.   So be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter, subscribe to this blog, and become a fan on our Facebook Page.   Call or email us with your bucket list and we can keep watch for you during the next couple of months.

In closing, take advantage of this special season - you deserve a vacation and you deserve to get the best value.

We offer our Best Price & Satisfaction Guarantee so plan with confidence and Take to the Waves this Wave Season.   

Fan Appreciation Wave Party


For those of you in the Chicagoland area, we are hosting a special "Catch a Wave" party at The Chicago Loop Bar and Grill in Streamwood on Wednesday, January 23rd.


Reservations are required:     Catch a Wave Party

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween came early for us this year. In fact it occurred  in the midst of our National Conference at Walt Disney World Resort on Tuesday, October 16th.  Following a day of meetings, it was time to unwind in the Magic Kingdom.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Murder & Mayhem On High Seas

Whodunit Productions

+ Carnival Inspiration

= Spooky Halloween

October 26 - 29, 2012


Are you surprised?  Did you think we were reporting some terrible crime onboard a cruise ship?  No, today we are bringing you information about  a different way to spend your Halloween.

This is the Halloween Party to end all parties.   Have you ever played Hasbro's game of Clue?  What if that game suddenly came to life and you were in the midst of it?   Would you be afraid?   Would you be up to the challenge?  Did the crime occur in the Library (above)?

A THREE NIGHT MYSTERIOUS 
 CRUISE TO MEXICO !!! 

Whodunit Productions creates a Live Comedy Murder Mystery aboard Carnival's "Inspiration" that you will become a part of ... as well as try and solve.  There are times over the three day cruise that you will be following the mystery and other times when you are free to just enjoy the cruise ... They don't want you to have to look over your shoulder for all days and nights straight!  

 

DAY	PORT	ARRIVE	DEPART
Friday, October 26th	Los Angeles, Ca		4:30 PM
Saturday, October 27th	Sailing	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
Sunday, October 28th	Sailing	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
Monday, October 29th	Los Angeles, Ca	7:00 AM

When you board you will be given a role to play for the weekend. Don't worry, if you are on the shy side you can just sit back and watch it all unfold. But if you are not, then you can use your character to find out as much as you can. You see the actors will be mixing among you and in character for the entire show!!!

Contact us to select your Mystery Cabin and we'll give you the clues you need to add on the Mystery Fee of $110 per person to transform a normal cruise into an unforgettable Halloween experience.

 Don't Wait - Others are Dying to Join in the Fun

Welcome Aboard Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Allure of the SeasSM Day 1

First in a series of articles about our 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Allure of the Seas. Virtually tour with us as we explore the Allure of the Seas and all she has to offer.  We'll highlight some of our adventures on land and sea during the week. 

Allure of the Seas & Emerald Princes - Ft. Lauderdale

Waking early Sunday morning, we went out on our hotel balcony to see the  Allure of the Seas and Emerald Princess completing their docking maneuvers.  Soon we would be onboard the Allure for our National Conference cruise.

We left the Hyatt Ft. Lauderdale hotel around 10:45 AM with another agent couple. After returning their rental car, the shuttle took all of us to Pier 66, which is within sight of the hotel.  We had to wait while for the shuttle, so we got to the pier around 11:30 AM.   By noon we were onboard the ship.


Embarkation Process

Most of you are aware that Allure of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world at present.  She and her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, are the latest ships in Royal Caribbean International's fleet.   Allure is coming up on her one year anniversary, while Oasis celebrates her second birthday this year.  Fully loaded, these ships accommodate around 6,000 passengers.  Allure sailed at full capacity for our sailing.

The amazing thing is that Royal Caribbean guarantees that you won't have a long wait for embarkation.   This was our second cruise on Allure, and they delivered on their promise both times.  

We are Diamond members, which means there would be a special line for us at embarkation, but we didn't even need to go in that line.   After passing through security, we headed to the check-in lines where we were directed to a gentleman holding up his sign indicating that he was open and waiting for guests.  

The embarkation stations are grouped by deck making for a very efficient process.  After giving the check-in agent our completed paperwork, showing our passports, providing the credit card for onboard purchases, and having our picture taken for our cabin keys, we were off for our first photo opportunity, the Welcome Aboard photo.  He had given us our cabin keys, The Cruise Planner (pictured above), and a fold-up pocket guide map of the ship.   These can be very useful throughout the ship, but if you read our past article, Navigating the Allure of the Seas, you'll discover that there are more efficient ways to find your way around.

Getting Onboard

After our photo, we gathered our carry-on bags and headed to the gangway.   We showed our cabin key several times, including having it scanned, and then we were headed up the gangway to the Allure's entrance.  At the top of the gangway, it's time to sanitize your hands and step aboard the ship.  Cabins weren't ready for occupancy, so it was time to explore the open public areas.

What's the first thing you do when you get onboard - read our next article to see what we did on Allure of the Seas...