Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

Carnival Cruise Holidays

Cruising is not just about the different countries you wake up in every morning, it is about so much more.  The entertainment on the ship can keep you busy from morning ‘til dusk.  From the different varieties of restaurants to the stage shows.  From yoga in the morning to ‘Dive-in-Movies’.  From camps for the children to the Comedy Club for the adults.  It truly is a great holiday.

 

Carnival Cruise Ships offer so much entertainment for every one.  The range of restaurants is endless; Pizzeria Capitano, Mongolian Wok,  Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, Bluelguana Cantina, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, the Steakhouse, Casual Dining, Fine Dining and much much more. There certainly is no shortage of choice for everyone.

 

Image via cruises.about

 

Children are well catered for on Carnival with Camp Carnival offering tons of activities designed for children in 3 age groups; 2 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 11. The team here all have educational or child care experience and are fantastic with the children.  For the 12 to 14 year olds Circle C is the place to be.  It is a chilled, cool and connected place for teens to hang out, meet new friends and enjoy some fun activities.

 

Image via n-e-d.com

 

Cruising is not just about the great selection of food, or the children’s entertainment, or even just the different countries to be explored.  Carnival Cruising is about the Comedy Club, the Fitness Centre, the Night Club, the Casino, the Library, the Spa, the Bars, the Pools, the relaxation and the endless memories.

Norwegian Breakaway Makes Maiden Call to Bermuda

Norwegian Breakaway made her inaugural stop in Bermuda on May 15, on her first seven-day voyage which departed New York on Sunday. 

Carrying 4,000 guests, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docked at Heritage Wharf at approximately 8 am local time. 

Bermuda’s Premier Craig Cannonier and local officials greeted the ship and Captain Evans Hoyt amidst much fanfare.

“On behalf of the people of Bermuda, we are so pleased to welcome Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda,” said Cannonier at a press conference held on the dock.  “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for bringing their magnificent new vessel to our beautiful island.  The ship’s guests and crew are of the utmost importance to us and we will show them all that Bermuda has to offer.”

The 146,600 gross ton ship was christened on Wednesday, May 8 during an exclusive ceremony featuring Premier Cannonier, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City icons The Rockettes, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” among others.  Her signature hull art featuring a large sun, planets and the New York skyline was designed by legendary artist Peter Max.

“Bermuda is a world-class summer destination for our world-class ship,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “We thank Premier Cannonier, the government of Bermuda and all of her residents for welcoming our new ship with such gracious hospitality.  We know our guests are going to have an amazing time on this beautiful island.”

Norwegian Breakaway spends three days in Bermuda and offers more than 30 unique shore excursions.  Guests can go reef fishing at night, bike the original Bermuda railway trail and explore the spectacular scenery by paddleboard. 

Norwegian Breakaway guests will also have the opportunity to experience several excursions exclusive to the ship, including the opportunity to explore Bermuda’s natural beauty and hidden treasures in a more personalized setting and at their own pace with a private boat tour.

Beginning October 13, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

Brand new Norwegian ship the Breakaway

Brand new Norwegian ship the Breakaway My name is Christine. I just came off the amazing brand new Norwegian ship the Breakaway. I had such an amazing time on board the ship. Norwegian Breakaway is really top class ship from the decor, cabins, bars, entertainment, food and the staff were so helpful and friendly.

Image via abcnews.go.com

First day I spent exploring the ship and seeing what it had to offer. There was so much to do onboard! From having a cocktail by the pool and watching the world go by to climbing rock walls, trying out mini golf water slides or relaxing in relaxation room…

When the evening time came there was so much choice how to dine with an abundance of restaurants and shows to choose from. What I loved the most is you have a choice that's what freestyle dining is the choice to dine when you want where you want and with whom you want, which I really enjoyed.

Image via shipdetective.com

The shows were Broadway style shows from Circ de Soleil in the Spigeltent to burn the floor in the main theatre, which the proferance had everyone on there feet looking for more. It was such an enjoyable cruise and I would recommend everyone to experience it for themselves! Relaxing, exciting, adventurous, entertaining - you name it this cruise will offer it first class.

Norwegian Breakaway goes State Side

One of the most innovative and biggest ships in the world, Norwegian Breakaway, will be making it's inaugural sailing on 30 April crossing the Atlantic from Southampton to take up residence in the US. The Ship will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with 5 full water slides plus a 3 storey sports complex with the largest ropes course at sea.

The entertainment options are endless with a quarter mile long outdoor boardwalk that features 8 outdoor dining and lounging options, the Tony-Award nominated musical Rock of Ages as well as 2 other Broadway shows, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy. The world’s greatest dueling piano show Howl at the Moon has also taken up residence on the ship. Guests will be dazzled by an inspiring fireworks show themed on their head lining show Rock of Ages on every cruise on the second to last night.

There is all of this plus everything you come to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line. First Class Service, countless restaurants and entertaining bars and freestyle cruising to ensure guests can relax and eat and drink at their own times.

And the level of attention doesn't stop with entertainment, being Norwegian Cruise lines they've thought of everything, even ensuring that environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced innovations which incorporate a number of emission reducing, energy saving and enhanced safety systems powering this magnificent ship are featured.  You can also expect to find state of the art fitness centre (3 storeys) and an expansive spa area - featuring a therapeutic salt room, tempting massages, beauty treatments and so much more, you'll get lost indulging yourself in so many pampering treat, just be careful you don't end up spending all your time here.

Oh and if you've a sweet tooth, it's been confirmed that Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series "Cake Boss" and "Next Great Baker," will open an extension of his family business, Carlo's Bake Shop, hitting New York City in May 2013.  And I can assure you these world famous confections will play havoc with your waistline, but it's all for a good cause after all, you're holiday dream :-)

Cruise Holidays is the only agent in Ireland that will be selling Breakaway ex Port Canaveral. This is an amazing opportunity for those travelling from Ireland to experience such a fantastic ship while also having the option of taking in Orlando and its theme parks.

 

Offer from €1459pp 

Ref 439842

Return flights Dublin to Orlando

5 nights Rosen Inn, International Drive

7 nights onboard Norwegian Breakaway

Ports of call

Great Stirrup Cay - Bahamas

Nassau - Bahamas

New York

Date 31Oct

 

Go to www.cruiseholidays.ie  or call on 01 817 3558, or 021 242 9555.

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THE NORWEGIAN EPIC - Truly EPIC in every sense of the word

VIDEO: Meyer Werft Floats Out Norwegian BREAKAWAY

Tour America & Cruise Holidays - Deloitte best managed company 4th year running

Tour America the only company in Ireland to receive the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Award for fourth year running!

THE NORWEGIAN EPIC - Truly EPIC in every sense of the word

A FLOATING RESORT
21 dining options / Bars and entertainment venues to rival any 5 star resort/hotel. Boarded this ship in Barcelona for a 4 night Med Cruise - from the second of stepping onboard amazement took over, we were never going to get to see the full ship and all it had to offer in just 4 days but we were going to give it our best shot and we did!!!

 

Sailing out of Barcelona with the city's beautiful skyline behind us. Boarding was quick and easy at Barcelona port with Norwegian Cruise Lines staff on hand taking our luggage and instructing us to the correct Q etc. When we got onboard we were immediately able to avail of food as all main dining areas were open for lunch and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill’ grill was our first stop. This is an ‘Irish Pub’ style lounge, named after NCL’s CEO. It serves 24 hour food and is one of the bigger lounges on the ship. It is very atmospheric and very popular. It looks down onto the lobby and it also has three bowling lanes, dart board, pool table, foosball and arcade games, so plenty of entertainment to be found here for all family.

We booked a Balcony Cabin and it was incredibly modern and beautifully decorated - there's nothing more relaxing than enjoying a glass of wine on your balcony in the refreshing sea air. I also have to make a special mention to the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in!

 

The only negative "TOO MUCH CHOICE" not a negative I'm joking but how on a 4 day cruise were we going to try everything (Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, and French the list goes on. Nothing else for it but to book a longer cruise on the Epic next time. NCL’s casual approach to cruising means there are no set dining times or dressing up. You just choose a venue and book – the earlier the better, as places do get booked up.

First class- Theatre shows exceptional - music and entertainment venues you wouldn't get better on Broadway. We caught the Blue Man Show and it was amazing, we would highly recommend it. Next we hit the Svedka Ice Bar which we had to reserved in advance(this is required),We paid $20 for the 45 minute experience which included 2 alcoholic drinks. We really enjoyed it even if it was 17Deg F. Having cocktails at in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea dressed like an Eskimo, it is not every day you get the opportunity to do that. So dressed in the winter woolies supplied for bar goers we sipped our nice warm vodka cocktails we sat back and relaxed .It was an exciting contrasting experience.

 

The main feature of the Pool Deck is the Aqua Park with its ‘Epic Plunge’: the only tube slide with a bowl slide and a 200-foot long tube. The Aqua Park also includes two main pools five hot tubs, a wading pool and a kid’s pool that features whimsical sculptures, water sprays and a slide. Behind the twin funnels are two rock climbing wall. We then pass through an area called ‘The Marketplace’ which is an open air sales area (is there no escape from consumerism?)

All in all an amazing and Epic holiday, one we'd recommend to anyone considering a cruise, this is the ultimate in crusing class!

MSC Fantasia - A masterpiece of luxurious Italian style

I'm no novice when it comes to cruising, in fact, working in Cruise Holidays I've been lucky enough to go on numerous cruises to both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on many different cruise lines, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and of course MSC.  But this was the first time I'd been on MSC's well known Fantasia cruise ship, and if I'd known what I've been missing all this time I'd have jumped up and down to get on it earlier, it was that good!

I Arrived in Barcelona Port and check in was done within minutes. Very efficient at the Port and quick once you have already done your Web check in.
MSC Fantasia itself is a real masterpiece of Italian Style: a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services, it truly has to be seen to be believed, words really won't do it justice.

 

As soon as I walked in, I realised that the Fantasia was going to provide me with a holiday experience I would remember for a long time. I couldn't fault anything. Ship is outstanding and beautiful throughout.

Service was great, friendly staff (we all have good and not so good days so I won't say 10/10, more like 9.5), food was delicious, our waiter from Romania was excellent! Bars and entertainment venues are everywhere so no shortage there. 13 in total in fact, this impressed me a lot. Huge choice, you can listen to great live music, watch a good show in the Theatre (fantastic productions, proper shows), dance the night away in Liquid Disco or even relax at the Piazza San Giorgio.

Both dinning rooms were beautiful. Decoration throughout this ship is top of the range!

3 pools, 1 indoor which is so handy when you are doing the Med off peak.

The MSC AUREA SPA offers ultra-modern treatments such as therapeutic mud packs, perfumed vapours, aesthetic massages and much more.

MSC Fantasia boasts an 'Exclusive Area' where privileged passengers can sojourn in the MSC Yacht Club with 71 suites , a bar, solarium, 2 hydro-massage pools, 1 skydome swimming pool, concierge and glass-walled Observation Lounge where guests can enjoy amazing ocean views. A butler service  will offer assistance at check-in, transport luggage, unpack, serve traditional English afternoon tea as well as arranging cigars and beverages, booking tables at restaurants, treatments in the MSC AUREA SPA, ad hoc excursions and even arranging a private party!  They really do think of everything.

So the ship itself in terms of facts and figures feature;

13 passenger decks

3 specialty restaurants, 1 dining room, buffet, ice cream parlor, pizzeria

Internet, Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator

3 pools (1 indoor), children's pool

Fitness classes, gym, hair salon, 7 hot tubs, sauna, spa, steam room

13 bars, casino, dance club, library, showroom, video game room

Children's programs (ages 3-17)

Laundry service

Internet terminal

No-smoking cabins

 

So to finish, the MSC Fantasia is something I hope you all try! The best part is, they have unbelievable prices right now, a cruise holiday goers dream, I know I'll take advantage of this :-)

 

Vasco.

If you want to know more about my trip or just get some additional information on MSC, you can contact me
018173573 or E-mail - vconceicao@touramerica.ie

Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Stunning New Ship - Breakaway

Cruise Blog  18^th Oct 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced yesterday 17^th Oct that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017.  The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, will be larger than the Company’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction and due for launching April 2013.

“Norwegian Breakaway due April 2013 and Norwegian Getaway due January 2014 have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities.''

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment.  The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010 and is continuing to innovate with the launch of “New York’s Ship” Norwegian Breakaway in late April 2013.  The company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

 

Norwegian Breakaway, coming April 2013 promises entertainment of the highest levels including three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASYand the new ‘Godmothers’ of the ships New York’s famed dance company the  Rockettes will be part of the guests onboard experience for select cruises.

Norwegian Breakaway Accommodations include Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms along with Spa Balcony, Mini Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian, comprising of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship.

The official christening ceremony will take place in New York City on 8^th May 2013 where the ship will remain to fulfil her Caribbean Itineraries.  We can't wait to see what the finished product will look like and take a tour of this very exciting ship when it eventually sets sail.  Cruise Holiday's, Ireland's number one cruise company will have a range of great packages in mid to late 2013 for all our excited Irish cruising customers eager to test drive this magnificent vessel.

 

 

 

It's here! The Cruise Holidays & Tour America Red Cow Annual Holiday Sale Day.

Tour America & Cruise Holidays, Ireland's leading tour operator to the USA and Cruise Holidays, are this week launching our Annual Sale Day at The Red Cow Moran Hotel to take place on Sunday 7th October.

 

This is the 12th year Tour America & Cruise Holidays have run this holiday show, and we have organised for suppliers from all over the USA to join us on the day. From cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line with a host of special offers and top tips for our cruise clients. Some of the key tourist boards from the USA will also be there including Florida Beaches, Las Vegas, Massachusetts, California, Deep South and much more.

There will be at least 30 exhibitors, with lots of gifts for you and your family; there will be a children's area, and all the Tour America experts there to bring you all the exclusive offers of the day. In addition, we will have key guest speakers to keep you up to date with all that is travel, and to provide you with additional information on all the destinations available to book in the USA wih tips, advice and special offers on the day.

And if you're a technology savvy person, you'll be able to connect with us on the day through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Foresquare. We'll be taking pictures and videos so you can tag yourself, we'll be tweeting event information (Q times, deals on the day etc.) and much more. And we'll have a competition on the day to give one lucky person a €100 One4All gift voucher just for checking in on their mobile phone either through Facebook or Foresquare. If you have been before, you will know how busy it is, so arrive early. If you have not been before, now is your chance to take advantage of the best holiday prices for the USA and cruising. Doors open at 10am (admission is free) and the fun continues till 6pm.

My Celebrity Constellat​ion Trip - Seminar at Sea Amsterdam to Southampto​n

Hi All,

Just back from a spectacular 2 day seminar at sea on Celebrity Constellation and while all is still fresh in my mind thought  I would share some of the highlights with you.




GETTING THERE:

I flew ex Cork to Amsterdam 0600 hrs flight ( nice and early !!! ) scheduled arrival time  in Amsterdam 0845 hrs ( flight took off at 0620hrs but still made it in 1 hr 20 mins ) which was great for all the panicked passengers onboard who had onward connections to the US as we still landed at the scheduled time. I was able to meet up with my travel companion the lovely Miss Tracy McLoughlin very easily as the Dublin flight arrived at the same time so all went very smoothly .

Word of warning there are 2 cruise ports in Amsterdam so just make sure you know which one you need to go to and explain well to the taxi driver as they can easily mix them up.  Once we got to the terminal it was all very easy to figure out where to go we boarded nice and early as boarding started from 11 am and we got there around 10 am.  Lovely hotel right at the port, the Movenpick for people who may want to fly the night before Dublin - Amsterdam and stay at the port as boarding is early on the Constellation as is the departure of the ship is 1630 hrs so for ease and hassle free this is a good choice of hotel.

EMBARKING:

WOW!, huge terminal with  plenty of check in desks, very easy and quick to get through, though we were early which may have helped. I did get talking to other people who arrived later betweem 1 and 2 pm at the terminal and said it was crazy so would definitely advise early arrival if you want to make sure your holiday starts in a relaxing manner.




ONBOARD:

Once onboard we were lucky to have the first day to explore the ship on our own as our group were not meeting until the evening. We only had to wait until 1 pm for our cabin to be ready and once we had walked in our lovely cabin steward arrived with our bags  so again very efficient. We stayed on Deck 2 in an ocean view stateroom with port hole and I was delighted and surprised at the size and also it was a large port hole plenty of light and really airy would def recommend as it was very comfortable and roomy. I have attached a pic to give you an idea.!!


 

Muster drill was carried out just before we set sail and then up to Deck 10 to wave goodbye to Amsterdam.

Courtesy of Celebrity cruise lines we had a cocktail party in the Rendezvous Lounge Deck 4 on our first evening with champers and cocktails supplied by Celebrity /Royal Caribbean and had a welcome talk from our host Leon and really just a chance to meet the other guests lucky enough to be onboard for your 2 day trip, then it was into the lovely formal dining room San Marco where we dined as a group, fabulous food and huge menu, lots of choices for every possible taste.

From then on it was 'plain sailing', excuse the pun :-)  We simply kicked back and enjoyed this stunning ship and although our trip was short, we did get to experience all the Celebrity Constellation has to offer, amazing dining, plenty of activities to both old and young happy and a real sense of being in the lap of luxury.
 

DISEMBARKATION:

Arrived in Southampon at 4 AM but luckily as we were carrying off our own bags and transfering ourselves to southhampton airport the last call for passengers to be off the ship was nearly 9.30 am so not too bad as our flight was with FLYBe Southhampton to Dublin at 1420 hrs. so not too long to wait, I'd advise anyone taking this cruise to do likewise and avail of that extra bit in bed, you'll thank me for it. A fleet of taxis at southampton port were waiting for us, apparantely it's big business for them so no problems there and 15 mins approx to airport so nice and quick (and cheap). I know Royal Caribbean /Celebrity cruises provide transfers to London Heathrow but if you want to price cheaper flights yourselves, Flybe into and out of Southampton do match up with nearly all the cruises giving plent of time on arrival and also on the return so a good option as an alternative and no real hassle in doing it this way either.

ALL IN ALL A MEMORABLE AND FUN 2 DAYS.  I'd fully recommend this short but ideal cruise across to the Dutch capitol.

THANKS A MILLION Celebrity but most of all Cruise Holidays for making it all happen.



 

Lorna