Carnival Legend
Carnival Cruise Lines
Maximum Passengers: 2680 | |
This standard, large resort ship, comprising 12 passenger decks, can accommodate between 2,124 and 2,680 passengers to 1,030 crew. Attracting high levels of first time cruise passengers you will find couples, singles and families onboard. Anyone who is under 30 or over 50 and enjoys active holidays with lots of bustle and people participation games will enjoy this cruise This ship specializes in cruises around the Caribbean. The itinerary covering the Western Caribbean leaves from Tampa in Florida and takes in Grand Cayman, Cozumel (Mexico), Belize and Roatan Island (Honduras). This ship was built in Finland for £187.5 million and entered service in 2002. Weighing in at 88k tons it measures 292m in length and is 32m wide. Its sleeker design allows it to travel faster than most other ships in its class; it can therefore cover a 10- day cruise itinerary in just 7 days. It has an excellent stability rating. The ship is well maintained and imaginatively decorated throughout (including murals depicting figures from the ancient world). The CDC hygiene rating is 98. The onboard currency is the US dollar. There are a total of 1,062 cabins on board, ranging from 17sq.m to 45 sq.m in size. 849 cabins have an outside view, 213 are interior view, while 750 come with private balcony. There are no single occupancy cabins available. 16 have wheelchair access and 15 lifts aid easy movement around the ship.
There are 20 individual grades of accommodation. All cabins come with twin beds that you can convert into a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer and complimentary basket of toiletries. Category 11 and 12 cabins come with priority check-in. Category 12 also come equipped with VCR, fridge, seating area, walk-in wardrobe and whirlpool. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The two decks high Truffles Restaurant is the only main dining room aboard, it can seat 1,300 passengers. Breakfast is an open seating affair while lunch and dinner is served over two sittings. French master chef, Georges Blanc, has created several signature dishes for passengers to choose from.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
The Golden Fleece Supper Club: (seats 156) for more formal dining, reservations required.
Unicorn Café: Buffet counter/ rotisserie/ Asian/ deli sandwiches/ Pizzeria/ salads and
desserts. (In the evening the venue converts into Seaview Bistro- self-service dinner menu).
Late-night buffet available every night.
24-hour room service (complimentary): varied selection including ice cream and frozen yoghurt! For glitz, glamour, big production numbers and cabaret acts head for The Follies Showlounge. For a drink accompanied by piano music try Billie’s Bar. There are a number of bars including Medusa’s Lair Dance Club, Firebird Lounge, Dream Team Bar and Satchmo’s Club where you can enjoy a drink, disco music, dancing, live music and for the really brave karaoke.
To keep you fit and healthy there are 2 outdoor swimming pools (one with retractable glass dome ceiling for use in bad weather), outdoor jogging track and 2 whirlpools. There is also a water slide and swimming pool for children only. To increase your heartbeat take an aerobics class (with instructor), or work out in the gym. If all you want to do is pamper yourself then the 4 Jacuzzis, sauna, solarium, steam room, beauty parlour and spa (covering 2 decks) are all on hand.
Holmes Library offers a quiet alternative to other more energetic public areas. Or if you prefer a gamble then Club Merlin Casino is the venue for you. You really are spoilt for choose on this vessel if retail therapy is your thing, as there is a whole street of shops onboard! Your cruise fare includes all normal shipboard activities and services. Gratuities for dining and stateroom staff are automatically added to your onboard account (£5 per guest per day). You can however adjust this rate at any time. Please note that if you purchase a “Cruise-To Nowhere” package the company requests that gratuities of £5 per guest per day be paid prior to sailing. There is also a singles supplement charge of between 150 – 200%.
The cruise fare does not include your airfare, transfers from airport to port, shore excursions, medical services, government taxes, security and fuel surcharges or departure and arrival tax. You can purchase a “Fountain Fun Card” for unlimited soft drinks, however 15% will be automatically added at point of sale. All onboard beverages also have a 15% gratuity added.
There are self- service launderette facilities at £1 a wash, £1 for dryer load and 50p a box for soap powder and softener. The onboard ATM charges a transaction fee of £2.75. For an additional fee you can also rent out laptops, prams and radios along with snorkel and golf equipment. Internet access is available for an activation fee of £2 then 38p a minute, pay as you go rate. For cruises of 7 days or more the rate is 100 mins @ £27.50/ 250 mins @ £50, cruises less than 7 days - 30 mins @£8.25/ 60 mins @ £12. Wireless radio cards £5 a day.
Passengers are not permitted to bring alcohol onboard, except for one bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation. Corkage - £5 in dining room/ £7 in Supper Club. Alcohol purchased in onboard shop will be held until disembarkation. You must be over 21 to consume alcohol onboard and over 18 to gamble in the casino or slot machines. No under 12’s are allowed in the spa and fitness area, 12-16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Constellation
Celebrity Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 2450 | |
This premium, large resort ship sprawls over 11 passenger decks and can accommodate between 1,950 and 2,450 passengers. With 999 crew offering a high standard of service and hospitality this is cruising with a touch of luxury. Couples, young and old, would enjoy this cruise, as would families who are certainly catered for. A comprehensive programme for children is on offer: Shipmates- aged 3-6/ Celebrity Cadets- 7-9/Ensigns – 10-12/ Admiral T’s – 13-15/16-17. Take in the many and varied islands of the Caribbean or why not head for Bermuda? Or head north and experience New England or Canada. There is also a transatlantic route available which takes in many destinations both sides of the ocean. Why not try a truly Gaelic holiday and travel around Ireland and Scotland. You can even wrap up and venture into colder climes in Scandinavia and Russia. This ship entered service in 2002 and was built in France for £175million. It weighs in at 91k tons, measuring 294m long and 32m wide. The ship runs on a “pod” propulsion system and the engines are powered by smoke-less (quiet) gas turbines; therefore the stability rating is excellent. With stylish and elegant interiors that echo the ambience of a grand hotel, there is also a beautiful conservatory and glasshouse resplendent with plants, fountains and flowers! The main atrium is 3 decks high, while the glass walled lifts service all 11 decks. The CDC rating is 91. The onboard currency is the US dollar. The ship has a total of 975 cabins; 780 have an outside view and 195 have an interior view. 590 come with private balcony and none have single person occupancy. 26 have wheelchair access (17 of which have private balcony). The smallest cabin is 15sq.m, the largest is 235sq.m. Depending on location, grade and size there are 20 individual categories of cabin. All suites come with T.V. mini-bar and fridge (extra fees apply), personal safe, hairdryer, cotton towels and entertainment system (this is interactive and allows you to shop, book shore excursions and play casino games from your room).
Penthouse, Royal, Celebrity and Sky, all benefit from butler service which comprises of full breakfast, afternoon tea, in-suite lunch and dinner, daily newspaper, evening hors d’ oeuvres, complimentary coffee and don’t forget the shoeshine! You will also receive bathrobe, in-suite massage service, tote bag, priority dining and room seating, computer with printer and internet access, welcome champagne and access to films from the onboard video library. And if you are that way inclined, you can also make use of the private portrait sitting service!
Please note that wheelchair cabins are sensibly located close to lifts and all doorways, bathroom doors and shower units are wheelchair accessible. Constellation
Deck Plan| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main San Marco Restaurant, stretching over 2 decks with connecting stairway, can accommodate 1,198 passengers. With glass wall offering ocean views and musician’s gallery on upper deck this is an impressive place to dine. An open seating system operates at breakfast and lunch; however dinner is over 2 sittings. It is well presented throughout with a good variety of tasty food on the menu.
Other dining options:
Ocean Liners Restaurant: Fine dining, excellent service, extensive wines list (200 world wines) and classic French cuisine. Seats 115, reservations are required and there is a £15 per person cover charge.
Ocean Liners Restaurant: post war transatlantic ambience offering traditional menu.
Seaside Café & Grill: self-service buffet, pizza bar and grill. (seats 750, reservations required).
Cova Café di Milano: For coffee aficionados (latte/ expresso/ expresso machiato/ cappuccino) with superb range of cakes, chocolates, liqueurs and pastries.
Aqua Spa Café: drinks and snacks.
Gourmet Bites: Late night snacks.
Afternoon Teas and finger sandwiches onboard.
24 –hour complimentary room service (inc. pizza delivery!) If traditional all singing and dancing cabaret acts are your thing then head for the 900 seat (3 decks high) Celebrity Theatre. There are a plethora of bars to choose from in which to enjoy a drink. For panoramic views set to piano music head for Reflections Observation Lounge. Or if you prefer your piano music with a cigar and cognac try Michael’s Bar. The Mast Bar allows you to enjoy a beverage overlooking the pool. Experience a touch of class in the Champagne and Martini Bar where you can also enjoy liqueurs and caviar (you must be 21 and over, to consume alcohol onboard, however on European/ South American/ Australian cruises a parent can sign a waiver form to allow 18-20 year olds to drink).
To expand the mind there is a library, lectures, seminars and computer classes. Take in a film in the cinema or browse around the huge shopping arcade. If you want to increase your heartbeat there is a fitness centre, aerobics classes, 1 indoor and 2 outdoor pools, basketball, volleyball, golf, jogging and shuffleboard (or you could take a gamble in the casino or slot machines). The Aqua Spa has an up to the minute Thalassotherapy pool and there is a dedicated pool and whirlpool for children only, along with 6 Jacuzzis’. After all that exercise wind down in the Beauty Salon or onboard spa. Your cruise fare will include accommodation, some meals and beverages, some entertainment and all other normal onboard services and facilities. £5 pp per day gratuity charge is automatically added to your onboard account. There is a single supplement charge of 200%. There is no self-service laundry service available.
The cruise fare does not include air-fare, transfers, all shore excursions, medical services and some beverages. Please note that 15% is automatically added to all wine and bar bills. At an extra cost a shuttle service is available from ship to city centre (if a mile or more away from port). Pier side parking is on a first come first serve basis and you will be charged. Also be aware that the company can add surcharges for departure tax and airport facilities without prior notice.
Babysitting service fees: Youth Program - £3 an hour per child/ Stateroom Service - £4 an hour up to 2 children. (Minimum age 6 months and must be booked 24 hours in advance). Most dietary requirements can be catered for (Veggie/ Diabetic/ Kosher) however you must give 40 days notice (South America and European cruises – 80 days).
Passengers purchasing Day Prior Stay and Celebrity Sea and Stay packages will receive all-inclusive hotel accommodation, taxes, gratuities, porterage and transfers. Any amendment to names on tickets is subject to an additional fee; North American cruises - £37.50, International - £62.50. Land excursions can be purchased (to experience helicopter sightseeing and flights to the Arctic Circle) at an extra cost. The price is inclusive of all transport, transfers, local taxes, meals and entrance fees to museums/sites. Costa Concordia
Costa Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 3800 | |
This standard, large resort ship, spanning 14 decks, has the capacity to carry between 3,000 and 3,800 passengers to 1,090 crew. A wide variety of people would enjoy this cruise including young couples, families and single travellers. The majority of passengers will be Italian, giving a warm, Mediterranean feel to cruises. Service is of a good standard, with friendly staff, laid back ambience and casual dress code. There is also a children’s play area incorporating playground and splashpool. Costa Concordia offers all-year round cruising in the Mediterranean. You can travel to all of the main destinations including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Gibraltar, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Sicily. North African countries such as Egypt and Tunisia are also included on itineraries. Built in Italy for £282.50 million, this vessel entered service in 2006. The largest in the Costa fleet, it weighs in at 112k tons, measuring 290m in length and 37.5m in width. The indoor focal point has to be a rotunda atrium lobby (resplendent with glass dome) that spans 9 decks! A rather spacious interior affords a good selection of public rooms, lounges and bars for you to choose from. There are a total of 1,500 cabins onboard, ranging in size from 16.7 sq.m to 44.8 sq.m. 914 cabins come with outside view, 586 are interior view, while 571 come with private balcony. Only 2 cabins cater for single occupancy and 12 have wheelchair access (it is useful to note that there are also 14 lifts aboard).
Cabins are divided into 20 separate price categories, which is dependent on location and facilities. All cabins come equipped with safe, air conditioning, toiletries (soap and shower gel), hairdryer, mini-bar, music, TV, telephone and shower. Mini, Panoramic, Grand and Samsara Suites also benefit from Jacuzzi, fresh fruit, slippers and bathrobe, butler service, priority boarding and choice of table and sitting in restaurants. You can also take advantage of continental breakfast delivered to your cabin along with in-suite dining for lunch and dinner. It is possible to book shore excursions through your butler and you will also receive invitations to enjoy cocktails with the captain. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
Depending on your accommodation grade you will be assigned to either of the two main dining venues, Milano or Roma. Both have two sittings. As one might expect you can look forward to a great selection of pasta dishes.
Other dining experiences include:
2 Samsara dining venues (100 seats in each) – attached to onboard Spa and offers healthy options including low salt, calories and fat options.
Club Concordia - Reservations required for this exclusive restaurant club. There is also a cover charge of £10 per person.
Parigi Buffet Restaurant -Casual self-service venue for breakfast and lunch. You will also get a pizza and a good coffee here.
Café Helsinki – Coffee (cappuccino and expresso) and pastries. There is a good selection and standard of coffees wherever you wish to enjoy a beverage.
24-hour room service. You can enjoy food in many of the bars. Sala da Ballo Vienna is a lively café complete with ballroom if you wish to work off that snack! Grand Bar Berlin also combines live music with a café and bar as does Piano Bar Budapest and Salone Londra. Sports fans are catered for in Bar Sport Stoccolma, or try Bar Europa or the outdoor venue of Bar Scuderia Costa. If you want to peruse the whiskey menu while enjoying a cigar, head for the Bar Classico Dublino or give the disco a try in the Discoteca Lisbona. The amazing Athena Theatre is an outstanding 3-storey high show lounge, equipped with up to the minute sound and lighting. Here you can enjoy live music, dancers, big shows and cabaret acts.
Samsara Spa, sprawling over 2 decks and enjoying panoramic ocean views, offers impressive facilities including various treatments, steam and sauna rooms, solarium and fitness centre. Unusually passengers can also opt for Samsara grade accommodation, which is actually situated within the Spa area.
Keeping fit is easy on this ship; you can run around the jogging track or play tennis, basketball and volleyball on the sports court. Take a dip in the 3 outdoor pools (one comes with water slide and one has a retractable glass dome for harsher weather conditions), or simply relax in one of 4 whirlpools.
You will find all other usual forms of onboard entertainment including a library, casino and slot machines, selection of shops, Internet café and beauty salon with hairdresser. For any budding Lewis Hamilton there is also a new attraction in the formula one simulator. The cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and facilities. The company also operates an International Host Programme, providing a fluent English-speaking member of staff to assist with any communication difficulties you may encounter onboard. Surcharges relating to air fuel and landing taxes in ports and airports are all-inclusive; however if external agencies increase their prices this will be passed on and reflected in your fare, providing it is more than 30 days to departure date.
The cruise fare does not include airfare and transfers (except when purchasing Fly & Cruise Add On option). The company states that tipping is not required; however please be aware that a service charge is automatically added to your account on a per guest per day basis, rates differ according to which cruise you take and you can adjust the amount. You must also have appropriate insurance cover before you are allowed to sail. Charges are also made for all shore excursions, medical treatment and medicines, over night laundry services, beauty treatments along with fax and telephone calls. Special in-suite breakfasts are available on request at an extra cost. Also note that drinks ordered from room service are subject to an automatic 15% service charge, 10% charge applies to all onboard bar and wine bills. Disney Magic
Disney Cruise Line
Maximum Passengers: 3325 | |
This standard, large resort ship covers 11 passenger decks. It has the capacity to carry between 1,750 and 3,325 passengers, along with 945 crew. This ship is definitely for children of all ages, oh and it also helps if you are a fan of Disney! Mickey and friends are inescapable once you are onboard so be prepared for a large dose of cuddly characters and family friendly service included in everything you do. As one might expect there is an extensive programme for children which includes entertainment areas, cinemas showing favourite Disney cartoons, babysitting services and free pagers for parents so they can enjoy some time away from the kids, but sill be contacted quickly. Disney Magic spends most of the year offering 7-night cruise options around the Caribbean. The itineraries alternate between the Eastern and Western parts of the region. It also travels to Disney’s very own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. However this year the company has expanded its destination options and throughout the summer (2007) has offered 10 and 11- day cruises around Europe embarking from Barcelona. There is also a transatlantic route available. This ship entered service in July 1998 and was built in Italy for £175 million. It weighs in at 83k tons (approx.), measuring 294m in length and 32m in width. The CDC hygiene rating for this vessel is an impressive 99. With an expansive array of interior public rooms echoing the Art Deco movement in decor, there are lots of places to explore. Imaginative decoration incorporates many Disney characters in its design, including painted on Mickey Mouse ears that adorn the funnels and floor of the outdoor swimming pool! The currency used onboard the ship is the US dollar There are a total of 875 cabins onboard, ranging in size from 16.8 sq.m to 90 sq.m. 720 come with an outside view, while 155 are interior cabins. There are also 80 cabins classed as family accommodation. 388 have a private balcony and only 12 cabins have wheelchair access. The ship also has 12 lifts onboard.
There are 12 individual categories of cabin to choose from. All cabins come with bathrobes, hairdryer and vanity desk and illuminated wardrobe. Cabins that come with mini-fridge can have these re-stocked but you will be charged extra for this service. Suite level accommodation benefits from concierge service and all cabins come with CD, VCR and large screen TV. Wheelchair accessible cabins come equipped with roll-in shower and hand-held showerhead along with low –level room furniture for easy use. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
There are 3 main dining rooms on offer, the Lumiere, Parrot Cay and Animator’s Palate; all can seat over 400 passengers at a time. Due to the rotation system you will get to eat in all three venues over a 7- night stay. They also operate a 2 seating system for dinner, while open seating is available for breakfast and lunch in Lumiere’s and Parrot Cay.
Other dining experiences on board include:
Palo: (seats 140) a la carte Italian cuisine and good but expensive wine list. This is an adult only venue, reservations are required and there is also a £2.50 cover charge. On days at sea head here for Afternoon Tea.
Topsider’s: outdoor/indoor café - self-service buffet breakfast and lunch, with a buffet dinner for children.
Outlook: Top Deck Bar serving panini sandwiches and drinks.
Pinocchio’s: open daytime only – serves sandwiches and pizza.
Pluto’s: go for a hotdog or hamburger.
Scoops: for cool kids everywhere try an ice cream or frozen yoghurt.
One night on every cruise there is also an outdoor self- service buffet entitled “Tropicalifragilisticexpialidocious”
24- room service is also available. Entertainment is what Disney is all about and this is where the ship really comes into its own. The 977-seat show lounge houses spectacular Disney shows that will delight all children and everyone can participate in the Disney themed game show. If you prefer a strictly adults only venue then try Route 66, a large area that offers a range of activities. For jazz try the piano bar “Cadillac” or if you prefer a bit of comedy head for “Barrel of Laughs” while “Wavebands” plays out to country and rock ‘n’ roll.
All sports fans can keep up with their teams score in Diversions Sports Bar (with large plasma TV), or dance the night away in Rockin Bar D. For relaxed piano music CD selections and radio music try Sessions Bar. If speciality coffees, cocktails and cognacs are your thing then try Cove Café and also enjoy a magazine and Internet access. Other bar venues include Signals and the Promenade Lounge.
The onboard Buena Vista Theatre is a 268 seat cinema showing all your favourite Disney cartoons and recent release feature films. Or watch your favourite film under the stars on the poolside screen. Other family orientated features include the Disney Dreams Bedtime Story and Studio Sea family night -club. Life size Disney characters also come out to play for deck parties, affording a perfect photo opportunity.
With so much on offer some of the more traditional forms of entertainment are not available, so there is no onboard library or casino. You could always spend more time in the Vista Spa, thermal bath rooms, steam and sauna or try spinning and Pilates. Then relax into a massage, pedicure, facial or hydrotherapy bath. There are also 3 outdoor swimming pools, one for adults only, one for children only and one designated for families.
There is a large children’s area onboard and a special teen only area (“The Stack”) located in one of the dummy funnels of the ship complete with hi-tech gadgetry. Two large shops ensure there is every opportunity to purchase your favourite fluffy Disney character to take home with you. Your cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and activities, including all meals and entertainment, ice cream and snacks, soft drinks with meals and from the beverage station on deck 9. Transfers between ship and Walt Disney World are also all-inclusive (on buses that echo the 1920’s/30’s in décor). If you purchase a 7- night land and sea package you also receive free admission to Walt Disney World Parks and attractions (unless separately priced) along with use of the Walt Disney World transport system. There is a singles supplement charge of between 175 – 200%.
If staying in the resort the fare excludes all drinks, meals and any other purchase of a personal nature. The cruise part of your fare excludes air fare, ground and baggage transfers (these are only included if you have purchased a Disney Cruise Vacations Air Program ticket), all airport and flight fees, arrival and departure tax, excise tax, all types of government tax and fees, and ship passengers international departure tax. You will also have to pay extra for laundry and valet services, shore excursions, all meals and drinks ashore and any other sightseeing activity, along with Internet access and all spa and salon services onboard. Please note that 15% is automatically added to all onboard spa, wine, bar and beverage bills. All other gratuities are discretionary (however the company does suggest a sliding scale of tipping for all levels of staff).
The ship classes itself as a non-smoking vessel, however this is not strictly true as smoking is allowed on all open-air decks, private verandahs and designated smoking areas in public lounges. Aurora
P&0 Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 1975 | |
This standard, large resort ship, spanning 10 passenger decks, can accommodate between 1,868 and 1,975 passengers to 816 crew. Aimed at the mainstream British cruise market this vessel tends to attract the over 50’s. However the ship caters for adults young and old, along with young families. There are special children’s rooms and teen rooms offering activities for all age groups. The world really is your oyster in terms of itineraries offered on Aurora. Take your pick from cruising around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic or Adriatic regions. Other European options include Spanish destinations and Venetian splendour. If you want to head down under you can sail away to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Hong Kong. Transatlantic options cover San Francisco, Canada and New England.
For something a little different head for Mumbai, or Greenland and the Fjords. Or why not try mini-weekend cruise, travel from Southampton to Bruges? If that still doesn’t satisfy the traveller in you then have a look at the World Cruise option. Built in Germany for £187.5 million, this vessel entered service in 2000. Weighing in at just over 76k tons, it measures 270m in length and 32.2m in width. The ship has ample deck space in which to relax in. There is a good selection of public rooms, which are all well laid out; this adds to the spacious feel to the ship’s interior. The atrium lobby stretches 4 decks high and is topped by the onboard library. The CDC hygiene rating is an impressive 99. The currency onboard is the British pound. Aurora has a total of 934 cabins, ranging in size from 14 sq.m to 88.5 sq.m. 655 come with an outside view, while 279 are interior view cabins and 406 have a private balcony. 22 have wheelchair access (8 of which also have private balconies) and to aid movement around the ship 10 lifts are in use. There are no single occupancy cabins onboard. Please note that this ship does accommodate children, however please be aware that places are limited on each cruise.
There are 5 individual categories of cabin, which are separated into 26 price grades. All cabins come equipped with air conditioning, personal safe, fridge, TV, twin beds (that convert to double queen-sized), sofa, full-length mirror, coffee table, tea and coffee making facilities, towels and bathrobes. Penthouse Suites stretch over 2 levels, complete with spiral staircase, walk-in dressing area, radio, video and hi-fi system. You can also choose between the suite with private library or baby grand piano! Penthouse, Suite and Mini-Suite grade of accommodation also benefit from butler service, floor to ceiling patio doors, writing desk, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries with Jacuzzi bath and shower. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
You have a choice of two main, non-smoking, dining venues. To enjoy décor that reflects ancient Egypt head for the Alexandria Restaurant, or if you prefer a flavour of Moorish culture try the Medina Restaurant. Both venues seat approximately 500 and serve British influenced cuisine, so expect good food, tasty curries and mouth- watering desserts.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
The Orangery: informal, self-service restaurant. Serves full English breakfasts and buffet lunch and afternoon tea.
Pennant Grill: All dishes are cooked to order at this al fresco dining venue, where you can enjoy a good steak or why not go for the fish dish?
Café Bordeaux: (seats 110) Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (cover charge for dinner), coffee and croissants 24 hours a day.
Sidewalk Café: Poolside venue serving fast food items.
Raffles: Coffee and chocolate bar.
Charlie’s Champagne Bar.
24- hour room service. You can choose from a variety of show lounges, where a company of in-house dancers, singers and actors (known as The Stadium Theatre Company) help to keep you entertained each evening. The Curzon Theatre seats 660 and offers big musical shows. Or if you prefer cabaret and comedy head for the Carmen Show Lounge. The Playhouse is home to a cinema; it seats 213 and runs recent release films. This venue also doubles up as a lecture hall, showcases classical recitals and runs informative talks on your next port of call.
Ballroom aficionados will be in heaven with 4 wooden dance floors onboard. There is also a wealth of bars and lounges for you to enjoy a drink in. Anderson’s has a country club retreat atmosphere in which to enjoy a pre-show drink or well-earned night cap. If you want to catch up on all the latest sporting results head for Champions Sports Bar (complete with large screen TV’s). To enjoy a cocktail and listen to piano music as the sun sets try The Crow’s Nest. Masquerade is the onboard night-club, while the Riviera Bar offers you the chance to take a drink outdoors (with roof cover).
If you fancy your chances take lady luck with you to the Monte Carlo Club Casino (gaming tables and slot machines). For shopaholics The Emporium offers the convenience of a corner shop, Piccadilly is where you can purchase clothing, souvenirs and gifts, while Mayfair boutique stocks jewellery, clothing, cosmetics and perfume.
To work off all those meals, remember that 3 ½ circuits of the Promenade and you have covered 1 mile! Or try out the gym; exercise studios or sports court where you can play football, cricket or tennis. To practice your swing the golf simulator is a must. Fancy a dip? Then try out the 5 whirlpools and 3 outdoor swimming pools (1 has magrodome). There is a special deck area just for children, this houses swimming and whirlpools). If you just want to pamper yourself Oasis Spa is on hand with steam and sauna rooms, hair salon, massages, facials and a variety of other treatments.
Please note that the children’s club programme of events run up to 10p.m each night. Slumber parties cater for 6-9 year olds and there is a night nursery service for younger children (2-5). This is free of charge from 6p.m –midnight, midnight-2p.m extra charges apply. Cabins also come equipped with a baby monitor. Your cruise fare includes accommodation, main meals and onboard entertainment. The singles supplement rate stands at 100%. Gratuities are discretionary but the cruise line does suggest the following amounts as a guideline only. Cabin Steward - £1.40 per person per day. Restaurant Steward £1.50 per person per day. They also suggest tipping the HeadWaiter at an appropriate rate for good service. Special dietary requirements and food allergies can be catered for, however you must inform the cruise line no later than 12 weeks prior to sailing.
The cruise fare does not include travel insurance (you must have cover in order to cruise), travel arrangements to pier from home or airport, shuttle bus and city transfers, all shore excursions, medical treatment and medicines (insulin is carried in onboard locked fridge), laundry services, along with telephone, fax and Internet access. You will also have to pay extra for coffee, bottled water, ice-cream, all bar drinks, beverages and wine in restaurants and cabins, cigarettes and tobacco, gift shop purchases, hairdressing and beauty treatments, some entertainment activities and alternative onboard dining venues also carry a cover charge.
Please note that smoking is permitted onboard, but only in your cabin, some parts of the deck and in designated smoking areas in some public rooms.
If you purchase a Fly-Cruise ticket and would like an unhurried start to your holiday, special rates are available for an overnight hotel stay. Gatwick - £99 per room. Heathrow and Manchester - £109 per room.
If you have to make any late changes to air bookings after your deposit confirmation you could incur an additional charge of £50 per person. Dawn Princess
Princess Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 2250 | |
This ship appeals to couples young and old, families with children and older single travellers. A standard, large ship comprising of 8 passenger decks it has the capacity to carry between 1,950 and 2,250 passengers along with 900 crew. It is tastefully decorated and extremely family friendly with a fun zone, kids centre and video arcade for teenagers. There is a wide selection of interesting itineraries available including, Alaska, British Columbia, San Francisco, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand. Twinned with the Sun Princess, Dawn Princess was built and began its seagoing career in 1997. Made in Italy for £150 million it weighs in at 77k tons (261m long, 32m wide). It also has an excellent stability rating and an impressive CDC hygiene rating of 99. Clean, well maintained with tasteful decoration throughout the ship it also benefits from an amazing 4 storey atrium complete with its own glass lifts. The currency onboard is the US dollar. There are 975 cabins in total, 603 have an outside view while 372 are interior cabins. These are divided into 28 individual cabin grades. 446 have private balconies (which are quite narrow), and only 19 have wheelchair access. The smallest suite is 12.5sq.m, the largest is 59sq.m. There are no single occupancy cabins onboard.
Travelling between decks is made easy with 11 lifts to choose from. All cabins have a reasonable amount of storage space and TV, fridge, hairdryer and bathrobe as standard. There is also a turn down service with chocolates left on your pillow. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The ship has two main dining rooms (Florentine and Venetian) seating approximately 500 guests each. Both are non-smoking. Breakfast and lunch are served to an open seating plan; however dinner is in 2 sittings. The menu is varied and there is also a reasonable wine list. Kosher and baby food is served but only by advanced written request.
Dining Alternatives:
The Sterling Steakhouse - Impressive Angus beef menu - Filet Mignon/ New York Strip Steak/ Porterhouse & Rib Eye. (between 6.30-9.30p.m –booking recommended.)
Horizon Court Buffet – 24-hour service, small bistro menu. Fabulous 270 degree views over bow of the ship
Verdi’s Pizzeria- serves excellent pizzas
Wine & caviar bar
Trident Grill – Burgers and hot dogs.
Patisserie - coffee/pastries
Ultimate Balcony Dining – Fresh lobster or steak, delicacies and private service on your own balcony
Sundaes – Ice cream bar
A limited cabin service is also available Indoor fun: The Princess Theatre and the Vista Lounge are the two show theatres. Both are used for cabaret, entertainment and cinema programmes. The Princess can cater for 500 passengers; while the Vista Lounge doubles up as a lecture and presentation room. Or if more intimate venues are your thing there are four other bars (The Wheelhouse, The Atrium Lounge, Shooting Stars and Rendez-vouz) for you to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Other facilities include a library, casino, fitness centre – gym and aerobics with “Cruisercise” health and fitness programme available, beauty salon and a spa with excellent sea views. For more sedate activities there is a computerised golf centre and shopping gallery.
You can entertain the children in the fun zone, the teen centre and the splash pool.
Outside fun and games: 4 outdoor swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball deck along with a wrap-around teak promenade deck. The cruise fare does include all normal onboard facilities and services. Note that gratuities are automatically added to your account on a £5 per person per day basis. This is non mandatory so you must inform staff if you want it removing. 15% is added to all bar/wine bills. A cover charge of £7.50 - £12.50 per person may apply at some of the ship’s alternative dining venues.
Alcohol purchased at any port of call, including the port of embarkation, may not be consumed aboard. You can bring wine or champagne onboard to celebrate special occasions (limited to one bottle per person). If consumed in any of the dining rooms each bottle will be subject to a £7.50 corkage fee (subject to change).
The singles supplement charge stands at 150-200%. There is also a charge for use of machines and washing powder in the self- service launderette.
Your fare does not cover shore excursions, sightseeing trips, spa treatments and beauty products. Express check in is available by written request 40 days in advance of sailing.
Please note that American age limits apply onboard. Therefore under 21’s cannot purchase alcohol or gamble in the casino, at horse racing or play the cash prize bingo.
| |
|
