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Princess Cruises' ship tilts in rough seas; crew member overboard

Princess Cruises' ship tilts in rough seas; crew member overboard

Miami Herald11-06-2025

Much like an airplane hitting unexpected turbulence, a cruise ship occasionally sails into rough seas.
Although choppy waters don't typically have a big impact on large cruise ships, in rare cases, sudden wind gusts can send rogue waves into the path of a ship.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line gives hurricane season update for cruisers
Cruise ship captains are very capable of handling severe weather and typically can steer their ships away from it, but sometimes, an unexpected weather incident just can't be avoided.
For example, during a transatlantic cruise in November, a huge wind gust took Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas by surprise off the coast of Spain, which caused the ship to tilt severely. The scary situation caused some damage and minor injuries onboard the vessel, but the captain's quick action prevented the incident from becoming much worse.
Now in June, a Princess Cruises sailing in another part of the world just encountered a similar sudden wind shift that was significant enough to cause the ship to list. Much like the captain of Explorer of the Seas, Crown Princess' captain swiftly pivoted to keep passengers safe.
Doug Parker shared details on the tilt of the Crown Princess and other cruise news, including a cruise ship crew member who was rescued after going overboard in Crete, on the June 9th edition of Cruise News Today.
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Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Monday, June 9th.
A crew member from a cruise ship docked in Crete was rescued after going overboard. Yeah, it happened last week while the ship was docked and passengers were ashore.
Fellow crew members threw her a life jacket and called the Coast Guard, who responded quickly. The 30-year-old Tunisian woman, a crew assistant, was pulled from the water, conscious and in good health.
The vessel involved hasn't been officially named, but tracking data from CruiseMapper.com points to the Costa Deliziosa as the only ship in port for that day.
Related: Royal Caribbean picks iconic godmother; Virgin Voyages faces issue
And Princess Cruises' Crown Princess hit rough seas off southern Australia, forcing a temporary shift in course during its 113-day world cruise. Now, winds up to 50 miles an hour came across the side of the ship, causing it to list or tilt about seven degrees.
Captain Christopher Lye assured guests that the situation was under control and rerouted the ship briefly before resuming course to Adelaide.
The list damaged onboard shops and led to cancellation of shows and activities, but no injuries were reported. Last November, a Royal Caribbean ship faced the same type of list during high winds over a transatlantic cruise.
Related: Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded
And Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating 35 years of service, sailing from Port Canaveral with a ceremony held aboard Mardi Gras.
Carnival launched operations there in 1990 and now homeports more ships at that port than any other cruise line, carrying over 1.2 million guests annually. The celebration included Carnival executives, local leaders, and the Coast Guard.
Carnival also donated a hybrid pickup truck to Keep Brevard Beautiful, marking World Ocean Day.
Looking ahead, the new Carnival Festivale will debut from the port in 2027, and it'll feature the line's largest water park.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
And cruise stocks were up on Friday. Carnival Corporation: up 1%, 24.28. Royal Caribbean: up 1.8%, 276.34. Norwegian: up 1%, 19.56. And Viking: up 1.8%, 48.79. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@cruiseradio.net.
Here aboard Carnival Luminosa here in Skagway, Alaska, where it's 38 degrees Fahrenheit but below freezing with a wind chill. Chilly, chilly, chilly.
I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Have yourself a great Monday.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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I Went On A Disney Cruise And A Royal Caribbean Cruise — Here's What I Liked Better
I Went On A Disney Cruise And A Royal Caribbean Cruise — Here's What I Liked Better

Buzz Feed

time3 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

I Went On A Disney Cruise And A Royal Caribbean Cruise — Here's What I Liked Better

Hi! After becoming a mom, I am now convinced cruises are the easiest vacation. Truly, everything is right there for you. You've got food, your room, and activities all within a staircase or two. Planning a cruise can be slightly overwhelming, though, which is why I thought I'd compare my cruises on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. There's a lot you simply can't research. Most recently, I was on the Disney Treasure on a three-day cruise that stopped on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island destination, and Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, which is docked in Los Angeles for the summer for three-day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico. While BuzzFeed was provided these trips free of charge, we were under no obligation to give a positive review. I live in Southern California, so the first big difference was traveling to the actual ship. Ovation of the Seas was docked at the Port of Los Angeles, which has a big ol' parking lot that I was able to drive to and leave my car at. The Disney Treasure was docked in Port Canaveral, which meant my family and I had to fly across the country, then take a bus from the airport to get to the ship. Being able to drive from my house before sailing and to my house after sailing on Ovation was a huge perk. The jet lag to and from the Treasure was tough on us, and I felt like we spent a whole day recovering. I've also sailed on the Disney Wonder out of San Diego, and we drove to the port and had to fly back when the cruise ended in Vancouver, and I will say it wasn't hard on our bodies at all. I really think it's the time change. The check-in process for both was incredibly easy. They each have apps that you load all of your information on prior to the trip, then you just show your passports and the barcode on the app to get on board both ships. However, the port arrival times were a lot different. On the Disney Treasure, we were able to board at noon, but on Ovation of the Seas, we had to wait until 3 p.m. It was nice to board earlier on the Treasure and not have to worry about lunch plans. The layout of the ships was totally different. The atrium of Ovation of the Seas was the hub on board. Bars, restaurants, and shops were all along the sides, and a casino was on the floor underneath. It felt like stepping into a high-end hotel in Las Vegas. The atrium of the Disney Treasure, however, was more of a big open flex space with a stage and a check-in to the Oceaneer Club for the kids, as well as guest services and a balcony where characters wave hello to you. The first place we went on both ships was the buffet. On the Treasure, it was Marceline Market. On Ovation, it was Windjammer. Marceline Market had two big, winding buffet lines. Windjammer had several "stations" you could go up to. Both buffets were included in the price of the cruise. Now, I'm a vegetarian, and I felt like there was more I enjoyed at Marceline Market as opposed to Windjammer. That being said, I did enjoy eating at both; I just felt like there were more substantial options in the Treasure. However, I did like the layout of Windjammer better. There's a very strange etiquette battle with one really long line, like in Marceline. You have people coming in with empty plates who are waiting to go down the line, but then you also have people who have already eaten and are coming back up for one specific thing. So what do they do? Cut in line to get that particular thing? Feels rude. Wait and go all the way back down the line again? Feels unnecessary. So it was a strange dance. Windjammer also had longer hours than Marceline did, which was really nice because lunch time tends to be nap time for my 2-year-old, so we missed lunch a couple of times on the Treasure, so we had to go to one of the walk-up food places by the pool (which was still good). Next, we hit the stateroom. On the Treasure, even though you're allowed to board earlier, staterooms aren't ready until 1:30. On Ovation, they're ready as soon as you're on board. You can see the vibe of the stateroom floors is really different between the ships. Disney's Treasure feels very organic and magical while Royal Caribbean's feels like an upscale posh resort. I had a balcony stateroom on both ships that slept four. On the Treasure, the stateroom had one queen, one fold-out sofa, and a twin that dropped from the ceiling to create a bunk-bed (deluxe balconies have a fourth Murphy bed). On Ovation, the stateroom had two twins that converted to a king and a sofa that folded out into a full-size bed. One cool thing about Ovation is that they have virtual windows for interior staterooms, which is a floor-to-ceiling screen that livestreams the view from outside. On Ovation of the Seas, the bathroom was pretty spacious in my opinion, with a stand-in shower. On the Treasure, the bathroom is split, so there is a separate bathroom for just the toilet and just for the shower. The split bathrooms on the Treasure were smaller, but with my 2-year-old, it was nice when he needed to pee that we didn't have to wait for someone in the shower. If I was traveling with an older kid who was better at holding it or no kids at all, I definitely would've opted for one big bathroom like on Ovation. One thing I liked about the Treasure was that there was a curtain divider in the room, so when my son fell asleep, I felt like I could close the curtain and turn on the light on the other side. We would order room service and watch TV after my son went to bed. Another big difference was our room attendant. On the Treasure, our room attendant stopped by twice: at lunchtime and at dinner time. This was excellent because we almost always came back to a clean room with beds made for nap time and bedtime. On Ovation, our room attendant only stopped by once a day, midday. That meant our fold-out was never put away, just remade for the night, which made the room feel a little smaller. OK, now let's visit the top deck: the pools. The Treasure has several pools, as well as an adult-only pool and a Toy Story splash pad. Ovation also has several pools, both indoor and outdoor, as well as a splash zone. My son doesn't like water being dumped on his head, so he spent more time in the splash zone on the Treasure. It was also windy on Ovation, and the splash pad wasn't far from the smoking area on the top deck, so sometimes the smell wafted. However, my favorite top-deck place between the two ships was the enclosed solarium on Ovation. It got cool at night on both ships, and the solarium was a really great space to hang out and swim without worrying we'd be frigid getting out. There was a shallow pool there where my son could hang out, and two hot tubs where the adults could swim. It was really great! A little note: Kids aren't allowed in pools on either ship unless they're potty-trained. We potty-trained between the cruises, and while there would've been more pools my son was eligible to go in on the Treasure than Ovation, the pools on the Treasure were kinda crowded and in direct sun, so I'm not sure we would've done them anyway. He liked the splash pad, though! My sister is the first one to admit she has "granny hobbies," but as a teenager, it felt like there was more for her to do on Ovation than the Treasure. The sports deck on Ovation has a basketball court that also turns into a roller rink and a bumper car arena that she took full use of (she was too socially awkward, I think, to bump her bumper car into strangers, so I watched her artfully avoid them, which was kind of hilarious). It also has several game consoles, ping pong tables, foosball, and air hockey tables. The air hockey tables you had to pay for, though. It also had a little hot dog stand and bar in the sports deck, which I thought was nice. It felt really comfortable, like you could spend the day in there! In contrast, the Treasure's sports deck also had a basketball court, foosball, air hockey, and ping pong. While there wasn't bumper cars or roller skating, sometimes the Treasure would wheel out this giant Incredibles-themed obstacle course for the whole family to race in, which was really fun. The only downside was we had to pay attention to the times it came out on the app because it was only for a few hours a day. Both ships have a kids' club with secured programming, meaning you leave the kids there for them to have fun, and you can pick them up later. We didn't do this at either place because ours is too young, but there were open house hours when anyone could come in and play (including parents). Adventure Ocean on Ovation of the Seas had a play area with a tunnel, slide, and toys. The Treasure had the Oceaneer Club, with a couple themed areas after Imagineers, Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Marvel, and Mickey and Minnie that were open during "open house" hours. Both also had a nursery. We didn't do either because my toddler is the human version of velcro. Aside from the clubs, sports deck, and pools, the Treasure also has a waterslide called the Aquamouse. The story of the Aquamouse changes, too, so there are different experiences you can come back to have depending on when you ride it. Ovation has North Star, an observation crane that takes visitors 300 feet above the top deck for a bird's eye view. Ovation also has a rock wall and Waverider. The Waverider takes a little bit of practice, but my sister had a fun time trying to stand up on the boogie board. She also said she was really sore afterwards. There is also an iFly indoor skydiving experience on Ovation, which is included in the fare of the cruise while the ship is in port. Each ship also has, what my sister likes to refer to as "granny hobbies," including trivia, crafts, game shows, and karaoke. There isn't enough liquor in the world to get me to do karaoke, but I do love trivia and crafts. I didn't win any Disney trivia (shameful), but I did win a scavenger hunt on Ovation and got a cool highlighter. Most of the crafts and trivia on the Treasure are Disney-themed, so if you aren't a Disney person, I could see how it would feel a little branded. Ovation had a little bit of everything including Star Wars and Friends trivia, and make your own pop-up cards. OK, now let's talk about dining. The ships vary GREATLY when it comes to dining. Let's start with Ovation. On Ovation, you have the option to go to the buffet (which has different offerings for each lunch and dinner), you can go to My Time Dining, which is a complimentary sit-down with a waitstaff and full-course menu, or you can book a reservation, and for an added cost, you can eat at one of their premium restaurants, which includes Wonderland, a topsy-turvy kinda restaurant with things like "Reconstructed Caprese with liquid olive oil, ricotta powder, and basil" and "Mad Hatter's Crispy Potted Shrimp with crispy crumb and scotch bonnet"... ...Chops Grille, which has premium cuts and wine pairings... Izumi Sushi, which has rolls, bowls, sushi, and sashimi... ...and Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver, which has inventive Italian favorites like Eggplant Parmigiana and Prawn Linguine. All of these restaurants are an additional charge if you want to dine at them. The restaurants looked good, but we actually opted for eating at the buffet each night. We probably would've eaten at one of the specialty restaurants, but they were all booked up by the time we got on board. The Disney Treasure has rotational dining. You are assigned a table, a time, and a waitstaff that are the same every night, just the restaurant changes, so people have the opportunity to dine at all three restaurants on board (this is included in the cruise fare). The Treasure has World's of Marvel, a Marvel-themed restaurant with a Marvel-themed menu serving things like Rosemary Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Ricotta Gnocchi... ...1923, an upscale restaurant inspired by Walt Disney Studios serving dishes like Italian Flat Parsley and Rosemary-crusted Rack of Lamb and Double-Baked Three Cheese Soufflé... ...and Plaza de Coco, a Coco-themed dinner show serving elevated Mexican foods like a stuffed Poblano Blistered Pepper and Ernesto de la Cruz's Grilled Seafood and Tomato Rice. I REALLY liked having the same waitstaff follow us. Since we have dietary restrictions and allergies, they knew exactly what to recommend. My son had a kids' menu, crayons, a cool glittery cup with a lid, and a booster seat waiting for him, too. They were calling us by name, checking in on how our day was going, and remembering things about us. It made us feel really special! However, it was kind of freeing going to Windjammer on Ovation and not having a set time to eat. We found that we really had to do more planning when we had an assigned dinner time on the Treasure. Every night on the Treasure, there was a Broadway-style show. The first night was Seas the Adventure, which followed Goofy through several Disney movies as he tried to navigate the ship. It has classic Disney songs, and my son loved the mice in it. The second night was The Tale of Moana, which kind of knocked everyone's socks off. I would have paid money to see it again (all of the shows are included in the fare). The third night was Beauty and the Beast, which I actually didn't see because my son was fussy. Each show had two performances each night, which ran opposite each dining time, so if you had the early dining time, you could go to the later show, and vice versa. On Ovation, there were also three shows, but in different parts of the ship, meaning the shows had performances on multiple nights, which was nice if you missed one. The first was Spectra's Cabaret, a kind-of sci-fi futuristic disco spectacular with lots of singing and dancing. The second was Live. Love. Legs., a cabaret-style show, which I've heard is exceptional. We didn't go see this as we were confused you needed tickets/reservations, and we didn't, but found out the second night you could book them through the app (which were free and included, just needed to be done prior to showtime). The other show on board was The Beautiful Dream, which was more of a steampunk Broadway-style show with a really high production value. All of these had multiple showings on multiple days so you had several chances to see them. There's also atmospheric entertainment on both ships, including dance parties, contests, and live musicians. My mom and I love a good themed bar. On the Disney Treasure, there are a handful of places to get a good cocktail. The one that's been my mom's favorite across all ships is the Haunted Mansion bar on the Disney Treasure. The theming of the bar is superb, with great hidden details for superfans. The drinks didn't have our favorite spirits, but we enjoyed them and their presentation, and had fun just soaking the bar in. The bar was only open in the afternoons and was 18+ at night, so it was pretty crowded whenever we went in. The other places on board to grab a drink were the Skipper Society, themed after the Jungle Cruise, and the Scat Cat Lounge, themed after The Aristocats. Scat Cat was a piano bar with a French flair, and Skipper Society had tons of Jungle Cruise references for eagle-eyed fans. In addition, there are two specialty coffee places on board: The HeiHei Cafe and the Lucky Cricket. Both are specialty coffee bars in the morning, and cocktail bars in the afternoon. This is where I got my cold brews each morning. On Ovation, there were a lot of places to get a drink. My favorite drink on Ovation was a lavender daiquiri at the Schooner Bar, which is nautical-themed. There's also a British pub called the Amber & Oak, and a Cuban music lounge called Boleros. There are three bars on the pool deck, one bar in the Music Hall, a bar in the Solarium, and a wine bar called Vintages. However, one place that absolutely captivated me on Ovation was the Bionic Bar, which was unlike anything I've ever seen. The spirits are mounted upside-down on the ceiling, and there are no bartenders, just robot arms making drinks. You order on an iPad from either pre-created cocktails or you can build your own. Then, the screen tells you how long it'll take and whose drink the arms are making. It was so fun to watch! Also, we ordered a margarita from the Bionic Bar and the pool bar, and they tasted the same! When the robot arm is done making your drink, they set it down and then you tap your SeaPass card, and it automatically unlocks your drink and slides it down a little conveyor belt for you. I'm not going to lie, it's really cool. As far as specialty coffee goes, it was a little harder to find on Ovation. They had one spot called La Patisserie, which was selling specialty coffee beverages, macarons, and humongous croissants, but from what I could find, that was the only spot on board, so it got busy in the mornings. Lastly, I wanted to touch on the atmosphere, which is totally different between the ships. One thing I love about cruises is because it's the same cast of passengers and crew on board, you really do end up feeling like a big family. You see the same people the same day, and a lot of passengers bring little gifts and treats to hand out to others. For example, we've found rubber ducks that other passengers have hidden around the ship with notes to keep or rehide. People also make their own door magnets to decorate their door AND put on doors they like to compliment them, like "We like your door" or "best on the floor." On Disney, I've even seen guests hang little mailboxes outside their door where other guests will drop off stickers, crafts, pencils, etc. It's like a big elementary school Valentine's party. We look forward to being a part of this subculture whenever we cruise. Ovation of the Seas comes alive at night. Each club, bar, and restaurant has its own separate experience. Everyone dresses up in their nice clothes and goes to soak in live music, take in a show, go to a '70s dance party, watch a full-ceiling balloon drop, or hit up the casino. The Treasure has parties where characters come out and dance, including, of course, fireworks at sea set to the Pirates of the Caribbean score, but it definitely feels like it winds down at night, save the lounges on board (which were open as late as 1 a.m. and were poppin' until then). Now, let's talk prices. Both cruises include the room, most dining experiences, shows, programming like kids' clubs, and activities like trivia, crafts, and classes. The Treasure has one restaurant that has an additional fee, Enchanté, which requires a reservation and is 18+. Ovation has a handful of restaurants that have an additional fee and require a reservation, but ultimately, there are more dining options on Ovation. Additionally, if you purchase a deluxe drink package, alcoholic drinks are included on Ovation. All alcoholic drinks cost extra on the Treasure. In comparison, all of the signature restaurants are included on the Treasure, while all of the signature restaurants on Ovation cost extra. A three-night cruise on Ovation of the Seas for a balcony room for four people starts at $1,626 (that's the total for all people). I can't actually give you a price for a three-night cruise on the Treasure because the Treasure now only does seven-night cruises. I will say a three-night cruise for four people on the balcony of the Disney Wish (which is the same ship class as the Treasure) starts at $2,875 total. FWIW, a seven-night cruise in a balcony suite for the Treasure for a family of four starts at $7,244. Overall, if you are a Disney person, and the price difference is doable, go on a Disney cruise. I am a Disney person, and I liked the structure of the cruise, the fact that I didn't have to make reservations, and the room attendant coming twice. It felt easier than most vacations I've gone on as a mom, and the staff and service was phenomenal. There is more to do for teens and young adults on Ovation of the Seas. If I were on my honeymoon or with a group of friends, I think I'd like the more vibrant and celebratory atmosphere of the Royal Caribbean cruise. Ovation of the Seas appealed to the extroverted side of me. Since we're Disney people, we really liked all of the theming, the shows, and the character experiences. Disney appealed to the introverted side of me. If you are a Disney person and want a themed, family-friendly, hands-off vacation where the dining staff remembers you, you don't have to make reservations, the room attendant cleans your room twice a day, and you don't mind the price, do it! If you prefer nightlife, unique experiences like the Waverunner and North Star Observation crane, want lots of places to get a drink, and love unique dining options, Royal Caribbean is for you. Both offer totally different experiences and vibes, but you can't go wrong with either! Have you sailed with Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean? Do you have an opinion on the best ship or any cruise hacks? Tell us in the comments below!

10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea
10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea

If you're looking for a way to go out to sea, a cruise is a convenient way to visit multiple destinations with onboard accommodation, dining and entertainment. Cruises are floating resorts that sail to different ports of call, so passengers can have a range of diverse experiences. Check out our list of the 10 best cruises in Singapore to hold a major celebration at sea. The Disney Adventure is Disney Cruise Line's newest cruise ship, scheduled to start sailing from Singapore in Dec 2025. Disney Adventure is the first Disney ship to be based in Asia and will offer 3- and 4-night voyages, focusing on magical days at sea. The ship is designed with Disney, Pixar and Marvel theming, promising unique experiences for guests. The cruise ship will feature 7 zones: Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, Town Square and Wayfinder Bay. The San Fransokyo Street, inspired by the world of Big Hero 6, features a bustling city atmosphere with interactive games, a street market and a family arcade. The Marvel Landing area will have attractions and experiences inspired by The Marvel Super Heroes. Concierge Bedroom Oceanview Suite from S$19,538 (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 6228 3728 (Phone) Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm (Call Centre) Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm (Call Centre) | | A 3-night cruise to Penang is available with Royal Caribbean on the Ovation of the Seas. The cruise departs from Singapore, spends a day in Penang and then returns to Singapore. This cruise includes a stop where passengers can explore the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site of George Town, visit temples such as the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple and see the beach at Batu Ferringhi. Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas offers a variety of activities, including the North Star observation capsule, iFly skydiving, bumper cars and numerous pools. This cruise includes complimentary food at various restaurants and access to entertainment and performances. Interior Room at S$359 Per Person (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 8-night Bali Adventure Holiday Cruise on the Ovations of the Seas ship departs from Singapore with stops in Celukan Bawang (Bali), Benoa (Bali) and Lombok (Indonesia), before returning to town. The cruise has a varied mix of cultural experiences and activities. Ports of call include Celukan Bawang, a port town in northern Bali, known for its traditional industries and access to less-visited areas such as Lovina Beach and Banjar hot springs, Benoa, Bali's main port, offering access to beaches, the cities of Denpasar and Ubud and Lombok, Indonesia, an island reputed for its volcanoes, beaches and cultural attractions. The cruise features activities such as North Star (observation capsule), Bionic Bar (robot-crafted cocktails) and Live. Love. Legs. (aerial adventure). A range of dining options are available, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and a 5-course Chef's Table experience. Interior Room at S$1,659 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | A 12-night cruise exploring Vietnam and Thailand from either Singapore or Hong Kong, aboard the Celebrity Solstice, offers a mix of cultural experiences and relaxation. The cruise typically includes stops in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and scenic locations, with chances to explore the markets and temples and enjoy the beaches. Celebrity Solstice is one of their most decorated ships, with elegant designs everywhere you turn. Their passion for outstanding cuisine takes the onboard dining experience to a new level and the staterooms are sure to bring the comfort of your home, out to the ocean. The airy Main Restaurant, the Grand Epernay Restaurant, offers exquisite menu selections. These change nightly to give guests a wide variety of choices. And the service? Legendary. Veranda Stateroom at US$3,299 (S$4,241) Per Person (Departing Nov 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1 888 751 7804 Daily: 24 hours | | The 14 Nights Best of Japan and Taiwan cruise with Celebrity Cruises offers a journey through diverse cultures, stunning landscapes as well as modern metropolises. Passengers will explore Japan and its cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and Taiwan, with potential stops in Hualien and Taipei. The Celebrity Millennium, known for its modern luxury and innovative spaces such as the Lawn and AquaSpa, is the ship for this itinerary. Visit iconic cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, experience ancient culture and enjoy modern amenities. Discover the unique blend of cultures in Taiwan, including Hualien, known for Taroko Gorge and Taipei with its vibrant night markets and natural mountain landscapes. Inside Stateroom at US$2,045 (S$2,629) Per Person (Departing Oct 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1-888-751-7804 Daily: 24 hours | | Sail with Royal Albatross on an epicurean odyssey with a trinity of top Singapore chefs The Genting Dream cruise ship, now operated by StarDream Cruises, provides onboard experiences, such as dining, entertainment and activities, with a focus on Asian hospitality. The Genting Dream offers cruises from Singapore, such as getaways and other itineraries with stops in Malaysia and Thailand, at cities or towns that include Penang and Port Klang. It features world-class theatre shows, parties, performances and classes, as well as an array of dining options, from international cuisine to speciality restaurants. The ship also boasts spa services, fitness centres and family-friendly amenities, such as children's clubs. Interior Stateroom (Value Fare, 2 Nights Weekend Getaway Cruise) (Departing 18 Jul) at S$918 at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 800 8528 188 Daily: 24 hours | | A 7-night Italy & Croatia cruise with Royal Caribbean is a cruise voyage that takes passengers on a week-long journey via Italy and Croatia, departing from Rome or Venice. These cruises include visits to various Italian and Croatian ports, including Naples/Capri, Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split, with options to also explore Venice, Koper and other destinations. The cruises offer a mix of sightseeing, relaxation and onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of dining options, including the Main Dining Room with rotating menus, speciality restaurants such as Izumi for sushi, Giovanni's Table for Italian cuisine and Chops Grille for steak. Guests can enjoy live shows, music and themed parties. Interior Stateroom from S$1,620 (Departing Sep 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 19-Day Cruise Australia & Asia: Melbourne and Bali is a cruise experience aboard the Norwegian Spirit. It is a journey from here to Sydney, with stops in Melbourne and Bali. The cruise includes ports of call in Australia and Indonesia. You will get the opportunity to explore cities including Surabaya, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. It also features onboard entertainment and activities, including access to the Stardust Theatre. It is designed with a freestyle concept, offering flexibility in dining and activities. These activities include multiple dining options (Asian, Italian, French, steakhouses), entertainment, a casino, bars and lounges, a spa and kids' activities onboard the ship. Inside Stateroom from S$1,889 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 31 651 680 Daily: 24 hours | | A 10-night 'Fly Cruise' to China, Japan and South Korea is a vacation package that combines air travel, a cruise and hotel stays to explore multiple cities and cultures in East Asia. It typically entails flying into a city in one of the countries. Thereafter, you will embark on a cruise that stops at ports in the other 2 countries and then fly out from a different city. The cruise will typically visit multiple ports. This will give you the chance to explore cities in countries such as China (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin), Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Shimizu (Mt Fuji), Nagasaki, Kobe) and South Korea (Jeju Island, Busan, Incheon). A fly-cruise package simplifies travel planning by bundling flights, accommodation and transportation between destinations. In some cases, this can be more cost-effective than booking flights and accommodation separately, especially when considering convenience. Flight + Cruise + Transfer + Hotel from S$3,999 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | A 10-night Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Ascent involves sailing to various iconic European venues. These include Greece, Italy and Croatia, with a focus on experiencing the culture, history and natural beauty of the region. The Celebrity Ascent is an Edge-class ship that is designed to provide an 'outward-facing' experience, connecting guests with the sea. This 10-night cruise includes stops in Italy (e.g., Rome, Sicily, Naples), Greece (e.g., Olympia, Corfu) and Croatia (e.g., Dubrovnik, Split). Guests can expect a rich blend of cultural exploration, sightseeing and opportunities to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. Celebrity Cruises is known for its sophisticated, upscale experience with a focus on design, service and innovative onboard areas. Celebrity Ascent boasts features such as The Grand Plaza, Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium pool and dining and entertainment venues. Inside Stateroom from S$4,299 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | 11 yacht rental services in Singapore for an unforgettable outing The post 10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea appeared first on

What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship
What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship

Miami Herald

timea day ago

  • Miami Herald

What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship

Viking Cruises may be a luxury cruise line, but it offers laid-back luxury, at least when it comes to dining. The actual number of choices is fairly limited. There's "The Restaurant," essentially the Main Dining Room, and World Cafe, a buffet, which bother offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Those are supported by a small grill near the pool, Mamsen's, a unique Nordic-inspired spot which offers waffles, pastries, and other snacks, and a small selection of cookies, pastries, and sandwiches on the first floor at the bar in The Living Room. There's also an Italian specialty restaurants Manfredi's that's open for a dinner and a Chef's Table that serves a fixed menu which changes every three days, It's all very high quality and elegant, but also pretty chill as dress standards are casual, and you don't need reservations at The Restaurant. You won't go hungry, but you also won't find yourself regretting your dining decisions as there's much more fresh fish, chilled seafood, and nightly sushi than on many mass market cruise lines. You can eat well while staying relatively healthy (although the excellent gelato was a nightly temptation). Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship (2:20) Transcript: Hey there, cruisers. I am Dan Kline, Executive Editor of Come Cruise With Me. That is And I'm coming to you from my cabin in Viking Jupiter. Things are a little bit different in Viking, and I thought I would want to talk a little bit today about what the food is like. So it's not quite as expansive as if you're on a megaship. There aren't as many places to eat. But basically, there's a main dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner. You do not have to make an appointment. You don't need a time. You can just show up. It might take a minute or two. There is a buffet that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not quite as expansive, but absolutely top-notch. I actually think some of the best food on the ship. Dinner time, not only is there the buffet, which has many of the things the main dining room does, there's also the main dining room, which changes every night. There's an Italian specialty restaurant also included. You just have to make a reservation. And there's a chef's table. The chef's table is a different four-course meal every night. You really want to look at the menu before you go, because it's very specific. There's no substitutions other than for allergies. But everything is world-class. I would say the worst thing on the buffet is as good as any specialty restaurant I've ever been in. And there are things like king crab, shrimp cocktail, sushi every night for dinner. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. There's also Mamsen's, which is a sort of Norwegian specialty snack place. And there's sandwiches and waffles and pastries. And it's a little bit weird. There's also tea every day at 4 o'clock, which is a drawn-out British affair. Have done it a couple of times. Absolutely lovely. And there's cookies and pastry on the first floor all day long. So it's not as much as you would eat on another wall. You'll eat plenty. It's not as many choices as the other cruise lines have. But it is all absolutely world-class. We got to tour the galley today. And honestly, I would have eaten off the floor. It was how unbelievably clean it was. And the chef tastes every meal himself. So literally goes through, tastes every single thing they have. They make every day. Chef said to me that he has not been hungry in many, many months. And he does not remember the feeling of being hungry because he has to taste so much food every day. But if you want to come on Viking, food is one of the calling cards. They pick up local ingredients in every market. And they'll do one dish. So we had Aberdeen beef the other day. They usually pick up mussels in one of the stops we were in. But they're actually out of them. That is, of course, the perils of going local. I am Dan Kline. Come cruise with me soon. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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