Melbourne 19 Hours Later

click to enlarge image

Our pre-cruise stay was at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. It was 15 minutes away from the airport and 15
minutes away from the cruise terminal. The hotel was renovating their pool and reception areas.  We were greeted by a bellmen when our taxi pulled up at the hotel.  They took our luggage and pointed us towards an elevator which would take us to the temporary lobby one floor up. 

We had a beautiful room which overlooked the front of  the hotel.  We could see the new pool area which will be fabulous once construction is completed.   The in-room television was displaying a picture of what it will look like.

Our room was quite comfortable with all the amenities needed for a couple night stay before your cruise.  It's location makes it a good choice as well. 

After 19 hours on two flights, your first instinct might be to get some sleep in your hotel ... But, that's the last thing you should do, so off we went ....

After checking in, we went up to our room to wait for our luggage.  After freshening up a bit, we headed out to the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium which was actually a lot closer to the hotel than the map had shown.  It was just a couple blocks away.  We had some light refreshments in the lobby bar after returning from the aquarium.   We bought some meat pies for dinner from the local convenience store. We have lots of pictures and videos, so be sure to keep reading our diary on this trip.

The day we checked out, they opened their new lobby area, which looks lovely.  More images in our Crowne Plaza Melbourne photo album.

We'll talk more about our first day in Melbourne in another post.  For more images, see our Shutterfly Photo Page. Hopefully, you've followed us live on our social media channels as well.  Don't worry if you didn't, as our anchor post will tie everything together for you.  Just click the image (left) to our diary post.

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Pride of America Gets Make-Over

Pride of America

Enhancements in 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America, which sails the Hawaiian Islands, will undergo a $30M refurbishment in Spring 2013.

The ship will enter a 14 day dry-dock in Honolulu, HI, March 23, 2013, at which time it will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; Moderno Churrascaria, the line's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness center; new directional signage; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.

Deck 13 Transformation

• Four Studio cabins will be added for solo travelers
• Twenty-four suites will be added
• Four inside cabins

Deluxe Owners Suites

•  Two  566 square foot suites
•  sleeping up to four guests
•  large bedroom, separate living area 
• 410 square foot balcony
•  premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets
•  state of the art bathroom featuring custom mosaic tiles
•  connecting doors to the adjacent Family Suites
•  sleeping up to 10 guests when combined
•  perfect option for families or groups who wish to travel in luxury together

Family Suites

•  ranging from 363 to 416 square feet
•  most sleeping up to six guests
•  two ADA compliant for guests with disabilities
•  245 square foot balcony

All of the new suites and staterooms will go on sale October 1, 2012 for sailings beginning September 7, 2013.

 

Additional Enhancements 

 

Green means "go" for food

Moderno Churrascaria

• Norwegian's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse
• cost is $20 per person  

Cagney's Steakhouse

•  Lazy J's Steakhouse will be converted

If you aren't familiar with these signature restaurants, see our past blog posts for more details - these are big favorites of passengers on other ships.    Dine like a Norwegian !!

 
Additional Renovations

•  new carpeting throughout the ship
•  flat-screen TVs in all cabins
•  upgrades to the fitness center
•  new directional signage
•  renovated gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery
•  updated decor in the Aloha Cafe, the ship's buffet restaurant

Pride of America will return to her seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday when she returns to service in early April 2013. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.  This ship is the only one in the entire industry that sails a seven-day itinerary in the islands.

A Lady That Still Shines at 125

125th Anniversary 

Statue of Liberty

October 28, 2011

Liberty Enlightening the World

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.  It was later designated as a National Monument in 1924, restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986, and now for her 125th, is undergoing a renovation of the 125 year old pedestal and the 200 year old fort base from which the statue rises.

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States... The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The 1886 dedication was attended by President Grover Cleveland, who proclaimed on that day that 'Liberty' would "magnify France beyond the seas." The dedication was followed by a fireworks display and New York City's first ever 'Ticker Tape' parade.

Honor History, Envision the Future

The National Park Service theme for the 125th anniversary events was 'Honor History, Envision the Future.'   The program for the day was jointly sponsored by the National Park Service and their proud partners at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company and Macy's. 

The goal of the celebration was  to re-create, to the greatest extent possible, the actual program that guided that day's events 125 years ago.  The day  included a naturalization ceremony, musical performances, a gun salute, a U.S. Coast Guard sponsored Flotilla, FDNY Fireboat water spout display, a presentation of "Gifts of Friendship" to a representative of the French government, and the ceremonial 'lighting' of the new 'torch webcam' that will showcase views of NY Harbor and the Statue from the vantage point of Lady Liberty's torch.  Read more about the day's events on the NPS website.

The TorchCam is LIVE - Enjoy the views! 

Several remarkable views will be just a touch of a mouse away. On clear days, three cameras will provide unobstructed panoramas and live views of the famed New York City skyline, along with a front row seat to watch views of the majestic Hudson River and ships in New York Harbor. And that's just looking out. The two remaining cameras provide truly unique views. One provides a ultra wide-angle interactive view of the famed golden torch; and the final camera looks downward.

Be Social, Join the Conversation!

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How tall is the Statue and what does that tablet say?
The Statue of Liberty's statistics and symbolism

What was October 28, 1886 in New York City really like?
This day in Statue of Liberty's history

Statue of Liberty National Monument 
to Remain OPEN During Renovation
Plans for the 2011-2012 restoration of Lady Liberty

View from a Cruise Ship

The Statue of Liberty can be seen from several vantage points around the New York / New Jersey shores or islands.  Each of these views are magnificent, but in my mind, nothing is more magnificent than sailing into New York harbor at sunrise and seeing the Statue of Liberty as your cruise ship approaches.  Imagine you were one of the immigrants who had left everything, including family, to venture to the new world for a new life, and behold you saw Lady Liberty standing in your path.   It would take your breath away, as it should for everyone that understands what she stands for.

We have been fortunate to sail into and out of New York or New Jersey cruise ports on several occasions, but we won't forget the Trans-Atlantic in 2000 where not only did we see the Statue of Liberty as we sailed in from Europe, but the twin towers of The World Trade Center.  Little did we know that would be our last cruise where we'd see those towers.

There are several options for cruising into or out of New York / New Jersey cruise ports.  We highly recommend you add that to your bucket list.   We'd be happy to discuss the various options with you when you are ready to plan.