Cruise line private islands, a very safe port

by Chris Owen on

Often a highlight of a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean is a stop at one of the cruise line’s private islands. Probably one of the safest, most controlled ports of call you might visit, cruise line private islands are consistently ranked high by passengers. Most are located in the Bahamas and each one is unique.

On every private island you will find crystal clear water, sandy beaches, water sports and activities along with beach-side service for drinks and lunch will be served. Some require tendering in from the ship, others dock at the island.

The first passengers off the ship will find a pristine beach raked and clean, along with resident workers ready to make your stay comfortable. There is plenty to do (or not do) for adults and kids and even serene adult-only areas.Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, under their care since 1977 when the line became the first to have one. The island features Snorkeling

Recent enhancements to the island that started in January of 2010 will continue through the end of this year. Several new island activities have been added since the project began including more than 16 wave runners, kayak rentals and an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. These are in addition to the existing snorkeling; floats; inflatable hippo slide; and parasailing.

The second phase of enhancements includes an arrival/departure pavilion, additional bar facilities; several comfort stations; a band stand; cruise program activity area; private beachfront cabanas; a kid’s play area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island’s west end.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas This Holland America Line island (now also a Carnival island) was originally called Little San Salvador Island and has been rated as “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine. An international bird sanctuary in the Bahamas, the beauty and serenity of Half Moon Cay is unique.

There are a variety of exciting and new activities to choose from while exploring this privately owned paradise. You can go horseback riding on the sand and through the surf, take a stingray adventure, visit the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, hike a nature trail or simply relax in an air-conditioned, private beachfront cabana.

Princess Cays, Bahamas is Princess Cruises private island on the south side of Eleuthera Island about 30 miles from Nassau. Princess Cays guests will find equipment for many beach activities. Water sports fans can choose from water craft such as sailboats, catamarans, paddle wheelers, kayaks, and banana boats, while those who wish to explore the island’s coral reef can rent gear for snorkeling.

Floating mattresses are available for lazily drifting in the sun, and several protected swimming areas are available on both the north and south beach areas. Beachside, reggae and calypso music set the mood, and guests can enjoy a game of volleyball or basketball, or choose to relax with a hammock, beach chair or under an umbrella.

CocoCay, Bahamas is one of two private islands for Royal Caribbean. This one is more along the lines of other cruise lines private islands with sandy beaches (duh) and a nice hammock here and here to enjoy your island-style seaside barbecue.

Tip: When you get off the tenders, there are three beaches to go to. The first one is the biggest and the most crowded. Keep walking and you’ll find the second beach, which is a little smaller and less crowded. Keep going even further and you’ll find the third beach, which is the smallest and least crowded.

Labadee, Haiti in is the home to what Royal Caribbean calls their “private destination” and with good reason. On the north coast of Hispaniola, the secure, secluded area is surrounded by exotic foliage and mountain slopes. Guests can enjoy beautiful coral reefs, a pristine public beach as well as a very nice private beach area reserved for suite guests.

A year ago Royal Caribbean International came under close scrutiny as the line planned to visit their private destination of Labadee, Haiti shortly after a devastating earthquake rocked the island. I was on board Freedom of the Seas last January when critics said it was in bad taste for the line to have cruise passengers go ashore for fun and sun while so many were suffering on different parts of the island nation. A year later, not a lot is better in Haiti and Royal Caribbean continues to call.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas is Disney Cruise Line’s private island. Unique to Castaway Cay is that the ship docks at the island, no tendering involved, which makes for a great experience. Recently updated, this one has it all.

This is Disney Cruise Line turning an island into a theme park, complete with rides, trams to get around on, gift shops plus really good food. All other private islands pale by comparison. Really.

They should build hotels here and let people stay a while. No wonder some sailings include two stops at the popular island.

If all those are not good enough for you, maybe you should just buy your own



Flickr photo by fotodawg

The secret is out: Royal Caribbean to build new class of ships

by Chris Owen on

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with shipyard Meyer Werft to build a new class of ships, the first of a new generation of Royal Caribbean International cruise ships.

Secretly developed for over a year and under the code-name “Project Sunshine,” the new vessel design features the best of Royal Caribbean’s experience and imagination.

The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of 2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015. The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is about €170,000.

The secret is out. The cruise line released this statement today:

“Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

“While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project. Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts. It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families. I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated. Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step. Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean’s guests have come to expect.”

“Meyer Werft is pleased to be working with Royal Caribbean especially in light of their reputation for building such innovative ships. I am very happy we are continuing our long time partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its brand Royal Caribbean International. Their projects always present incredible opportunities for Meyer Werft to create the latest cutting edge hardware in the cruise industry,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard.

News of features and other details will no doubt be masterfully doled out over the next few months as Royal Caribbean teases us with bits and pieces of the puzzle. After all, Project Sunshine has a tough act to follow coming up after the Oasis sisters. Should be fun to watch.

Disney begins construction on a new ship in Pappenburg Germany

by Chris Owen on

At a ceremony in Pappenburg, Germany this week, Disney Cruise Lines marked another milestone in the expansion of it’s fleet of magical cruise ships.

Assisted by Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, Minnie Mouse presided over the keel laying ceremony at they Meyer-Werft shipyard where new Disney Fantasy, twin to recently launched Disney Dream will be constructed.

The keel laying ceremony is a significant milestone in the ship building process when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.

Not to be a twin sister to Disney Dream, new Fantasy will have many of the same features but also some new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship a unique identity all her own. Different from Disney Dream sailing 3 and 4-night sailings, the new Disney Fantasy will sail week-long itineraries. Both will sail from Florida’s Port Canaveral where guests can easily add on a stay at Walt Disney World either before or after sailing.

“Disney begins construction on a new ship in Pappenburg Germany” is not the only news about Disney. The company that represents quality family entertainment world-wide is also embracing social media as we see in this video.


GoingSocialTV debuts

by Chris Owen on

Travel video is really popular. Following the adventures of travel people all over the world or researching where you might go next, video is cool. Social media is really popular too. Facebook and Twitter have made that world a bit smaller and easier to navigate. A new TV show, GoingSocialTV, brings travel and social media together like never before.

“I created this show to highlight how social media is bringing the world together and how important it is now and how it will become even bigger for businesses” says GoingSocialTV creator JD Andrews.

Andrews comes loaded with what it takes to pull this off. Better known to Twitter fans as @earthXplorer, JD Andrews is an award-winning videographer, editor and producer who has traveled to 75 countries on six continents. Gadling met JD last year on a Twitter #FollowMeAtSea Alaska cruisetour sponsored by Princess Cruises. I was along on that trip and have to tell you: this guy is really passionate about travel.

“I traveled to London and Iceland, asking people in the travel industry (and Social media world) how and why they are using social media.” Andrews told Gadling.

@GoingSocialTV ~ Promo from JD Andrews on Vimeo.

Available on DirectTV channel 354 or live on the web at RRTV.com ,the first 30-minute episode debuted this week. In London, JD interviewed Founder and CEO of Tweetdeck Iain Dodsworth, Editor of Lonely Planet Tom Hall, Producer of Long Way Round & Long Way Down Russ Malkin and Founder of The Tuttle Club Lloyd Davis.

Also featured on the premiere show is a trip to Iceland and a Gears, Gadgets and Gizmos segment to be a regular feature on the program.

“My ideas for future episodes is actually showing how social media is beneficial while traveling, through apps, gadgets and even a simple tweet “I’m in London, where should I go?” said Andrews adding “I had so much help from the Social media community while traveling and that’s what it’s all about!”

In then next show GoingSocialTV travels to San Francisco and New York City to talk to Brian Simpson of The Roger Smith Hotel, Duncan Mitchell of Some E Cards, Craig Newmark founder of Craigslist, Jill Fletcher of Virgin America and Stephanie Michaels aka Adventure Girl.

As travel and social media become more intertwined, GoingSocialTV is one to watch, follow, bookmark and keep track of. Good things will be coming from this new combination of travel and social media which just totally makes sense.

Another great source of video is right here at Gadling where our writers span the globe to bring home the Gadling Travel Talk series like this one our Elizabeth Seward found in her Video of the Day series.

San Francisco from Dave Pinke on Vimeo.

Cuba gets broadband internet

by Sean McLachlan on

A new fiber optic cable from Venezuela will finally get Cuba into the age of broadband, the BBC reports.

Cuba has some of the slowest Internet access in the world because it has had to rely on satellite and international phone line communication. It’s also hard to get, with a limited number of Internet cafes and virtually no private lines for regular people.

The new fiber optic cable stretches 1,000 miles from Venezuela and will make logging on 3,000 times faster. The Cuban government crowed that this line breaches the U.S. embargo. Florida is much closer to Cuba that Venezuela but no line can be built there under current law. Once again U.S. investors have missed out on an opportunity thanks to a short-sighted embargo that has done nothing to change Cuba’s government.

Instead, the Cubans can say thanks to the Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Communities of our America. This group was started at the suggestion of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and includes Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Equador, Nicaragua, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The group is also developing its own regional currency, the SUCRE, which is already being used to a limited extent as a virtual currency to replace the dollar in international transactions. The plan is to eventually make it a hard currency to reduce American economic dominance in the region.