We’re back from an extended cruise vacation and it is time to start blogging again! Here’s a video from Disney today showing the real Disney Dream (not a model or simulation) - the final “block” of the ship was put in place today. We can’t wait to sail on the Dream in January! (we’ll have a full report on our familytravelgurus website in February)
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“The best and most memorable excursion for us was in Cozumel. We booked the ATX Rail Expedition through Shore Trips and it was a blast.
(6 of us) went on this excursion and every single one of us was unprepared for what we were in for. We read that close-toed shoes were mandatory however they should have also advised us to wear clothes that we didn’t mind ruining. Basically the excursion was conducted on all-terrain vehicles and we drove over rocky terrain and through mud/water-filled trails. We made a stop at the Jade Cavern which also housed bats and had a bat cave so it was rather aromatic but the boys decided to go ahead and take a brief swim, which, in essence, just stirred up the stink even more.
I will forewarn you, this is not for the meek and mild. This is a very active and physically demanding excursion. We were told not to hit any trees or vegetation on the side of the trails, but as far as what was on the trail … we were told not to try to avoid it, just drive right over it. Now, this does not include the livestock that may occasionally be crossing the trail (i.e., horses, cows)! They do drive rather fast, you have to have a fair amount of upper body strength to make the turns and keep the vehicle on the trail and, under no circumstances should one go on it if they have neck or back issues. The seats were comfortable and did absorb the majority of the shock, but it still rattled the bones. I could really go on and on about this excursion … how we laughed and laughed, how the DCL staff and passengers reacted to six people coming back to the ship filthy from head to toe, etc., etc. Basically, this is my type of an excursion. Get me out of the shopping areas and away from the tourist areas and I am happy as a clam!”
From our client Michele from Illinois
Christmas is a wonderful time to take a cruise. While it is too late for 2009 we can give you many options for Christmas 2010 and some for Christmas 2011. Early December is also a good time to cruise - many of the ships are still decorated for the Holidays and rates are less when compared to Christmas week.
Here’s a video from Holland America showing the Eurodam decorated for Christmas:
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This week we posted on our main www.familytravelgurus.com website and facebook page a slide show of our Oasis of the Seas cruise. We were on a special travel agent cruise; Royal Caribbean invited us and we were excited to be one of the first to experience this wonderful ship! (the largest cruise ship in the World). We have some readers who only see our blog so we are including a copy of the video below:
If viewing this on facebook see our earlier post with the video or click here to see the video.
For those of you interested in the “behind the scenes” workings of a cruise ship here’s a video from Royal Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas. The operation of the Bridge is described as well as some details on the construction of this huge megaship.
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The new ships keep coming! Holland America floating out of its newest vessel, the “Nieuw Amsterdam” at a shipyard in Italy last week. From this video simulation this ship looks great! She will first sail in the summer of 2010.
Here’s a cool video from Royal Caribbean about their new Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship afloat, barely making it under a bridge on her maiden voyage.
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Disney yesterday announced details on the first of their two new ships - the Disney Dream. The Disney Dream will sail 3,4, and 5 night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida starting January 26, 2011. We are already receiving a number of requests for Disney Dream reservations from our clients. This new addition to the Disney Cruise family is sure to be popular!
See the video from Disney below for a sneak peak at some of the innovative features on the Disney Dream.
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“My river cruise on the Danube last summer was great! I loved standing out on the open deck and watching the beautiful scenery go by. I took this picture in Austria.”
See more of my pictures from my Danube River Cruise here.”
From Tim Larison www.familytravelgurus.com
“Our favorite restaurant on any cruise ship is Palo on the Disney Cruise. We were one of the fortunate 100 passengers (out of 2700) to eat brunch at Palo on our October 2008 cruise. Here is our waiter Zoron from Bosnia describing to us the many food choices available. I loved the shrimp, Margaretta Pizza, my main entrée Chicken Parmesan, and other delicacies. There was so much food to choose from!”
from Tim Larison