Showtime on Liberty of the Seas

 

Saturday Night Fever 
Live on Royal Caribbean

Acclaimed West End-show "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" has made its debut aboard Royal Caribbean International's Liberty of the Seas, the first Broadway show featured on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe.

"Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" premiered in the West End at the London Palladium in 1998 and has been seen by more than 10 million people worldwide. On Liberty of the Seas, the story of Tony, the ambitious Brooklyn teen who spends his Saturday nights disco dancing is played by the British actor Lucas Rush and is brought to life on stage in the ship's state-of-the-art, 1,320-seat Platinum Theatre. The show has been created by Royal Caribbean Productions in association with Robert Stigwood Organisation Ltd. as part of the ship's recent Royal Advantage revitalization and onboard enhancements.

"We are delighted to offer a West End hit aboard Liberty of the Seas, just in time for the ship's maiden season in Europe this summer," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "Exceeding the expectations of our guests is part of the Royal Advantage that we deliver at Royal Caribbean International, and the new 'Saturday Night Fever: The Musical' show is set to be a real hit onboard. We can't wait to see our guests singing the catchy tunes while they are rock climbing, surfing, ice skating and enjoying all the other activities that Liberty of the Seas offers. With all this, and now a true West End show included in the cruise fare, there are more reasons for guests to vacation at sea."

Based on the hugely popular 1970's feature film, "Saturday Night Fever," the storyline and music that created the worldwide disco phenomenon includes cult-classic songs from The Bee Gees including "Stayin' Alive," "Tragedy," and "More than a woman," and KC and the Sunshine Band's "Boogie Shoes."

In addition to "Saturday Night Fever," Liberty of the Seas has received some of the most popular features that debuted aboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas as part of the multi-ship Royal Advantage^SM revitalization and enhancement program. The Royal Advantage^SM delivers a most memorable vacation onboard some of the world's most innovative cruise ships that sail to exciting destinations and feature the widest array of exclusive and cutting-edge onboard amenities.  Read more:  Introducing Royal Advantage

Celebrating Mothers

Tomorrow across America, we celebrate our mothers, both living and deceased.   It is fitting that honor be given to mothers, for without them, we wouldn't be here.   Setting aside a day to honor mothers dates back centuries and can be traced to the 1600's in Greece, where there were celebrations of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods.  The history is quite fascinating.  To read more, I'd suggest reading the following article on the web:  The History of Mother's Day


Mother's Day as we know it today was first officially proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914, when he made an official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. The tradition of giving a Mother's Day Proclamation continues to this day with each President of the United States doing so every year.

Mother's Day isn't only celebrated in the United States, but across the world.  There are several different dates however as can be seen here.

So what do you give a mother who has given you the most precious gift, life?   It is pretty common to give moms flowers, candy, jewelry, greeting cards, and dinner on Mother's Day.   Often young children give something made in school or do little things, like cleaning up their rooms.   To the mom, it typically doesn't matter how big or small the gift is.  In fact, they might be just as happy with just the words "I love you mom".

If you are looking for something different to give to mom this year, it's not too late.   Would she like to get away, with or without the family?    Perhaps she would like a few days of pampering and just relaxing on a cruise vacation.  Talk to the rest of the family and see what they think.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms on your special day.   We hope that you enjoy your day with family and friends.

New Venture for Cruise West Chairman

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) Galapagos

What's Next for Dick West of Cruise West?

September 18, 2010, Dick West, them Chairman of Cruise West, announced the cessation of operations of his small cruise company that had been founded by the late Chuck West in 1973.  This was a sad day for the cruise industry, and for lovers of small cruise ships alike.

Cruise West early success was in Alaska and later the company branched out to other locations where small ships could explore areas that the big boys couldn't.    One of those locations was Galapagos.  

When Cruise West stranded passengers last year, Dick West had worked with their Galapagos partner, Canodros,  to provide alternative options for guests booked on the cruises that were to depart through 2011.   

Shortly after the demise of the company, Dick West had indicated that he intended to return to the cruise industry, but that he would not own ships, but rather would work with other vendors to provide a similar small ship experience.   

Travel Weekly is reporting that the former chairman of Cruise West would launch his comeback cruise and tour venture in the Galapagos by the end of this year and will start taking bookings this summer.  The article indicates that the new company, Explor Tours, would offer a product similar to Cruise West.

We will monitor this story and bring you additional details as plans are unfolded.   A quick search of the internet finds another company with a similar name, so we will have to see if that is indeed the final name of the emerging cruise company.

Galapagos is one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations that end up on most cruise enthusiasts bucket lists.   This is typically one of the most expensive cruises that you'll take.   It will be interesting to see the response he gets to his new venture.    We wish him success.

Happy Cinco de Mayo 2011

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico.   The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.

In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.   Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.

Cruises to Mexico

Mexico is not just sunny beaches and great water sports. Mexico's Spanish colonial roots fused with her turbulent Indian ancestry have engendered a rich cultural history. Fascinating archaeological ruins, extraordinary works of art, colonial architecture, native handicrafts and wonderful folklore will capture your imagination. Combine all this with fiery sunsets, lots of fun and romantic evenings, and you have the makings of a spectacular cruise vacation.
There are three types of cruise to Mexico, each offering a different cruise experience.

Mexico Baja :

These are short 3 and 4 day cruises departing year-round from Los Angeles, California to Ensenada, Mexico and Catalina. Very popular with the West Coast crowd as fun, quick and relaxing getaway.

Mexico Round-Trip :

These are typically 7-night cruises departing year-round from Los Angeles, and seasonally from San Diego and San Francisco; however, they travel further South than the shorter Mexican Baja Cruises. A Mexico Round-Trip cruise often includes, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta before returning to Los Angeles. 

Some 8, 10 and 11 night cruises to the Mexico Round-Trip are also offered seasonally. In April, many cruise lines offer a one time one-way repositioning Mexico Round-Trip Cruise from Acapulco to Los Angeles or San Francisco as their travel enroute to Vancouver for the Alaska season. They do this again in the reverse at the end of the Alaska Season.

Caribbean - Western :

Many 4, 5 and 7 night Caribbean cruises make stops in Cancun and Cozumel, Mexico, which is on the opposite side of the country when compared to the Mexican Riviera. Click here to learn more about the Western Caribbean. In Mexico you'll find world-glass golfing, horseback riding, bounteous sport fishing, and sensational diving spots. Dramatic scenery abounds. Shopping is blissful. The American dollar goes a long way, and everything, from regional leather goods and handcrafted silver to designer imports is a bargain.  

West Coast cruises are currently cut down from previous years, so you'll have fewer choices.   Cruise lines have stated that the demand wasn't there, so they deployed their ships elsewhere.  There are parts of Mexico that have seen an increase in violence, so there have been itinerary changes to keep passengers safe.   Tourist areas are safe for the most part.   As with any international travel, you want to be vigilant and be sure to use common sense (such as not wandering off alone at night).    We have traveled to Mexico several times, and especially enjoy the Mexican Riviera.   Consider including one or more Mexican ports in your next cruise. 

Worldwide Travel Alerts Issued

In the wake of Sunday's counter-terrorist activity, the U.S. Department of State issued a very unusual Worldwide Travel Alert which is in effect now through August 1, 2011.  


"The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011. "

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office is also expressing concern. It has not issued an official alert but has released a statement advising British travelers to be cautious abroad: "We have advised British nationals overseas to monitor local media, remain vigilant and exercise caution." 

It is important to note that the alert doesn't make any reference to a specific threat, but rather just encourages American citizens to be vigilant and stay informed of current news as they travel.   This is common sense which should be exercised regardless of whether or not an alert has been issued.

One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website).   We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Carnival Magic Naming Ceremony

Carnival Magic Naming Ceremony  May 1, 2011

The Magic and Fun Begins Today in Venice

Venice, Italy was the sight of today's naming ceremony for the 100th vessel in the Carnival Corporation's fleet. The brand new Carnival Magic, sister ship to Carnival Dream, was christened today in accordance with maritime tradition.  This latest "Fun Ship" is 130,000 tons of fun.

Naming a godmother is a shipbuilding tradition that dates back to ancient times, and helps bring the ship good fortune. Someone who knows a thing or two about good fortune is Lindsey Wilkerson, a childhood cancer survivor who was treated at St. Jude, and now grown up, is a spokesperson and employee, helping the hospital in its mission to end childhood cancer. Carnival is a partner with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and thought it was fitting to have Lindsey be the godmother of Carnival Magic.

Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line 
(Click to see more photos and read more about ceremony)

Carnival Magic - Now Sailing in Europe on its Maiden Voyage

Hurricane East Coast Awareness Tour 2011

C-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft (Credit: NOAA)

Hurricane Preparedness

East Coast Awareness Tour
Week of May 2nd

Public invited to tour Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft

NOAA hurricane experts will visit five U.S. East Coast cities aboard a NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft to raise awareness about storm threats and the danger of being caught without a personal hurricane plan. The five-day tour begins May 2.

Tour Schedule:

• Mon., May 2: Mass. Military Reservation, Falmouth, Mass., 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Tue., May 3: Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wed., May 4: Cherry Point MCAS, N.C., 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thur., May 5: International Airport, Savannah, Ga., 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Fri., May 6: Executive Airport, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOAA has been conducting hurricane awareness tours like this for 30 years, alternating between Gulf and Atlantic coasts.  Hurricane season begins June 1st and continues through November 30th.  Bill Read, director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, and his team will be on hand to conduct tours of the NOAA WP-3D Orion turboprop aircraft which is used primarily by scientists on research missions to study various elements of a hurricane, flying through the eye of the storm several times each flight.

The aircraft is piloted by officers of the NOAA Corps — one of the seven uniformed services of the United States — and based at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, located at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.  NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit them on Facebook.
 

Hurricane Preparedness Week during 2011
May 22nd through May 28th

For additional information about hurricanes, including useful links, see the static  "Weather" tab above.  Last season we monitored several tropical storms which fortunately weren't as devastating as in some past years.  None of the storms made landfall in the United States.  Also see last year's Hurricane Preparedness series of articles:  Hurricane Preparedness for Cruisers