Text us at 407-572-3631 To Plan Your Next Adventure
  • Home
  • About
    • Resources
  • Blog
    • Live Large Cruise Small
  • Theme Parks

Our Blog

The 12 New Ships of 2021

12/17/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
After the year the cruise lines have had it is nice to know that we will still get to see 12 new ships start sailing in 2021!   Below I have listed them in order of when they should be starting to sail but that is subject to change.   Feel free to sign along!

On the 1st ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - a Ship With No Kids!

1.  Viking Venus - scheduled to sail January 2021 she will be the 7th Ocean Ship for Viking with 2 more on the way in 2022.  All of the Viking ships are identical and offer only verandah rooms and are adult only.   Viking has one of the youngest Ocean fleet with the 1st ship debuting in 2015. Venus will sail the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.   All of the Viking Ocean ships do carry less than 1000 passengers putting them in the Small Ship category.  

On the 2nd ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - a 2 Story Red Frog Tiki bar and a Roller Coaster!

2. Carnival Mardi Gras - scheduled to sail April 2021 she will bring us the first roller coaster at sea.  Yes that is Santa taking a spin on it in the photo at the top.  Mardi Gras will be doing Caribbean sailings out of Port Canaveral and she is a mega ship carrying over 5,000 guests.

On the 3rd ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us  - a 300 Hundred foot North Star, a 2 Story Lime and Coconut bar, and a Glow in the Dark Laser Tag!

3. Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas - scheduled to sail April 2021 she will be the first in the Quantum Ultra Class to sail in the US and Europe.   Odyssey of the Seas will sail out of Rome and Fort Lauderdale offering Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings.   Holding up to 4,200 passengers she is another mega ship.

On the 4th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 16 Indoor bars, 5 Unique pools, 2 Cirque shows, and the Longest LED Dome at Sea!

4. MSC Virtuosa - scheduled to sail April 2021 she will be the second Meraviglia Plus class ship for MSC.  This will stay in Europe offering cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Middle East.  Another mega class ship that can carry 4,800 passengers.

On the 5th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - A LUXURY YACHT EXPERIENCE, 4 Dining rooms, Aft marina, Infinity pool, and All Rooms Are Suites.

5. Ritz Carlton Evrima - scheduled to sail April 2021 she will be the first the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection. 
She will offer sailings in Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada/New England, and the Caribbean.   That does also mean there are opportunities to do Atlantic crossings on this amazing ship!   Evrima is an all suite, all balcony, all inclusive ship.   With only about 300 passengers onboard it is a luxurious small ship.  

On the 6th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 6 fine dining restaurants, 100 Suites, 2 Story solarium, Fold out marina, 2 Helicopters, and a Submarine!

6. Crystal Endeavor - scheduled to sail May 2021 she will be the first Expedition ship for Crystal.  Endeavor is a purpose built Polar Class yacht, all suite, with attentive butlers and an expedition team.   She will sail all over the world but she was built for Antarctica.   Just 200 guests onboard means it is a luxurious expedition on this small ship.

On the 7th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 8 Dining options, Rolling Stone Rock Room, Lincoln Stage Center, BB King's Blues Club, BBC Earth Concert, World Stage theater, and Club Orange!

7. Holland America's Rotterdam - scheduled to sail August 2021 she will be the 7th ship to bear the name Rotterdam.  Holland America recently sold the previous Rotterdam as part of the downsizing many lines did during this shutdown.  Rotterdam will be the new flagship of Holland America sailing the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.  Carrying just under 2,700 guests I consider her a Mid Size ship.

On the 8th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 20 bars and lounges, 5D Cinema, Largest interactive water park at sea, a LEGO themed kids club, Full size bowling alley,  World's first digital cruise assistant, MSC Yacht Club, and F1 Simulators.

8. MSC Seashore - scheduled to sail August 2021 she is the largest ship to be built in Italy and the 1st of MSC's EVO class ship.  This is one of the MSC ships that will sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.   With over 4,500 guests Seashore is a mega ship.

On the 9th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 8 Dining options, S.A.L.T. Lab, Cigar Lounge and Bar, Arts Cafe, Live jazz and blues, Zagara beauty spa, Observation library, Fitness center, and a Casino.

9. Silver Dawn - scheduled to sail September 2021 she is the 10th ultra luxury ship to join the Silversea fleet.  She will be sailing the Mediterranean and South America.   Did you know that Silversea was part of the Royal Caribbean family?   With just less than 600 guests onboard she is a small ship.

On the 10th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - The Largest balconies at sea, Only jazz theater at sea, Princess's largest ever thermal suite, The Voice of the Ocean singing competition, Salty Dog Gastropub, Ultimate Balcony Dining, The Princess Luxury Bed, the Sanctuary, Sleep by Princess, and Chocolate Journeys!

10. Discovery Princess - scheduled to sail November 2021 she is the 3rd vessel designed from the ground up with Princess Medallion Class and also the final Royal-class ship.  Discovery Princess will sail the Caribbean, Mediterranean, California Coast, Mexican Riviera, and South America.  Carrying over 3,600 guests she is a Mega ship.

On the 11th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - More than 20 Specialty eateries all included, At Sea Tattoo Parlor, Private karaoke rooms,  Onboard record shop, Immersive entertainment experiences, All fitness classes included, Gentleman's Barber shop, Boxing Ring, Rockstar Suites, No Buffets and No Kids!

11. Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady - recently rescheduled to sail starting November 2021 she will be the second ship for Virgin Voyages, neither of which have had paying guests sail onboard yet.  Valiant Lady will sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean.  Even though she does have 17 decks only up to 2,770 passengers makes her more of a mid-size ship.   

On the 12th ship of 2021 the cruise world brings to us - 24 Zodiacs, 2 Submarines, Double sea kayaks, Mountain bikes, E-bikes, Landing Zone, Expedition Lounge, Constellation Lounge, Near water level Bow Lounge, Guest Experts onboard, All Verandah Suites, and a Discovery Center!

12. Seabourn Venture - scheduled to sail December 2021 she will be the first Ultra-Luxury purpose built expedition ship for Seabourn.  Did you know Seabourn is part of the Carnival Corporation?  She will stick to mainly polar areas in South American and Northern Europe.   With only 132 suites that means just a max of 264 guests onboard this ultra luxury small ship.  
0 Comments

A Stress Free Ending to your Cruise

12/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture


Let's face it no matter how you look at it that last morning of your cruise just stinks!   Number one it means vacation is over and you have to go back home where nobody is cooking all your meals and magically making your bed.  It also means an early wake up.  There are a few things you can do to help make this rough morning a little easier.
Post cruise transportation 
 Before that last morning make sure you already have all your plans set up for when you get off the ship.  This could go back as far as when you are booking flights and be sure to book flights that depart with enough time to get off the ship and get to the airport.   If you are heading back to the airport make sure you have your transportation all set up and you have a good idea where you are going to find it when you are off the ship. It can be a little chaotic out there with all the guests getting off the ship and then new guests arriving to board.   The cruise lines usually offer a shuttle  for a fee or you can use a car service.  There will be different spots for the cruise buses and things like taxis and Uber.  Another option is to get a rental car. 
  I noticed something very important when I got off my most recent cruise in Miami which is sort of what inspired me to write this blog.  It is important when booking your rental car to find out where the rental location is and if they offer a shuttle that will pick you up at the ship.  In Miami I saw first hand quite a few people that thought they could just board any rental car shuttle to get back to the Miami airport rental car building or worse people that thought they rented from the airport location but they had not.   I had booked with Alamo which does require you to show your reservation in order to board the Alamo bus to the airport.  While I understand why they require that it does slow the process down a bit. It also cannot be fun for the bus driver to keep telling people sorry you didn't book with Alamo so you cannot get on.  I saw quite a few people get pretty angry so I am sure they deal with that alot.  The Miami airport isn't far from the port so at least those people could grab an Uber for about $16 (about half the cost of a taxi) but these are things they might not know and just are not ready for.  This is why I say make sure you pan for that day.  
The other option for that day would be if you drove you own car to the port.  If you parked in the cruise port lot you have the easiest option of all since you will just walk over to your car and off you go.  If you saved a little money and used a parking lot a little bit away from the port just be sure you know where and how often the parking lot shuttle will run.  
The last morning onboard
Now let's back up a bit to when you are still on the ship.  Most likely your ship is back in port around 6 am but it does have to wait to be cleared by the coast guard before guests can start getting off.   This process can be a little noisy so you might be woken up even earlier than you wanted but either way you will start hearing the get up and get off messages announced early.  Most ships, especially the mega ships, need to start moving people off in groups in order to make sure there are not huge back ups in the luggage and customs areas.  If you have an early flight you might want to take advantage of the earliest option which requires you to carry all of your luggage off yourself.   For everyone else you will have put most of your luggage out in the hall the night before so that will be transported off the ship in the morning and waiting for you when you get off the ship.   You might have a couple options for breakfast so be sure to check that out.  If you are not in a rush and are in one of the later groups for getting off the ship the buffet is usually your best option if you are tying to stay onboard as long as possible.  I always try to leave whatever bags I am carrying off the ship in my room while I go grab breakfast which makes the buffet easier.  Then when my group is called I just pop back to the room and grab them.  
The night before your last morning
Backing up even a little further to that last night there are few things to do.   The first is packing up your stuff.   If you are putting your bags out in the hall so they can be taken off the ship for you then you will need to remember to not pack certain things like clothes and shoes for the next day, your ID, and any medication or valuables.  Also make sure you have a carry on type bag left to pack all of these things in for getting them off the ship with you in the morning.   After many cruises I have seen plenty of people that forgot to leave out clothes before putting their bags out so they were either in evening wear or pajamas getting off the ship.   I have also seen plenty of barefoot people that packed all of their shoes the night before.   Be sure to double check the safe for anything you might have stored in there.   Also now is a good time to check your account and be sure all the charges on there look correct.  Unless you directed otherwise the ship will automatically charge the card on file at the end of the cruise.  Most likely there won't be any charges after that last night so checking now is good.  Keep in mind there are a few last minute things that could show up on there that last morning though.  Two possibilities are minibar charges if you have that option and towel charges if you ship charges for pool towels that are not returned to the proper place.  One other last morning charge that is possible is if you choose to make any last minute photo purchases as that is usually the only thing still open that last morning.    
Just a little pre-planning will help your last morning go smoothly so even if you are not happy about your cruise ending at least you won't be feeling stressed on top of that.
0 Comments

There is a cruise ship for every type of vacation

11/27/2018

0 Comments

 
​      2 weeks ago I was onboard the Azamara Pursuit that held about 700 guests and today I am on the NCL Bliss which holds about 6000 guests.   As you might guess there is a huge difference!   Personally I like the smaller quieter ships but for this cruise we are sailing with extended family so the bigger ship that offers more options made sense.   It is also Thanksgiving week so this ship seems to be full of extended families all traveling in large groups.   Sailing on such contrasting ships within a month really makes it clear that there is a ship for everyone and also every occasion.  
  For our Mediterranean Cruise a small ship was perfect since we were visiting ports everyday and were spending all day exploring on land.  A smaller ship can get into smaller ports which is a big advantage in Europe.   This cruise is in the Caribbean which tends to have more sea days so a ship with more things to do onboard is helpful.   The Bliss has 20 decks and includes things like go karts, laser tag, water slides, kids clubs, multiple dining locations, and lots of activities.   If you are traveling with kids they will love this ship.   If you are looking for a romantic quiet vacation this probably isn't the right ship.   There are some adult only areas but this is one thing I think they need to improve on.    NCL offers some options to pay more for some private locations on the ship such as the Vibe, a private area on the sun deck, and the Thermal Suite, a private area of the spa.  You can buy a length of cruise pass for these.   If you really want a private experience you will want to consider booking a room in the Haven.   The Haven is like a ship within a ship where you will have your own private decks that include a pool, restaurant, and lounge.    The Haven comes with all the pampering you can imagine like a butler and priority embarkation and debarkation.  
If you are looking for a floating resort where the ship really contains everything you need for vacation full of activity then one of these mega ships, like the Bliss, are for you.   If you are looking for a quieter more relaxing vacation where the ports are the  highlight then I recommend the smaller ships.   If you want something in between the two there are ships perfect for that as well.   No matter what you are looking for there is a ship just waiting to take you sailing away!
I would be happy to help you find that ship and itinerary that is the best fit for your vacation.  
0 Comments

    Coleen

    Need a quote for traveling  anywhere?  Click here to start.

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018

    Categories

    All
    Active Discovery
    Adult Only Cruise
    Adventure Cruise
    Adventures By Disney
    Airfare
    Air Help
    Airline
    Airline Apps
    Airport
    AK
    Alaska
    Alaska Cruise
    Alaska Excursions
    Alaskan Dream Cruise
    Alaska Trivia
    Albatross
    All Inclusive Resort
    Amazon
    Amelia Island
    American Cruise Lines
    American Queen Voyages
    Anchorage
    Antarctica
    Arles
    Austria
    Avalon Waterways
    Avignon
    Azamara
    Azamra White Night
    Bad Weather
    Bahamas
    Bahia Agua Verde
    Bahia San Francisco
    Baja
    Balcony
    Balcony Room
    Baltic Cruise
    Barcelona
    Beach
    Beach Bonfires
    Beach Club At Bimini
    Beaches
    Best Apple Strudel
    Best Pizza At Sea
    Bimini Bahamas
    Blue Footed Booby
    Blue Whale
    Breathless
    British Isles
    Brown Booby
    Burro
    Camargue
    Camera
    Captiva
    Carnival Cruise Faster To The Fun
    Carnival Cruise Line
    Carrieres De Lumieres
    Carry On Bag
    Castaway Cay
    CDC
    Celebrity Apex
    Celebrity Cruise
    Celebrity Cruise Line
    Charger
    Charles Darwin Research Center
    Checked Bag
    Christmas Markets
    Civitavecchia
    Colosseum
    Connecting Flights
    Coronavirus
    Costa Rica
    Cotapaxi
    Côte D'Azur
    Cruise
    Cruise Bar Order
    Cruise Packing
    Cruise Rewards
    Cruise Ships
    Cruise Spa
    Cruise Staterooms
    Cruise Technology
    Cruisetour
    Cruising
    Crystal Cruise
    Dad
    Danube River
    Delays
    Delta
    Denali
    Destin
    Dining On Disney Wish
    Disembarkation
    Disney Cruise
    Disney Cruise Line
    Disney Dream
    Disney Fantasy
    Disneyland Paris
    Disney Magic
    Disney Merrytime Cruise
    Disney's Magic Kingdom
    Disney Vacations
    Disney Village
    Disney Wish
    Disney Wonder
    Disney World
    Dolphins
    Donkey
    Duck Key
    Ecuador
    End Of Cruise
    Ensenada Grande
    Expedition Cruise
    Fairbanks
    Fall Into Magic
    Family Cruise
    Fathers Day
    Flight Aware
    Flight Changes
    Flight Delay
    Florence
    Florida
    Florida Keys
    Flying
    France
    Frequent Flier
    Frequent Flyer
    Galapagos
    Galapagos Islands
    Galciers
    Germay
    Giant Tortoise
    Glacier Bay National Park
    Gorges De L'Ardeche
    Grab
    Gratuity
    Gray Whale
    Great Stirrup Cay
    Gulf Of Mexico
    Halloween
    Halloween Horror Nights
    Happiness
    Harbor Seals
    Hawaii
    Hawks Cay
    Health
    Health Protocols
    Henderson Beach Resort
    Hiking Sandals
    Holiday Cruise
    Holiday Markets
    Holland America
    Holland America Club Orange
    Honeymoon
    Hotel
    Hotel Breakfast
    Hotel Loyalty
    Humpback Whale
    Hurtigruten
    Hurtigruten Expedition
    Island Resort
    Itlay
    Jamaica
    Juneau
    Kayak
    Kelly Clarkson
    Ketchikan
    Land Iguana
    Last Name Change
    Linblad
    Little Palm Island
    Livorno Italy
    Loews Royal Pacific
    Luxury Cruise
    Luxury Resort
    Made In Alaska
    Magdalena Bay
    Marine Iguana
    Marne-la-Vallée
    Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy Train Station
    Marseilles
    Medallion
    Mediterranean Cruise
    Metropolitan Touring
    Mexico
    Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
    Middle Seats
    Mini Speaker
    Miss The Boat
    Misty Fjords
    Monaco
    Monte Carlo
    Mule
    Nazca Booby
    NCL
    NCL Cruise Priority Access
    New Cruise Ships 2021
    Newlyweds
    Northern Europe
    Norwegian Encore
    Norwegian Fjords
    OceanCompass
    Oceaneers Club
    Oceania Cruise
    Ocean Medallion
    OceanReady
    Ocean Victory
    Off Season Travel
    Onda
    Opera
    Orca
    Orlando
    Packing
    Packing Cubes
    Packing List
    Palma De Mallorca
    Paris
    Passport
    Peak Season Travel
    Petersburg
    Piazza
    Pilot Whale
    Pisa
    Planning
    PlayOcean
    Poassport
    Ponant
    Pont Du Gard
    Port Of Miami
    Post Vacation
    Power Bank
    Pre Cruise Test
    Premium Cruise Ship
    Princess Cays
    Princess Cruise
    Princess Cruise Line
    Princess Grace
    Prohibited On A Cruise
    Provence
    Puerto Escondido
    Puerto Los Gatos
    Quito
    Rainforest Room
    Redemption Spa
    Red Footed Booby
    Regent Seven Seas
    Rental Car
    Reviews
    Rewards Progrm
    Rhone
    Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
    Ritz Carlton Yacht
    River Cruise
    Road Trip
    Romantic Cruise
    Rome
    Room Service
    Royal Caribbean
    Royal Caribbean The Key
    Safari Endeavor
    Safe Cruising
    Sanibel
    Seabourn
    Sea Lion
    Sea Lions
    Sea Of Cortes
    SeaWorld
    Sea World
    Secrets
    Sei Whale
    Shark
    Shopping
    Shopping Tips
    Short Cruise
    Shoulder Season
    Silver Cove
    Silversea
    Single Rider
    Single Travel
    Skip-gen Vacations
    Sklagway
    Sky Princess
    Skyroam
    Sky Suites
    Smaller Airport
    Small Ship Cruise
    Small Ship Cruising
    Snorkel
    Snorkel Gear
    Snorkeling
    Social Distance
    Social Distance In Theme Parks
    Solo Travel
    South Seas Resort
    Southwest Airlines
    Souvenirs
    Spa
    Spain
    SPF Clothes
    Splurge
    Spooktacular
    Starfish
    Staycation
    St Pete Beach
    Stress Relief
    Summer Cruise
    Technology Gifts
    The Enclave
    Theme Park
    Theme Parks
    Thermal Suite
    Tipping
    Tortoise
    Tour Group
    Traboules
    Tradewinds Resort
    Train To Disneyland Paris
    Travel
    Traveling
    Travel Rewards
    Travel Tips
    Trevi Fountain
    UnCruise
    Underwater Highway
    Universal Orlando
    Universal Studios Orlando
    Vacation Planning
    Val D'Enfer
    Valencia
    Van Gogh
    Vatican
    Viking Cruise
    Viking Oean Cruise
    Vip
    Virgin Voyages
    Viviers
    Walt Disney Studios
    Wetsuit
    World Cruise
    Wrangell
    Zoetry

    RSS Feed

Click to set custom HTML

Stress Free Vacations, Inc.
Orlando, Fl
Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578 
California Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50 
Washington UBID No. 603189022 

Iowa Registered Agency # 1202
terms and conditions
​

407-572-3631
Photos used under Creative Commons from LordEfan, Free For Commercial Use (FFC)
  • Home
  • About
    • Resources
  • Blog
    • Live Large Cruise Small
  • Theme Parks