Carnival Pride Review cruise ship

By: Yvon Marier

Have you ever considered taking a vacation with no driving, no hassle and no worries for 7, 10, 14 days or more? How about a cruise?

If you've never been to one and not sure whether it would be right for you, read on. With all the cruise lines, cruise destinations and various range of price available, there is a cruise for just about everyone.

We were a group of 4 from Canada. We booked a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival Pride departing from LA, USA. We made arrangements to stay a few days in LA where we visited Hollywood and the famous Venus Beach. It was the perfect start of our vacation.

On the day of our cruise departure, we head over to the pier and upon our arrival, we were immediately struck by the awesome sight of the Queen Mary, and our cruise ship was absolutely enormous as it sat there waiting for us.

It took about 45 minutes to check our luggage in and board the ship. Once on the Pride, we found our beautiful stateroom with private balcony, met our room steward, and our luggage magically appeared in our cabin. It's true that Carnival ships remind many people of newer Las Vegas resorts.

We unpacked at once and made ourselves feel at home for the duration of the cruise. After watching the ship set sail from our balcony, we went for walks to get our bearings. We discovered a spa, overlooking a fitness centre filled with exercise equipments, and a hot tub in the middle of the work-out area separated by a glass wall from the rest of the room.

The first two days were sea days. We ate everything in sight, and just acted like people on vacation. The crew members are some of the friendliest and most entertaining folks I've ever met. The second day was nice and warm, we lounged around on the deck. They have plenty of deck chairs at the centre lido pool, we never have problem finding seats.

The cruise vessel has activities for the whole family 24 hours a day. A state-of-the-art theatre for quality shows and entertainment, which are all included in the cruise price. Different entertainment are featured in the theatre every evening of the cruise. They also have a number of theme bars, lounges and a disco with live music that are open into the early morning hours.If nightlife isn't your style, you can enjoy the onboard pool, spa, library, fitness centre, shopping and other amenities.

If you have children on the cruise, they have play areas and programs geared to different age groups.

All meals are "world class cuisine" and "gourmet meals", and combined with impeccable service to insure that the onboard dining experience is truly memorable. It is all included in the price of your cruise. The Pride take into account the modern casual lifestyle and provide a variety of restaurants and snack bars on board. There is a varied and plentiful breakfast and lunch buffet similar to what you would find in Las Vegas. Or you can eat breakfast or lunch in one of the ship's restaurants, order exactly what you want from the menu. Restaurants are usually open for meals for extended hours and buffets are generally open all day and into the night. Not the mention their 24-hour pizza parlour!

Cruises typically stop at a different port of call each day or every other day, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You may stay aboard the ship all day or disembark at any stop. You are free to explore each destination on your own as long as you return to the ship by the designated time.

Our ports of calls were Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Los Cabos.Puerto Vallarta:We made arrangements to take the city tour. Riding in the comfort of a big, air-conditioned tour bus,

Puerto Vallarta was a beautiful sight. Our highlight of the day was swimming with the dolphins. We literally got inside the dolphin pool, touched and kissed the dolphins. It was an experience of our lifetime.

Mazatlan:We booked the city tour with tour-guide Frank. He gave us a private tour, took us to many places. We shopped, explored, ate, relaxed, and we had a fabulous time.

Cabo San Lucas:There are the standard cruise shops, a marketplace of crafts and clothing, and some random street vendors doing the "braid your hair", "take a ride on my water taxi" thing. The trip on the water taxi was really nice and redeemed the Cabo experience for me. We rode around the Land's End, went up to the pelican colony, not nearly the number the pelicans living at the fishing pier in Mazatlan, went to look at the sea lions, and checked out the Pacific side of the peninsula.

Our last day on the cruise was a sad day. We had early disembarkation due to early flights (12:30). The ship was very organized and we were able to get off the ship very quickly.All in all it was an excellent vacation. I'm very pleased with Carnival cruise.With all these great services available at a reasonable cost, why not take a cruise vacation?

About the Author Carnival Pride review is published by Yvon Marier Looking for information about cruises? Go to: http://www.easytraveling.netTravel Articles: http://easytraveling.blogspot.com

By: Ken Weasley

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick theright cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruiseship.

1. One of the most difficult parts of planning for a cruise ischoosing the right cabin. Everyone has different tastes, andwhat is not important to one person might well be important toyou.

2. Look at the cruise ship layout and decks online or inbrochures. Know that there are different types of cabins ondifferent cruise ships. The biggest differences between cruiselines--mainstream and luxury--ships are the quality ofaccommodations.

3. Sometimes there are over 20 different categories on a ship! So it is important to know the different cabin categories. Onereason is that thanks to modern shipbuilding, most inside andoutside staterooms are standard in size and amenities. Comparingone vessel's cabins against another is daunting task, so keepyour eye on the square footage as the most important criteria.

4. Know your budget and what you can afford. The price of acruise ship cabin or stateroom (the terms are interchangeable)is dependent on its size, layout, and location. The cabins onlarge cruise ships come in standard, ocean view, balcony, andsuite. A luxury line's smallest cabins are much larger thanthose on large cruise lines and are either ocean view orbalconied.

5. Know your lifestyle. Price is certainly a consideration,but if your vacation time is limited, you might be willing topay more to get a cabin better suited to your lifestyle. It's apersonal decision, much like deciding where to cruise and whichship to cruise on. How about an outside cabin with a window, orbetter yet a balcony? How about sitting on the balcony with agood book or using it to catch a breathe of sea air?

6. The right cabin is a retreat house after a busy day ashore,or just to get away. A long cruise will have you wanting tospend a relaxing time in your room, watching a TV-movie, ortaking a nap.

7. Lots of people recommend the cheapest inside cabin, becauseyou won't be spending much time in there anyway. This might betrue for short trips, but are you prepared for an inside cabinon the lowest level.

8. Know your location. Cabin, balcony size, and cabin locationvary significantly within the same price range on any ship.

9. There's lot of cruise industry jargon you have to decipher.

10. Yes, there are the obvious questions you should ask: Will I located (sic) below the water line? Will I hear the roar of the ships engines from my cabin? Will I have enough room to turn around in my cabin? Will it be the size of a walk-in closet, with nowindows, a tiny bath, and bunk beds? Will I not be able to tellif it's day or night without going up several decks?

Explore what the different types of cabins are, which locationsare the most desirable, and which locations you should avoid if possible. Pick the right accommodations and you'll have a wonderful time, and get hooked on cruising.

About the Author: He is dedicated to offering news, articles, andinstruction on cheap cruise travel. You have a definite choice of cruise deals. Save big on cruises now. Visit http://www.acmecruises.com for more information.

By: William Lezubski When 4-star Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) introduced its innovative “Freestyle” concept in 2000, they ushered in an extraordinary new era, which transformed the traditional cruise into a unique and far more personal experience. Designed to meet the changing needs of today’s discerning cruise passenger, “Freestyle Cruising” offers guests a truly relaxed, resort-style experience, with perhaps most importantly, complete personal flexibility. There is only one schedule on NCL’s freestyle ships, and that is yours. The hallmarks are remarkable. There is a good assortment of suites most of which have private balconies and separate bedrooms. On the Dawn, for example, at the very top end you might select her spectacular 5,350 square foot "garden villa" suite complete with living room, dining room, three bedrooms, whirlpool tub and garden with a hot tub, outdoor dining area and terrace (it's true!). And there's butler service too. It simply does not get better than this for families or a group of friends. But no matter which accommodation style you choose, you'll find your surroundings, bright, cheerful and comfortable. Atmosphere NCL has created a world of options for their guests, which contributes mightily to the shipboard atmosphere of family holiday fun, relaxation, personal freedom and romance. Wide open spaces and small private hideaways. Sheer glass walls and views stretching to the ends of the earth. Coconut body polishes at Mandara Spa. Warm cognac and hand rolled cigars, beer and a game in the sports bar. Special clubs just for the kids. "And so very much more". Dining Food is a very big part of cruising, and in this area, NCL is in a league of its own. Along with the wide assortment of cuisine found on every ship, there are added treats and variations on the theme. A wickedly sinful Chocoholic Buffet, a President's Menu, designed by Henry Haller, former White House Executive Chef, tasty children's menus, Healthy selections from Cooking Light magazine with low fat, low cholesterol and low calorie suggestions. Meals taken in main dining rooms are included, however there is an additional charge for meals enjoyed in specialty restaurants. Entertainment The good times roll as lavish entertainment fills the night with pizzazz. Broadway style theatre and snazzy productions in grand scale showrooms, cabaret singers and comics in the lounges. Dancing at Dazzles. Hot Latin rhythms and the latest tunes in the disco. The slap of cards and "rat-a-tat-tat" of the roulette wheel in the sizzling casino. NCL hosted cocktail parties for honeymooners, singles and past guests. Is there a more exciting place to be in the evening than on a ship at sea, ablaze with lights, overflowing with music and the sound of happy laughter. Accommodations Accommodation is of all stripes, truly wide-ranging with owner's suites, penthouse suites, family suites, ocean-view staterooms and inside staterooms (many adjoining and family-friendly). Ocean-view and inside staterooms have two lower beds, bathroom with shower, refrigerator, safe, TV radio and phone. Some also offer a sitting area and many of the ocean-view staterooms have private balconies or large picture windows. Public Rooms and Facilities A veritable parade! Public areas vary by ship with the larger, newer ships having the greatest preponderance. A general list includes restaurants, lounges, bars (including coffee, champagne and wine venues), and pub. Also an internet cafe, sports deck with basketball, volleyball, golf driving net, beauty salon, fitness center, walking/jogging track, card room, cinema, video arcade, pool(s), lap pool, kid pool, hot tubs, and even a snorkeling program. Mandara Spa Originating in Bali, Mandara Spa has been dubbed the "aaahhhhhhhh" spa, and for good reason. The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the Gods' quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. No guarantees on the immortality, but you'll certainly feel forever young! How 'bout Hot Stone Heaven? Four Hands Massage, or A massage for two in the privacy of your stateroom? Exquisite treatments that will nurture you inside and out. Natural ingredients, caring touch. Could not be more perfect! Kids Crew Norwegians have a way with kids! NCL's complimentary Kid's Crew is a program of things to do places to go and kids to meet. It's like recess only longer. Sleep away camp, only better. A specially trained staff of youth counselors from universities and organizations, who carry an impressive bag of tricks for your kids, carefully supervises every minute. There are circuses, crafts, parades, sports, games, stories and parties. Campouts with tents, cooking classes where they can make a pizza or pancakes, T-shirt painting, face painting, treasure hunts and sandcastle competitions if your cruise includes a visit to NCL's private island. Age specific, programs vary for Junior Sailors age 3 to 5, First Mates age 6 to 8, Navigators age 9 to 12 and Teens age 13 to 17 (teens enjoy karaoke, dancing, pool parties, scavenger hunts, trivia contests, exercise classes, volleyball, basketball and movies). Programs are subject to change and the aforementioned is far from a complete list. But you get the idea! Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's Own Private Island in the Bahamas Relax on the talcum sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters of NCL's own Private Island in the Bahamas. Even the most novice snorkeler can see brilliant fish, gentle stingrays and coral reefs.Floats, paddleboats, kayaks and Kis-Kat sailboats are available to ensure guests enjoy the wonders of Great stirrup Cay's waters. Dive In’ Snorkeling Program Features an experienced and knowledgeable instructor, fins, a mask and safety vest. Scuba excursions are also available! "Europe Plus" Program Features free, two-night pre- or post-cruise hotel packages, transfers, private hospitality desks at hotels and breakfast at Rome hotels in conjunction with Norwegian Dream's European and Mediterranean cruises. (Must be booked and deposited 180 days prior to sailing; some restrictions apply.) Latitudes Program NCL's Latitudes Program is designed to recognize guest loyalty with special savings and greater benefits on cruises, including future cruise discounts, an on board cocktail party for members only, on board consultant, complimentary subscription to Latitudes, NCL's quarterly magazine, special check-in at selected ports and more. Romance Packages For those special moments, NCL offers wedding packages, which include a wedding coordinator, ceremony, wedding officinal, announcements, wedding cake, photography package and more. Winter Weather Guarantee! Ask about Norwegian Dawn's Winter Weather Guarantee who provides shipboard credits and/or cruise credits for certain weather-related cancellations or specific delays. Applicable to select sailing months. A young fleet by most cruises line standards; ships have either been built within the past six years or have enjoyed recent refurbishment. Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Dawn were inaugurated in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Norwegian Sky's maiden voyage was in 1999 (she has been re-flagged as Pride of Aloha and has joined the new NCL America brand in July 2004). Norwegian Majesty first sailed in 1997, Norwegian Wind in 1993 and Norwegian Dream in 1992 (both Wind and Dream were refurbished in 1998) Norwegian Sea launched in 1988 and was refurbished in both 2001 and 2003. 77,000 ton, 2000 guest Norwegian Spirit (formerly Superstar Leo of Star Cruises), was built for Freestyle Cruising in 1998. She closely resembles her larger sister, Norwegian Dawn. In September 2003, NCL added Norwegian Crown to their fleet. Formerly the Crown Odyssey she previously sailed under the banner of NCL's sister company, Orient Lines. She has undergone a multi-million dollar transformation to Freestyle standard including the addition of three new restaurants including NCL's signature Le Bistro, a Pasta Caf’nd the Asian influenced Chopsticks. The Seven Seas Restaurant, the Yacht Club and Caf’talia are also on board. Other changes include enhancements to the Top of the Crown Lounge, an expanded Lido Bar, a complete renovation to the casino, and the Mandara Spa, Beauty Salon and Fitness Center was completely rebuilt. About the Author: About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC). William is a professional in the Travel Industry and the author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm

By: William Lezubski Luxury goes exploring! How faithfully these words portray the elegance, exemplary service and much-lauded itineraries, which are the very hallmark of Radisson's Cruises. Long ensconced in the upper niche of 6-star cruising, Radisson welcomes guests to its five eclectic, trend setting ships as old and valued friends! Atmosphere: Atmospheres are luxurious of course, yet there is also the feeling of unpretentious informality and a relaxed conviviality, which quickly brings guests together. You are always in your element no matter which ship you select. No noisome crowds, no bothersome announcements interrupt. Accommodations: Blissful, private cocoons scrupulously maintained by discreet hotel staff who seems to sense by osmosis when they are necessary. Service: Old World civility, Radisson's top to bottom insistence on uncompromising quality results in matchless service happily unobtrusive and defined in very personal terms. In restaurants servers are observant, never obsequious. Dining: Naturally there are times when guests would prefer to savor the pleasures of the table privately en suite, and so on all Radisson ships, 24 hour room service is available featuring the chef's entre during dining hours and a select menu at other times. In keeping with Radisson Seven Seas superior dining standards, cuisine is cosmopolitan and menus feature a potpourri of selections ranging from the latest fusion creations to traditional favorites and a menu for the health conscious. All dining is splendid in flavor and presentation and wonderful gastronomic surprises are in store! All ships have chic main dining rooms and fashionable alternative and specialty restaurants. The Signatures Restaurants on Voyager and Mariner are of particular note as Le Cordon Bleu chefs direct them, the most prestigious culinary authority in the world. On select sailing's intensive 2-hour Classe Culinaire des Croisi’s these master chefs teach workshops. A chance to whisk, poach and dice side-by-side with culinary artists! Jean-Pierre Vigato, a 2-star Michelin chef/owner of Apicius in Paris, inspires Paul Gauguin's cuisine. On all ships, a complimentary bar is in each stateroom and complimentary superior wine is poured with dinner (soft drinks, juices and bottled water are also included). Entertainment: On the larger vessels, Peter Grey Terhune produces dazzling showroom productions and cabaret performers such as singers, musicians, and comics also entertain. Paul Gauguin has less glittering entertainment simply because of her size and presents Gaugines, Polynesian singers, dancers and storytellers who form an integral part of the flawlessly proficient staff. Land Programs: Guests may purchase a hotel stay or land program for one or more nights to extend their stay in the port of embarkation or debarkation. Radisson's Fleet: Radisson Diamond, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Sea Voyager, M/S Paul Gauguin. All Radisson Seven Seas ships share certain distinctions, yet each has a unique personality. All vessels offer beautifully appointed, uncommonly spacious outside staterooms, suites and penthouse suites virtually all with balcony (Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager are all suite/all balcony ships). For those desiring the ultra plus in personal attention and luxury, private butlers - many of whom are alumni of the finest private homes and deluxe hotels - are at your behest on Navigator, Mariner and Voyager. Gratuities are not required on any Radisson Seven Seas vessel.. About the Author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is the owner and author of "Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site" available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com. A great source for Discounted Caribbean Cruises!

By: William Lezubski Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming 200 feet over the ocean. Where there is so much happening, so much to discover and experience it’s just possible the crack of dawn will need to be your wake up call. They say it is the journey and not the destination, and the case can certainly be argued in favor of Royal Caribbean International (known everywhere as RCI). Even the imposing names of the ships are literally synonymous with the experience - Adventure, Grandeur, Rhapsody, and Splendour! As the thrum of the engines heralds your departure, miles of heaven open ahead of you, filled with overflowing free-spirited fun and entertainment, contagious hospitality, simply superb dining and an infinity of pleasure. Complete escapes from the humdrum, these absolutely nautical wonders, literally packed with adventure and leading edge guest facilities. No wonder Royal Caribbean International’s slogan is: “Get Out There”?! Atmosphere Sparkling, stimulating, sensual, stress-less! You can take a siesta from the world and glory in dinner by candlelight, walks by moonlight, excursions by daylight. As RCI put it: “get pampered, get pumped!” One of the greatest blessings of a Royal Caribbean cruise is that the atmosphere allows you to go from unassuming to absolute glamour with everything else in between. Ship decor on all vessels is eye-popping, with opulent surroundings unrivalled by the grandest hotel. Multi-storied Centrum's are designed as open atriums and crystal sculpture and cascading waterfalls are not uncommon. Adventure's Royal Promenade is four decks high and the length of two football fields and bustles with charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers and lively street fairs (think New York's Times Square or London's Burlington Arcade). Exquisite solariums offer sparkling pools, retractable glass ceilings and themes ("India during the Raj" describes the ambience of the solarium on Brilliance where three 16-foot bejeweled elephants stand guard). More than half the surface of the 90,000-ton Radiance of the Seas is glass, giving you masses of open space and unforgettable panoramic views. And speaking of panoramas, the 360-degree view from RCI's signature Viking Crown>/i> Lounge, perched hundreds of feet above the ocean is something to behold. Legend of the Seas and Splendor of the Seas have 18-hole miniature golf courses, basketball courts and billiard rooms with self leveling tables. Rock climbing walls are scheduled for all ships. Gold Anchor Service Three simple words that define the very personal attention to detail you can expect from a crew that is expert in courtly, unpretentious hospitality. The bartender who remembers your extra olive, the server who recalls the name of your child's teddy bear, and the housekeeper who reminds you of your dinner reservation. Friends taking care of friends. Accommodations A wide variety is available, such as Royal Suites, Owner's Suites, Royal Family Suites, Grand Ocean View Suites, and Superior Ocean View Suites - all with balconies, Ocean-view Staterooms with or without balconies and Interior Staterooms. All accommodations come complete with vanity area, hair-dryer, mini-bar, radio and closed circuit TV with satellite programming, classic movies, and children's programming. Staterooms have phones so you can call home, other guests, or order room service. On some ships you can receive unlimited dial-up Internet access for a reasonable charge if you bring your laptop. Bedding varies by category. To give you just two "suite" examples, the Royal Family Suite has two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to a queen-size, two bathrooms, one with a tub, a living area with double sofa bed and Pullman bed, fridge and private balcony. It easily accommodates eight. There is also an ocean-view Family Stateroom with two twin beds (convertible to queen) an additional twin bed, a sitting area with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed. Dining Whether your preference runs to chandeliers and escargot, the glories of Italian cuisine, or perhaps just a simple clubhouse sandwich on your private balcony, you can expect venues and menus guaranteed to suit any frame of mind. No matter how you wish to dress for dinner (or not dress for dinner - there's 24 hour room service), expect the best in casual dining and elegant multi-course meals from the accomplished chefs in RCI's famous galleys. Lively and witty waiters offer sumptuous cuisine to fashionable crowds in formal, romantic settings, and to those who select more relaxed casual environments. Selection ranges from penne cooked to al dente perfection and juicy steaks with all the trimmings to succulent seafood and voluptuous five-course spectacles in the truly stunning main dining rooms. And will you refuse the sweets served at the sinfully delicious chocolate buffet? Of course not - you're on vacation. Remember that you can always select low fat, low cholesterol, low calorie and/or vegetarian dishes. And there's always pumping up your heart rate in the fitness center (that ought to be good for seconds on the cheesecake). Entertainment If you thought there were a lot to do during the day, just wait until the stars come out. Life quickens as the ship's illuminations light the sky and the party's on! So when it's time to up the tempo, come and play with fortune in the casino, then cheer the dynamic, showy, contemporary productions performed in the magnificent theatres. You'll think your ship has docked on Broadway. These live productions are offered several times each week and feature the outstanding talents of The Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers. Plentiful lounges and clubs offer every type of music, from jazz to swing, disco to classic rock. Restaurants, cafes, lounges, showrooms, clubs, billiard clubs, card clubs, coffee bars, champagne bars, casinos, ShipShape Spa, solariums, pools, whirlpools, sports courts, jogging tracks, internet cafes, miniature golf courses, golf simulators, cinemas, video arcades, shops, libraries. Some ships have in-line skating tracks, rock climbing walls (walls and ice rinks are on Explorer, Voyager, Mariner and Navigator). Rock climbing walls are scheduled for all ships. Adventure Ocean? Youth Activities Program RCI knows that a 16-year-old's idea of fun is a far cry from a 5-year-old's. The Adventure Ocean (SM) Programme is designed with that in mind and it is broken down into five different age groups with activities designed accordingly. Each staff member holds a degree in Education, Recreation or related major. All are certified in CPR and Basic First Aid. They have extensive backgrounds in working with large groups of children 3-17 and from 3 to 5 years working in team situations. Kids dine with Youth Program staff members and friends (offered on select nights). Special menus at the Windjammer Caf?nd Solarium are available. Aquanauts Ages 3-5: Adventure Science, Adventure Art, and Pirate Night, Camp Aquanaut Night, Sail into story-time. (Pagers are available to all Aquanaut parents). Explorers Ages 6-8: Wacky Water Workshop, Wacky Olympics and Talent Show, lots of art projects. Voyagers Ages 9-11: The Mystery of the Making of Motion Ocean and The X Games, beach relays, tug of war and parachute games. Navigators Ages 12-14: A less structured atmosphere and Navigators can come and go as they please. Activities include scavenger hunts, adventure sports, video game challenge. Guests Ages 15-17: These soon-to-be-adults have more freedom and can come and go at their leisure. Events include a hot tub party, theme parties, and even a battle of the sexes. The Living Room and Fuel are two great places for teens to get away from it all. Living Room has a laid-back atmosphere where kids can just hang and chill, and Fuel is a party where they can gather, dance and enjoy the tunes. Golf Ahoy Program A unique combination of a world-class cruise and championship golf on courses worldwide. Royal Caribbean is the official cruise line of the PGA TOUR and the Senior PGA TOUR. The Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, are a few ships listed that offer a 9 hole mini-golf course onboard, putting greens or golf simulators. Ship Shape Fitness ProgramShip Shape Fitness Program features low- and high- impact aerobics, a jogging track, basketball (on some ships) and wide selection of exercise machines. Ship Shape Spa Program Flawless pampering is practiced by the genies amid the tranquility and serenity of the incomparable ShipShape Spa. Through their invigorating therapies, you're pretty much guaranteed a new lease on life. There is also a fitness program, which features low, and high impact aerobics, jogging track and a wide selection of machines. Royal Romance Wedding Program Royal Romance Wedding Program helps you plan a shipboard wedding, from ceremony to reception to honeymoon. Royal Reunions Offered on Voyager-family ships sailing Caribbean itineraries only. Events will be scheduled by the ship and based on shipboard needs and requirements. There is a minimum of eight cabins to qualify. Royal Reunions Package #1: Welcome letter from the Captain, Aqua Park passes or Sports Desk Fast Pass, Photo package, Door decorations, Personalized cake, Royal Reunions gift set, Daily Royal Reunions challenge. The Crown & Anchor Society The Crown & Anchor Society is RCI's past guest programme which rewards their most loyal guests with exciting benefits and savings. There are three membership levels: Gold (after 1st completed cruise), Platinum (after 5th completed cruise) and Diamond (after 10th completed cruise). The benefits increase at each level. The more you cruise, the more you receive. Benefits include a subscription to the award-winning magazine, Crown & Anchor, special on board events and special savings certificates to use in the spas, casinos, bars and more. Other benefits include an invitation to join Member cruises whereby exclusive savings, complimentary wine tasting, welcome back parties and commemorative gifts are available. RCL Fleet: Royal Caribbean still boasts the largest and most innovative ships at sea with most in the 70,000 to 90,000 ton range. Nordic Empress, even at an impressive 48,000 tons, is a whippersnapper when compared to the Adventure of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and the brand new Mariner of the Seas which weigh in at a staggering 138,000 and 142,000 tons respectively. RCI has just announced a design for an even larger and more spacious class. Dubbed Ultra Voyager and deliverable in 2006, this ship will be full of the world's biggest "this and that's!" Guest capacity will be 3,600 double occupancy, 500 more than its Voyager Class predecessor. Registered tonnage will be just under 160,000. About the Author About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is a professional in the Travel Industry and the author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm