Meet the new Cruise Ships of 2012

Danton Resuta, Travel Expert
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com
814-682-7232

I am proud to introduce the newest 2012 cruise ships!   It never ceases to amaze me!  These ships are wonderful mini-cities on the water!   Just when you think they can't get any better, a new ship comes out and defies that logic!  So without further ado...








Disney Fantasy - Building on the classic style of the previous ships, the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy is a majestic sailing vessel where early 20th-century design—recalling the golden age of cruising—meets state-of-the-art technology. The cruise liner is designed with families in mind, combining sleek style and convenient facilities with splashes of Disney magic.

Carnival Breeze - Sailing now, Carnival Breeze brings together all the best of her Dream class siblings Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream… and a whole lot that's new. Carnival Breeze welcomes back fun spaces like SportSquare and delicious ones like Cucina del Capitano, but definitely doesn't stop there.  What else will you experience aboard Carnival Breeze? Movies at Thrill Theater that'll practically suck you in. There are many fish in the sea, and you'll find a nice selection of them on your plate at Bonsai Sushi. Let's not forget new Fun Ship 2.0 favorites like the RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and even Guy's Burger Joint, featuring signature burgers by celebrity chef Guy Fieri!  We haven't forgotten the basics, either. Carnival Breeze is packed with everything you look for in a Carnival “Fun Ship” experience, from youth programs for the kids to spa time for you… and a generous helping of waterslides in between.

Oceania Riviera - The brand new Riviera, which debuted in May 2012, is the most beautiful, elegant and sophisticated ship to debut in the past 50 years. Designer touches are everywhere, from the magnificent Lalique Grand Staircase and stunning Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, they are showcases of the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, the Riviera personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.  Comfortably mid-size, Riviera retains the same warmth and charm of her acclaimed consorts Marina, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. While the country club casual ambiance and level of personalized service remain the same, Riviera offers even more choices and some enticing new amenities.  Designed for lovers of fine dining and travel experiences, Riviera offers guests multiple dining venues, of which six are open-seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge. La Reserve by Wine Spectator offers enlightening wine and food pairings. The new Bon Appétit Culinary Center is the only hands-on cooking school at sea. Similarly, artists-in-residence teach fine arts in Artists Loft, a new enrichment center. For specialty coffees and snacks, there is Baristas Coffee Bar. Intimate lounges abound. Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.  Yet remarkably, with so many additions, the onboard ambiance and experience remains comfortably familiar. We have retained everything guests adore about our ships and raised the bar ever higher. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Celebrity Reflection - Celebrity Reflection is the newest marvel offering three new suites, including 34 new AquaClass^® Suites that feature stunning 79 square foot verandas, so you can relax like never before. Plus, your favorite spa amenities and priority access to the highly-rated specialty restaurant, Blu, are included. There are even more inspired additions to this ship. Celebrity Reflection boasts an expanded deck, 72 additional staterooms overall, more seating in the main and specialty restaurants, more sun lounges on the pool deck, and more seats in the theatre. Excitement brews with up to 50 international craft beers in the enhanced Michael's Club. On the Lawn Club, take a painting class with a Master Artist from the ArtCenter South Florida in The Art Studio. Celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling in the new Lawn Club Grill. Unwind in your own cabana-style haven, The Alcoves, on the Lawn Club. Your vacation time is precious. Time aboard Celebrity Reflection will make the most of it.

Costa Fascinosa - With the natural elegance of a diva and the charm of a work of art, Costa Fascinosa is the rising star of the Costa fleet. Enriched with precious and sparkling materials, its environments are inspired by the seductive atmospheres of great historic films, the protagonists who made them famous and the works that brought success to the most celebrated theatres in the world.  Aboard Costa Fascinosa you will experience the greatest thrills of the big screen and the new adventure that is about to begin: your next cruise, brimming with wonderful atmospheres and authentic cinematic locations!

MSC Divina - Inspired by Sophia Loren herself, MSC Divina brings you all the elegance and glamour of the golden age of sea travel in a new vision. A spacious, ultramodern interpretation that pampers you with sumptuous comfort and an immense variety of sports and leisure facilities, plus world-class entertainment.  Let your eyes drink in the sheer scale, style and attention to detail. From MSC Divina’s real stone piazza to her Broadway-size theatre. From the sweeping grace of her Swarovski crystal staircases to the calm of her Infinity Pool, extending seamlessly out to sea and the horizon beyond.  Discover the opulent enhancements to the MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre on board, and the even more spacious and exclusive MSC Yacht Club, with its specially-commissioned works of art.  Discover a cruise like no other on the spectacular floating city that is MSC Divina - a superb holiday destination in her own right, offering something for everyone at all times.  So you can explore the Mediterranean as she has never been experienced before, from the beauty of a ship that’s simply divine.

Avalon Vista - The Avalon Vista sets sail in 2012, adding to Avalon's unique offering of Suite Ships. The Vista's two full decks of suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an expanded fitness center, Internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful open-air bistro.
                           
Avalon Visionary - The Avalon Visionary delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include an Internet corner, complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful open-air bistro.

So, no matter what style of cruising you are into, one of these fantastic vessels is sure to please!  For  more information on any of these cruise ships, and/or itineraries still available, please don't hesitate to contact me at dresuta@cruiseshipcenters.com.  You can also find more great travel information at www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com.

If you would like tips on how to make your next vacation a great success, watch my new "TravelSmart" video series on Youtube.  You can find it here on my personal travel channel!

Fun For The Whole Family!!!

Cruising With Kids

Water slides, magic shows, pizza parties, scavenger hunts, karaoke, kids-only shore excursions, and disco parties. Who said parents get to have all the fun on a cruise? Well-trained staff, extensive facilities, and coordinated activities, mean cruising with kids can be smooth sailing for the whole family.

Most cruise lines offer private and group babysitting options from around 9am until the wee hours of the morning. They also provide age-specific, organized programs run by trained professionals. Although there are slight variations by cruise line, age categories for organized programs are generally geared to 3-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-17 year olds.

100,000 kids were kept entertained last year on Carnival Cruise Lines with 114-foot water slides, video tournaments, talent and puppet shows, ping-pong, and scavenger hunts.

CLICK HERE for more information on Camp Carnival >>

Celebrity Cruises features a full children's program during the summer and on holidays. All other times of the year, they offer a reduced program.

CLICK HERE for more information on cruising Celebrity with kids. with kids >>

The Princess kids' program on Princess Cruises offers young cruisers their own deck space complete with the whale tail splash pool. Teens get their very own jacuzzi and sunning area. There's also the video arcade, computer games, and other activities such as bingo, name that Disney tune, ring toss, and mini-Olympics.

CLICK HERE for more information on Love Boat Kids >>

Club HAL on the Holland America Line provides fun and games for cruisers ages 5-17 and serves up movies, putt-putt golf, late-night pizza, and disco parties.

CLICK HERE for more information on Club HAL >>

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Youth program offers its unique brand of Edu-tainment where participants enjoy educational and culture-based activities blended with the daily itineraries, ports of call, games, and team sports.

CLICK HERE for more information on Adventure Youth >>

With Norwegian Cruise Lines, your kids can be circus trained and present a show for the proud parents. Other activities range from magic shows and poolside, root beer float parties to wacky cooking classes, pajama parties, line dancing, and volleyball.

CLICK HERE for more information on Kids Crew >>

Why leave the kids at home when fun knows no bounds when it comes to MSC Cruises' little travellers. With spaces devoted entirely to them including a videogame room for the older children and a play room for tots, you will have the peace of mind knowing your children are safe and the whole family will have a memorable and enjoyable holiday. What's more, kids 17 years and younger sail for FREE* with MSC!

CLICK HERE for more information on Kids Sail Free >>

Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line also offer supervised shore excursions ranging from an afternoon on the beach to gold panning to canoe trips in Alaska.

Whether you are cruising with your toddler, tween, or teens, your Cruise Consultant can help you select the perfect family vacation. Best of all, you'll never hear the phrase "I'm bored" while you're away!

Carnival
Carnival Cruise Lines' award-winning children's program is called Camp Carnival. Available year-round, the program provides elaborate facilities, age-specific programs/activities, youth playrooms with computers, children's water slides and wading pools, as well as special dining menus. The counselor-guided programs are divided into four categories, Toddlers (2-5), Juniors (6-8), Intermediate (9-11), and Teens (12-15). There is also a playroom for children under three.

The Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise house is a 2,500 square-foot children's world giving them the largest children's facilities in the Carnival fleet. Divided into three sections, the facilities offer educational computer labs and computer games, an arts and crafts section, and an indoor play area complete with a climbing maze and video wall where kids can watch movies, music videos, and cartoons. An outdoor play area has a schooner-shaped playhouse and wading pool for toddlers. The Carnival Spirit, Pride, Legend, and Miracle also offer Real Virtuality - a high-tech, game room housing video and arcade games.

Age-Specific Programs

Toddlers (2-5) Fun Ship Bingo Sega and Nintendo Cartoon Time Sponge Painting Sing-Alongs Face Painting Arts and Crafts Drawing Contests	Juniors (6-8) Puppet Shows Cookie Decorating Beach Party Disney Trivia T-Shirt Painting Sega and Nintendo Outdoor Games Sea Animals
Intermediate (9-11) Ping-Pong, Foosball, Basketball, Air Hockey Dance Class Jewelry Making Scavenger Hunts Backstage Tours Photography Workshops Talent Shows	Teens (12-15) Pool Parties Volleyball Pizza Pig-Out Hairdressing Talent Shows Slide and Sun Ping-Pong Tournaments, Ping-Pong, Foosball, Basketball, Air Hockey Photography Workshops

Babysitting
Babysitting is also available on Carnival's ships for children of any age for around $6/hour for the first child and $4/hour for each additional child.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises features a full children's program during the summer and on holidays. All other times of the year they offer a reduced program. The full program is offered for four age-specific groups: Ship Mates (3-6), Cadets (7-9), Ensigns (10-12), and Admiral Ts (13 - 15 and 16-17). Children under three years of age are not allowed in counselor-guided programs. They are, however, welcome in the playroom if accompanied and supervised by a parent at all times. All of the program's counselors are specially-trained in fields of child psychology, child development, education, or recreation.

Programs are offered 9am-noon, 2-5pm, and 7-10pm. There is also an optional slumber party from 10pm-1am. On port days, there is an afternoon party from 12-2pm. On formal evenings, the program offers a complimentary slumber party and counselors take the children to a pizza party for dinner.

Age-Specific Activities
Ship Mates and Cadets
Painting
Drawing
Songs
Dances
Movies
Other Age-Appropriate Activities.
Ensigns and Admiral Ts
Theatrical Shows with Dances and Costumes (during the summer season)
Water Volleyball
Basketball
Golf Putting
Ping-Pong

All children have an opportunity to meet the captain and learn how to navigate a ship by the stars. At meals, kids can get together for the Celebrity Breakfast club, or eat dinner with the family and order off a special kids menu. Finally, all kids can participate in a masquerade parade.

Babysitting
In-stateroom babysitting is available on all Celebrity ships on a request basis. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and the charge is $8/hour for two children. Children must be at least six months old.

Disney
Disney Cruise Line has some of the most extensive children's facilities sea. Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder offer an elaborate Walt Disney Theater that resembles a plush, Broadway house. Buena Vista Cinema features Disney flicks. Studio Sea is styled like a television sound stage and offers a forum for G-rated floor shows. These ships also offer a children's program called Oceaneer Adventure for children aged 3-17 and a nursery facility, Flounder's Reef, for children age three and under. All onboard programs are organized and run by caring youth counselors and have both scheduled and surprise visits by Disney characters every day.

Age-Specific Programs
Oceaneer Adventure is divided into three age-specific categories: Oceaneer Club (3-7), Lab (8-12), and Teen (13-17). The Club program is further divided into ages 3-4 and 5-7, while the Lab program is divided into 8-10 and 11-12. Oceaneer Club facilities resemble Captain Hook's pirate ship with plenty of places for activity. Oceaneer Lab allows participants to experience high-tech interactive programs, hands-on science experiments, and ship-wide treasure hunts. Kids 11-12 can compete in a marine biology, knowledge-quest game show and send digital post cards to friends. Teens (13-17) have their own private club, occupying a large portion of deck nine, called Common Grounds - a New York-style coffee house complete with game arcade and Internet Cafe.

In Port Activities
Every cruise with Disney stops at the 1,000-acre private island, Castaway Cay. Here, parents can relax under a palm tree on a white sand beach while their children play in a supervised area or wade in a protected lagoon. The adventuresome can go snorkeling on a course littered with tropical fish, treasure chests and faux shipwrecks (one with Mickey Mouse riding on the bow). Children are automatically enrolled in the island's activities of volleyball, biking, nature hikes, etc. once signed in on the ship.

Babysitting
Children's facilities are open from 9am to 1am. Flounder's Reef nursery has afternoon and nightly hours available on a first-come, first-served basis according to babysitter availability. Rates are $6/hour for the first child and $5/hour for additional children.

Holland America
Holland America offers families a year-round program called Club HAL with counselors and age-specific activities for three age groups (5-8, 9-12, 13-17). Holland America also administers Just for Kids adventure and learning shore excursions while in port. While the largest facilities can be found on Maasdam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Westerdam, kids will be fully-entertained on all ships in Holland America's fleet.

Age-Specific Programs
All children are treated to pizza and cocktail parties, ship tours, special menus, activities rooms with video games, and wading pools. Children aged 5-8 years can participate in storytelling, candy bar bingo games, arts and crafts, charades, and ice cream parties. The 9-12 year age group is entertained with golf putting lessons, dance lessons, deck sports, scavenger hunts, ping-pong, and karaoke. Teenagers have a teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, sports, card games, and trivia contests.

In Port Activities
Just For Kids offers supervised shore excursions for kids while in port. While in port on Holland America's private island Half Moon Cay, kids can join a real island treasure hunt while teens participate in their own beach party and volleyball game.

Babysitting
In-stateroom babysitting is available on a request basis. Requests must be made 24 hours in advance and the charge is $7/hour for the first child and $5/hour for additional children from the same family.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Along with providing an unlimited Kids Soda Package and various activity rooms for children, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a program called Kid's Crew that is divided into four, age-specific categories: Junior Sailors (2-5), First Mates (6-8), Navigators (9-12), and Teens (13-17). The programs and facilities vary from ship to ship, with the broadest programs found on the Star, Sun, and Dawn. Every cruise treats children to a Coke-tail party with the Captain. Norwegian also publishes Kids' Cruise News and Teen Cruise News daily, outlining the activities available to them on the ship. All of NCL's kid counselors attend a training course prior to coming on board that features team and confidence building, safety, communication skills, and working with children who have special needs.

Age-Specific Program
All Kids Crew kids get to meet the ship's captain at a special Coke-tail party, participate in treasure hunts and sand castle building competitions while docked in Great Stirrup Cay, and enjoy the ice-cream bar, chocolate buffet, and children's menu. There are a host of other activities arranged for kids based on their age. Below is a list of some of those activities:

Junior Sailors (ages 2-5)
Activities include: storytelling, t-shirt painting, arts and crafts, face painting, magic shows, Circus at Sea, and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.

First Mates (ages 6-8)
Activities include: wacky cooking classes, decorative t-shirt painting, sing-alongs, and poolside, root beer float parties.

Navigators (ages 9-12)
Activities include: Sega and other video games, treasure and scavenger hunts, pajama parties, movies, and camp-outs with flashlights and tents.

Teens (ages 13-17)
Activities include: pool parties, volleyball and basketball, The Newlymet Game, and trivia contests, line dancing, teen disco, and special theme parties.

Every ship also publishes Kid's Cruise News and Teen Cruise News daily, so parents, kids, and teens know the activities planned for each day.

In Port Activities
While docked at Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, children are entertained with supervised activities ranging from water sports to volleyball matches to treasure hunts.

Babysitting
Group babysitting is offered for kids ages 2-12 years in the evenings from 10pm-1am and in port from 9am-5pm. Cost is $5/hour for the first child and $3/hour for each additional child. Private babysitting is not available.

Other
Norwegian Cruises also sells Kids Crew souvenir packages including a cup, soda pass, t-shirt, luggage tags, baseball cap, and sunglasses. For teenagers, the package is Teen Passport and includes 20 non-alcoholic specialty drinks, dance and pizza parties, and a farewell bash!

Princess
Princess Kids, Princess Cruise's fleetwide, youth program provides age-specific activities for children aged 3-17 years. The program is divided into three categories: Princess Pelicans (3-7), Princess Pirateers (8-12), and Off Limits (13-17). Princess partners with the California Science Center and uses National Wildlife Federation educational materials on wildlife and conservation with the children. Their Mexican Riviera program includes studies of the stars, ocean, and coral reef as well as building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies, and squid dissection. In Alaska, the Save our Seas environmental program teaches participants about endangered species like white pelicans, manatees, and sea turtles.

Princess offers extensive children's facilities on all vessels except the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific. The Sun, Dawn, Grand, Golden, Coral, Island, Diamond, and Star Princess offer a toddler's play area. And Princess Kids programs on the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific only operate when 20 or more children ages 3-17 are on board.

Age-Specific Activities

Princess Pelicans and Pirateers (3-12) Arts and Crafts Movies and Cartoons Video Games Scavenger Hunts Afternoon Ice Cream Parties Backstage and Galley Tours Hall of Fame Tournaments Discos Exclusive Kids-Only Dining Edu-tainment Programs Karaoke and Lip-Sync Shows Pizza Parties Shipboard Olympics Pajama Parties T-Shirt Coloring

Off Limits (13-17) Nintendo Movies on a Giant Screen TV Karaoke and Lip-Sync Shows Casino Night Card and Board games Shipboard Olympics Ping-Pong Tables Jukeboxes Pizza Parties Separate Jacuzzi and Sun Deck (on Grand and Golden Princess)

Babysitting
Group babysitting is available 10pm-1am for children ages 3-12 years old on all vessels except the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific Princess. The cost is around $5/hour.

Other
Youth and Teen Centers on the Grand, Golden, Star, Sea, Ocean, Dawn, Sun, Coral, Island, Diamond, and Regal Princess offer complimentary scheduled activities to youth passengers ages 3-17 from 8am-5pm while in port. A special, supervised, complimentary lunch service is also available with parental consent.

Royal Caribbean
Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's kids' program, offers activities in-port, at sea, and in the evening. There are five categories to Adventure Ocean: Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-11), Navigators (12-14), and Guests (15-17). Using edu-tainment, Royal Caribbean blends educational activities, daily itineraries, ports of call, games, individual and team sports, art, performance, and a general good time into a unique, onboard experience for children, teens, and parents. There are kids-only activities as well as those for the whole family. And Royal Caribbean also offers kids a special menu of hamburgers, pizzas, and other kid-friendly meals.

Age-Specific Activities

Aquanauts: Ages 3-5 Science Experiments Art Classes and Projects Un-Birthday Parties Cookie Creations Ice Cream and Rock-N-Roll Parties Talent Show Pajama and Carnival Parties	Explorers: Ages 6-8 Science Experiments Art classes and Projects Wacky Olympics Name That Tune Pirate and County Western Night Movie Mania
Voyagers: Ages 9-11Science Experiments Art Classes and Projects X-Games Rockin' Through the Decades Reggae Beach Party Scavenger Hunts Backstage Tour Sports Tournaments	Navigators (12-14) and Guests (15-17) Pool Party, Toga Party Mix and Mingle Sports Tournament Scavenger Hunts Prom and College Night Battle of the Sexes Dancing Under the Stars Tae Bo Talent Show

In Port Activities
Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers can participate in sandcastle building, family water-balloon toss, relays, parachute games, and tug of war.

Babysitting
Group babysitting is offered at a cost is $5/hour. In-cabin sitting can be booked through Guest Relations and fees start at $8/hour and children must be at least six months old. Children must be potty trained (no diapers, no pull-ups).

Other
On a Royal Caribbean Cruise, cruisers 18 years and younger can have as many fountain soft drinks as they like for a fixed price with an Ocean Potion Card. This card is available for purchase in the ship's lounges and beverage service counters. Kids-only dinners hosted by expert youth staff give children the opportunity to meet and mingle while parents enjoy a quiet dinner alone.
MSC Cruises
Children’s programs are organized into different age groups. The Mini Club, designed for children 3-9 years old and the Junior Club, for kids 9-13 will keep them entertained with arts and crafts, painting, treasure hunts, and mini-Olympics just to name a few. Teens, aged 14-17, won’t bebored with the activities at the Teen Club. Knowing your youngsters are with our skilled staff, you can relax and enjoy the pool or unwind with an aromatic massage.

Note: Children under three are only permitted when accompanied by an adult who must remain with the child at all times.

*Kids 17 and under sail free when travelling with two adults in the same stateroom (some restrictions may apply.)
**Please note that the activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard.**

For more fun adventures for the whole family, please click here!!  Don't forget to sign up for my 7Seas Club award-winning newsletters.  It's free to join, and you will be entered to Win a Free Cruise for Two to the Caribbean!  Good Luck!

Oceania Riviera: Luxury Dining at it’s finest!

Refined, polished, elegant, sophisticated-- these are just a few of the many ways to describe Oceania Cruises newest ship, the Riviera!  From the moment you board the ship, you are immersed in a world of ultimate luxury.  So much, that it hardly feels like a cruise ship at all-- more like a five-star hotel, but with all the comforts of home.

A smaller, lighter ship, the Riviera weighs just over 66,000 tons, has a total of 15 decks, and accomodates 1250 guests and an additional 800 staff members.  That means that there's one staff member for every 1.57 guests.

Like all Oceania cruise ships, the Riviera offers a variety of 5-star dining options.  Oceania is known for it’s exquisite dishes, and this ship is no exception! The Oceania Riviera features 7 specialty dining venues, six of which are available with no extra surcharge.

The stately Grand Dining Room features soaring ceilings and a breathtaking luminous crystal chandelier, that spans the entire center of the dining area.  Courses are inspired by European continental cuisine, including dishes served at the world-renowned Canyon Ranch.  Menus change daily.

Perhaps the most talked about restaurant onboard the Riviera cruise ship is “Jacques”.  This french- inspired restaurant was developed by Oceania's world-renown five-star chef Jacques Pépin.  It boasts an elegant décor right down to the rich fabrics, antiques, and exotic wood furnishings, as well as personal art from Jacques’s private collection! Each delectable dish was hand-selected by Jacques himself.  It's a wonderful place to not only enjoy incredible cuisine, but to relax with friends and family.  It is the first ever restaurant to bear the world famous chef's name.  All the dishes are succulent and burst with flavor.  At Jacques, you will not be disappointed.

Red Ginger is yet another fabulous dining option onboard the Riviera.  Its Asian-inspired dishes are sure to please any palate. Its stunning rich red décor is not only comfortable, but contemporary as well, and the food here is to die for!  From it’s Crispy Ginger Calamari, to the Tuna Tataki, you will love every single bite!

Polo Grill is a traditional restaurant, with an intimate setting.  It features rich fabrics, dark woods, white linens, and beautiful leather chairs.  As for the menu, all beef dishes are USDA Prime and dry-aged for at least 28 days.  They also have a tantalizing selection of succulent seafood!  Want a little of both?  The surf and turf is sure to satisfy!

Toscana-- It’s Italy at your finger tips.  Upon entering, you will feel totally immersed in the Tuscan countryside.  The stage is set with wonderful artistic impressions, and the cuisine takes cues from some of Italy's finest restaurants. All of the sommeliers are from long lines of wine producing families, so complementing your food with wonderful vintages is a specialty that will not go unnoticed.

Terrace Cafe-- Whether dining inside or alfresco, this quaint restaurant will tickle your tastebuds with a variety of internationally-inspired Mediterranean cuisine.  From the whole main lobsters to the mouth watering pastas, Terrace Café is the perfect place to relax, eat and enjoy!  Don’t forget to try the White Chocolate Mousse with Berry Compote.  It is devine!

Waves Grill is a poolside, casual dining venue, that features some of your favorite surf and turf specialties!  From the sizzling barbecue to their gourmet burgers, the Waves Grill cuisine is sure to satisfy your every craving!

Privee-- Reserved for special occasions, Privee is OceaniaCruises most indulgent one-of-a-kind experience.  This dining extravaganza is only available to parties of 10 or less.  You can choose to dine from the menu of either Toscana or the Polo Grill, while enjoying utmost privacy onboard the ship.  It's the trifecta of an intimate setting, incredible cuisine, and fabulous views wrapped into one!  No matter how you see it, Privee is a winning combination.

La Reserve--  Make your reservation early!  Only 24 guests per evening will be able to attend this event.  The menu, seven courses in all, is designed exclusively for the evening by Oceania's Executive Chef. It is paired with seven different wines, each one a compliment to the course it's served with.  Menus range from $95.00 to $165.00 per guest, and is well worth every penny!

The Riveria also features many other bars and lounges, as well as 24-hour complimentary room service.

With so many dining options available, how are you going to choose which is best for you?  Here's a hint...

It's your vacation.  Try them all!

For more information, please don't hesitate to call me at 814-682-7232.  Don't forget to sign up for my 7 Seas club to get personalized award winning newsletters sent directly to you.  You will also be entered to Win a Free Cruise for 2 to the Caribbean!  So what are you waiting for?

-----------------------------------------------------CLICK HERE!--------------------------------------------------

Danton Resuta
Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Nittany Valley HB
www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com
Office:  814-682-7232

Last Minute Cruising

Last Minute Cruising Advice

Cruising at the last minute may be a great way to save a bundle on a cruise, especially if you are travelling as a pair.  Larger parties however will find it much more difficult, if not impossible to find a cruise that has room for more than two people-- especially during peak cruising times!

If it is your desire to find a last minute cruise, you may have to compromise a bit on what you would like. For example, there may only be an oceanview cabin available, even though you wanted a balcony or interior. Or, you may find yourself on a much lower deck of the ship than you were expecting-- making the attractions onboard that much further to go to.

Almost all cruise lines regulate how many passengers are allowed in a cabin. The best way to ensure you get exactly what you are looking for is by booking your cruise months in advance.  It is strongly recommended that parties of 4 or more book at least 3-9 months prior to sailing. Most cruise ships that offer cabins that allow five people in them, only have a few available on the ship. Once they are sold, your only options are to look for a different ship, go on a waiting list, pray someone cancels, or  try to find 2 rooms, either adjoining or side-by-side.  The nearer the departure date, the more difficult it is to find.

Most cruise lines allow customers to place a deposit and make payments all the way up until they have reached the "final payment" due date set forth by the cruise line (65-110 days prior to sailing in most cases).  This allows guests to get the best value, and yet not have to pay in full, until just prior to sailing. Those on a budget should enjoy this option, versus waiting until the last minute.  If you have the kind of life style that only permits last minute cruising, do not be discouraged.  Any good travel agent will give you as many options as are available.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this topic.  Don't forget to friend me on Facebook and Twitter.  For more exciting cruise travel news, please visit my website.

Do I need a Passport to Cruise?

One of the most frequently asked question by United States cruisers is... Do I need a Passport to cruise?  The answer in most cases is yes!  There are some cases where a passport is not required. This depends mainly on the cruise line and the port of call, but most times a cruise that begins and ends in the same US port will not require the use of a passport.  Other forms of documentation would be accepted like a government issued I.D. card and an original birth certificate with a raised seal or original Naturalization Certificate.  

Does this mean you should not have a passport?  Absolutly not!  A passport may not be required to go to places like the Bahamas, most places in the Caribbean, and Alaska, that said, it is strongly recommended!  What if you miss your cruise?    Or you have an injury and you are forced to stay in the city/country you were vacationing in?  How will you get back into the United States?  There are places that will help you in that instance, however they are very time consuming and often costly.  Until a resolution is met, you will not be able to enter back into the United States.

It is always best to err on the side of caution and not only have a Valid passport, but also make sure that it will not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise returns to the Untied States.  Depending on your port of call, it may be required that your passport is valid 6 months after your scheduled return.   For more informtion on passports, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

It can take a solid 6-8 weeks to apply for and receive your passport.  Even if you have it rushed it can still take weeks to arrive.  If you are planning on traveling in the near future, please apply for your passport.  Failure to present proper documentation at any cruise terminal, will result in the cruise passenger not being able to travel.  This is at the expense of the customer and is not covered by most travel protection. 

Advantages of Travelling with a Passport

• A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document
• Passports are required for entry into most foreign countries - please check the entry and exit requirements for each country you travel to prior to leaving.
• Unlike a birth certificate or driver’s license, your passport can be replaced if lost, damaged, or inaccessible during the course of your trip
• Passports also ensure full access to your funds while travelling, as they are often required for financial or legal transactions

Should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 814-682-7232.  Thank you for reading this post.  I look forward to helping you build your next ultimate vacation!   www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com

Ship, Ship, HORRAY!!! The Carnival Breeze has set sail...

"Copyright of Carnival Cruise Lines"

The Carnival Breeze is the 24^th Carnival Cruise Ship in the Carnival Fleet, and has just set sail on it’s inaugural sailing from Venice, Italy on June 3, 2012.  For now, here is a quick overview on The Carnival Breeze Cruise Ship's ports of call and cruise itineraries.  More posts highlighting the amenities of this ship will be available in the next few days, so make sure to check back!

For the remainder of this summer, Carnival has scheduled 12 Night Mediterranean cruises out of  Barcelona, Spain and Venice Italy.  Some of the great ports of call you will be visiting while on your cruise, include stops at Monaco, Livorno, Olbia (Sardinia), Rome, Naples, Messina (Sicily), Venice, Italy and Dubrovnik Croatia.  This cruise features a special end-of-cruise, overnight stay in Venice as well!  This is where you can tour the city during the day, and rest up in the evening onboard the ship.   How great is that!  The Carnival Breeze offers a few other 12-Night Mediterrenean itineraries.  These sailings will vary from date to date.

Additional itineraries will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of cities like Marseilles, France, Italian locations including Livorno, Rome, Salerno, Venice, and Messina, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

On November 5, 2012, the Carnival Breeze will begin it’s 15-Night Repositioning Cruise.  Afterwards, it begins it's normal 6-8 Night Caribbean cruises out of the Port of Miami, beginning on Nov. 24, 2012.

During the 15-Night Transatlantic Cruise on November 6, 2012, you will have the opportunity to visit the following ports:

Barcelona, Spain - Palma de Mallorca, Spain - At Sea - Malaga, Spain - At Sea - Las Palmas, Spain - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles - At Sea - At Sea - Miami, Florida

To learn about each great port and view videos describing their highlights, navigate to my website here, then click on the cruise you are most interested in.  Find the details tab, and click to view the itinerary.  You may then click on the TV icon to watch a video, or the underlined port of call to read about each exciting port!  With the chance to visit such unique and alluring places, how could you not be excited to book your next cruise on one of the Carnival Breeze Cruise Ship's 2012 itineraries!

 

Don't forget to sign up for my 7SEAS Club, to gain valuable information on the latest, and greatest cruise destinations and travel news! As an extra bonus, you will be automatically be entered to WIN A FREE CRUISE FOR TWO once your registration is complete!!!

As always, your comments are welcome.  Please do not hesitate to email or call me for more information on cruise dates and itineraries that meet your needs.

Major Redesign coming to Crystal Serenity

CRYSTAL SERENITY TO UNDERGO MAJOR REDESIGN IN MAY

LOS ANGELES, February 9, 2011 – While Crystal Cruises’ ocean resorts have racked up countless awards since entering service, the ultra-luxury line has never been one to rest on its laurels. This spring, Crystal will be spending $25+ million dollars to keep its largest ship, Crystal Serenity, on the cutting edge of luxury style.
More than 400 expert technicians flown from around the world, working round the clock for just 14 days, are scheduled for the massive redesign of her 531 Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouses Suites; retail centers; expansive outdoor pool deck and other design projects during a May 8-22 dry dock at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard.

“In the past two years, we have invested well over $50 million in our ships,” says Gregg Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. “Our guests can look forward to dazzling new spaces, which will serve as a stunning backdrop to the incomparable service and choices that always characterizes a Crystal vacation.”

Interior designer, Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates, summarizes the vision: “We wanted modern classic elegance. We wanted Fifth Avenue – crème de la crème New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in.”

New Deluxe Stateroom and Penthouse Accommodation Décor
All of Crystal Serenity’s Deluxe Outside Staterooms, Penthouses, and Penthouse Suites will sport new, floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, wallpaper, sofas, curtains, pillows, and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather, and crisp linen textures. New modern lighting features and electronic “do not disturb” and doorbell system will allow guests greater personalization of their home-away-from-home.

New Shops
Serenity’s retail shops will receive a similar, sophisticated metamorphosis. The fine jewelry store will mirror a jewelry box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall, beveled chrome vitrines, and new, private sales area. The boutique will become three-shops-in-one, with a flagship Christian Dior cosmetic/skincare area showcased amongst rich Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting, and tufted leather seating.

New Chic Pool Deck
Inspired by Crystal Symphony’s recent transformation, the Seahorse Pool teak deck will be refashioned with circular pod beds, plush sofa groups, and lounge chairs in a kaleidoscope of lime green, azure, and mango.

New Lighting and Furniture
The corridors throughout the ship will be transformed with new, custom carpeting, inspiring artwork, and mood lighting. Dramatic new lighting will also be installed in the Crystal Dining Room, as will new furniture on all stateroom verandahs.

Following the dry dock, Crystal Serenity will embark on a series of Baltic, North Cape and British Isles cruises before heading to the Mediterranean for late summer and fall cruise series, where guests cannot only enjoy the resort’s new look but exceptional value with verandah savings and a new fall fare sale.

Crystal Cruises’ ethos of warm and friendly attentiveness, proffered by top-trained service staff from around the world, has earned the line a reputation for elevating hospitality to an art form. With no guest request left untended, Crystal Cruises has been the perfect choice for luxury travelers for over two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact Diamond Point Luxury Travel Professionals at 814-682-7232, or Danton Resuta at Expedia CruiseShipCenters-Tyrone www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com.

Enter the 7Seas Club Dream Vacation Sweepstakes!


Courtesy of Crystal Cruises, Mimi Weisband, and Susan Wichmann (310) 203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com