Saturday, May 9, 2015

Eastern Caribbean Cruise

 
 
The Eastern Caribbean brings the somewhat mindless fun-in-the-sun experience many cruisers are looking for. Your getaway includes sandy beaches and opportunity to enjoy an array of watersports. Or sit and do nothing with a frosty rum drink in hand. Duty-free shopping galore – some of the port towns have an ambience akin to shopping malls – and casinos, including at the massive Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, offer diversions for those not focused on sun-seeking. Nature lovers will find the opportunity to explore both on land (especially in St. John) and in the sea (on snorkeling and diving excursions).
Cruises of a week or less sail mostly out of Florida (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, near Orlando) and visit tried-and-true ports in the Bahamas and/or St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and sometimes San Juan, Puerto Rico. Longer itineraries sail from New York and Baltimore.
The cruises are year-round, and packed with families during school break periods.
Depending on which line you book, your itinerary may include a stop at a cruise line-owned Bahamas island, where the sugary sands, beach BBQs, bars and souvenir shops are reserved for cruise passengers only.
Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean if you...
Are seeking sun and tropical heat. Like to be in a popular place with a lot of other people.
Don't go if you...
Are seeking cultural stimulation. Want the beach to yourself.
--Fran Golden is the Experience Cruise expert blogger and a contributing editor of Porthole Magazine. She is the co-author of Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call.
Ports in this region:

 
 
 
 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

WELCOME ABOARD THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN QUANTUM OF THE SEAS


Newly Designed Staterooms
Say hello to your home on the high seas – now with more family-friendly modular staterooms that interconnect and the first virtual balconies at sea.

Dining Options
The Grande - From beef Wellington to chicken a l’orange, the world’s classic dishes come together for formal night, every night. Chic - Where the freshest ingredients of the wild are evolved to the height of contemporary cuisine.  Michael’s Genuine Pub -James Beard Award-winner Michael Schwartz brings you delicious yet uncomplicated pub fare, plus his namesake craft beer. Silk - A vibrant tapestry of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian cooking.  American Icon Grill - America’s favorite comfort foods, homespun in our kitchen with a few creative twists.  Sorrento’s - For an authentic New York pizzeria experience.  Café Promenade - This café on the Royal Promenade offers specialty coffees, snacks and pastries in the morning and sandwiches and cookies throughout the day and night. Chops GrilleSM - Our hallmark restaurant now features a revamped menu that brings contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings.  Chef’s Table - A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. In this exclusive space, 14 guests will enjoy a five-course menu of gourmet selections prepared by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course is accompanied by wine pairings chosen to enhance your enjoyment of each dish.  Izumi Japanese Cuisine - The traditional Japanese dishes.  Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine - Our chefs twist the kaleidoscope to invent fantasy gourmet dishes, magical elixirs, and more never-before-seen fare.  Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver - Chef Jamie Oliver presents a menu of rustic Italian favorites, handmade with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Café @ Two70° - An easy grab n’ go, gourmet marketplace that lets you pick the view. Coastal Kitchen - Exclusively for suite guests, a fresh new fusion of California cool and Med-inspired taste. Windjammer Marketplace - A global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Johnny Rockets® - All the style of a classic ‘50s diner. Solarium Bistro - During the day enjoy a classic bistro plate with a loved one or bring the family to this delicious dining experience that has something for everyone.  SeaPlexSM Dog House - The first food truck at sea, serving up traditional hot dogs, brats,and sausages, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

North Star
Take yourself to new heights with the jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends over 300 feet above sea level. Breathtaking 360° views of the sea and our destinations make the North Star one of the most anticipated features on this ship.





The Quantum class of ships is a new leap forward in vessel design with groundbreaking innovations like RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea. And the North Star, a jewel-shaped, glass capsule with a spectacular ocean view. Plus, we're introducing transformational venues like the Seaplex and Two70° that morph from day to night.

Transformative Venues
Experience completely revolutionary spaces that transform from day to night. Play basketball, go roller skating and ride bumper cars at the SeaplexSM. Relax with a book at Two70°SM and come back at night for a spectacular aerial show.
 

 
 
 

Saturday, April 25, 2015

New Allergy-Friendly Menus Available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Disney Destinations

New allergy-friendly menus are now available at approximately 120 quick-service and table-service locations at Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. 
These new menus provide allergen content for each menu item, offering your Clients an easier way to make informed choices. Menu selection includes appetizers (where applicable), entrées, side items, desserts and kids’ meals, and focuses on the most common allergens, including gluten/wheat, milk, peanut, tree nut and fish.
Your Clients are still encouraged to consult directly with a restaurant chef or special diets-trained Cast Member, as this allows culinary teams to take extra measures during preparation.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for vacationing families. Our chefs have also been recognized for their commitment to food allergy awareness, education and management. 
The new allergy-friendly menus have already been introduced in signature restaurants at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They will debut at other table-service and quick-service restaurants, including Walt Disney World Water Parks, Downtown Disney® and resort hotels, through September 2015.