Norwegian Cruise Lines Still Picks The Ports! But The Rest Is Your CallWritten 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 traditional cruise into a unique and far more personal experience. Designed to meet 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 Dawn, for example, at 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 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 ends of earth. Coconut body polishes at Mandara Spa. Warm cognac and hand rolled cigars, beer and a game in sports bar. Special clubs just for 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 wide assortment of cuisine found on every ship, there are added treats and variations on 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 night with pizzazz. Broadway style theatre and snazzy productions in grand scale showrooms, cabaret singers and comics in lounges. Dancing at Dazzles. Hot Latin rhythms and latest tunes in disco. The slap of cards and "rat-a-tat-tat" of roulette wheel in sizzling casino. NCL hosted cocktail parties for honeymooners, singles and past guests. Is there a more exciting place to be in evening than on a ship at sea, ablaze with lights, overflowing with music and 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 ocean-view staterooms have private balconies or large picture windows. Public Rooms and Facilities A veritable parade! Public areas vary by ship with larger, newer ships having greatest preponderance. A general list includes restaurants, lounges, bars (including coffee, champagne and wine venues), and pub. Also an internet café, 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 "aaahhhhhhhh" spa, and for good reason. The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about Gods' quest to find elixir of immortality and eternal youth. No guarantees on immortality, but you'll certainly feel forever young! How 'bout Hot Stone Heaven? Four Hands Massage, or A massage for two in privacy of your stateroom? Exquisite treatments that will nurture you inside and out. Natural ingredients, caring touch. Could not be more perfect!
| | Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly StagedWritten by William Lezubski
Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a leadership role in cruise industry. From contemporary elegance of Horizon to stylish and high-tech Century, to latest epoch, Constellation, Infinity, Millennium and Summit, all are five-star vessels of incomparable allure. In true Celebrity style every conceivable luxury awaits you. Every stateroom is a sanctuary; culinary standards are impeccable, entertainment a masterpiece! There’s poetry to be found in perfect symmetry of grace and strength, which is hallmark of Celebrity’s trim, powerful ships. The ships are designed for your complete fulfillment and beauty is in every detail. In every painting and sculpture, in foyers so grand they resemble Venetian courtyards, in exotic fabrics tinted to rich jewel tone colors, in handsome accommodation, and in sophisticated restaurants and stylish lounges and bars. Polished mahogany, etched glass, soft leather and crisp linen harmonize with immaculately maintained public areas and perfectly prepared staterooms. Celebrity's Fleet No matter which ship you choose, on every Celebrity cruise you will visit enchanting destinations- starting with your ship itself. Ranging in size from approximately 47,000 tons (Horizon, Zenith) right up to 91,000 tons (Millennium, Constellation, Infinity, and Summit) Celebrity offers greater facilities and more accommodation with verandas than ever before. In fact, we'd say facilities are nothing short of dazzling. For example, ethereal Olympic Restaurant on Millennium has intricate, original walnut paneling from White Star Line's ship, RMS Olympic, covering walls. The Atmosphere La dolce vita. Park Avenue elegance. Softly glowing chandeliers. Soothing music. The art of flambé, Aromatic stones, and exotic jasmine flower baths in spa. A world where all that you wish for is anticipated and all that you expect is exceeded. Imagine one of most romantic nights of your life, and then multiply it by length of your Celebrity cruise. The Service Grace and civility are not entirely of past. Expect seamless, professional, sensitive care from ultra-accommodating staff whose adept handling of minuscule details are very definition of unobtrusive blue ribbon service. European-trained dining room personnel are to be particularly admired and you can count on sommelier to provide perfect cabernet to accompany your chateaubriand. Accommodations Suites, Celebrity Suites, Sky Suites with veranda, Premium and Deluxe Ocean-view staterooms with veranda, Ocean-view staterooms, Family Ocean-view staterooms, (last year Ocean-view Celebrity Concierge Class was introduced), and Inside Staterooms. Penthouse suites have both a rotunda and vestibule entrances and is among largest suites at sea (with a baby grand piano if you can imagine)! Naturally bedding varies dependent upon category, although all staterooms have two lower twin beds or a queen-size bed, TV, direct-dial phone and voice mail; individual safe, hair dryer, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, 100% cotton towels, complimentary use of bathrobes, complimentary 24-hour room service, a mini-bar (contents not included). The suites, of course, are unsurpassed 5-star quality, some arriving with luxury of 24-hour butler service to anticipate your needs from afternoon tea to evening hors d'oeuvres to full in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service in some categories. Dependent upon which suite you select, additional amenities can include priority check-in and departure, express luggage delivery on boarding, welcome champagne, dining room seating preference, opportunity to book massages in-suite, a personal computer, printer and internet access, personalized stationery, Celebrity tote bag, oversized bath towels, complimentary use of robes. The Celebrity Network offers an advanced in-room entertainment and information centre where a two-way, user-friendly communications link allows you to view and select shore excursions, order room service and indulge in casino gambling from comfort of your stateroom. The Dining In an environment of consummate charm graced with very best in china, silver, newly pressed white linens and crystal, delicious repasts from world-renowned chef, Michel Roux are exquisitely presented in fetching main dining rooms. Celebrity's pre-eminent cuisine reflects their dedication to providing all guests, including those with particularly educated and discriminating palates, with finest food that land and sea has to offer. Cuisine is as wholesome as it is imaginative. Every dish is prepared using only freshest herbs and ingredients, and even breads and sorbets are made from scratch. In addition there's a wonderful variety of lean and light, vegetarian and special children's selections. On occasion, perhaps you'd enjoy a more casual dining experience, in which case you would have choice of a specialty restaurant, grill or café where selection is every bit as tempting as that served in posh restaurants. The artistry and culinary talents of Celebrity's chefs are also shown to great advantage at theme buffets. On special nights, you can look forward to "Gourmet Bites" a roving late night tour-de-force of succulent treats such as empanadas, mini-Beef Wellington and crispy fish tempura which is hand carried throughout ship by tuxedoed, white-gloved wait staff. Just-baked scones and tea sandwiches are offered during an elegant afternoon tea service and you simply must have an espresso and warm, buttery croissant in Cova Café Milano after your brisk morning walk on deck. The simple joy of a fresh gourmet pizza served in privacy of your stateroom is another tasty option.
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