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2005 -- Volume 2 Issue 1
"PUBLISHED FOR THE FIRST TIME CRUISER" Share the joys of cruising...Give your friends C Fever!
In This Issue
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ABOARD RCL's New "Jewel of the Seas", BOSTON - QUEBEC -- The Captain & Crew take an October, East Coast, Fall Foliage Itinerary
" Ahoy, Capt'n Cruise" |
| RCCL "Jewel of the Seas" docked at Quebec |
Re: Royal Caribbean International's "Jewel of the Seas", 10 days, Boston to Quebec and return, sailing October 18 , 2004.
(Prologue: Capt'n Cruiser's, Tony and Edie Fowkes, are true sailors having taken many, many sailings, mostly on smaller sized cruise ships. This is their first attempt at "joining the bigga-boat crowd". As "they" say, variety is the spice of life. (Hope "they" read our companion article, "Does Size Matter"!) ALL cruise ships have their strong features and as the Ol' Captn' says, "There are no bad cruises, just some better than others."
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| The Boston skyline at dusk and the beginning of a fantastic adventure aboard the "Jewel of the Seas". |
Boston, Mass was our embarkation point, but before we started cruising, Edie and I took the journey to the east coast as an opportunity to revisit some places in New England that had been a part of a previous trip to the area. We had a late flight into Boston on our first night, so we stayed at a hotel adjacent to the airport and picked up our rental car for the drive into Massachusetts , New Hampshire and Maine .
We shopped and stayed in Freeport, ME (outlet stores, lobster stew, crab cakes), saw the most amazingly broad sugar sand beach at Old Orchard Beach, ME, had lunch at a typical New England fishing village in Ogunquit, ME (more sensational seafood dishes) and stayed the night in York Harbor, ME, the home of a teacher friend of Edie's who had relocated back to Maine about 10 years ago. Ginger gave us a first class tour of the little towns of York, Southport and York Harbor before we left for Boston the next morning.
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| The best part of cruising from Boston is meeting Ben Franklin and (of course) shopping. RA Judy and crewmate Glenda did both! |
When you cruise the East Coast, go early or stay late! Boston is a fabulous place to visit. History on every corner and fresh seafood in every cranny. We planned like it was a fourteen day cruise but spent 4 days in Boston and 10 days sailing. Driving around Boston proper is not for the weak of heart but there is gobs of things to see and do. Don't cut yourself short of time when cruising from Boston .
We checked in our rental at the airport and hopped a taxi to the Black Falcon cruise ship terminal where the Jewel of the Seas was ready to take us on board. The check-in process was very smooth and orderly, but we discovered later that we were not given a deck plan of the ship which everybody else seemed to have and that would have made our orientation a bit quicker.
The ship is a stunner for appearance. Bright colors, shinny brass, lots of mirrors and glass, art work and overall beautifully decorated. The atrium looks down on the main deck from all stateroom decks (12, I think) and the only comparison I can think of to express the grandeur is a Las Vegas hotel lobby like the Bellaggio. The ship was just put into service in May, 2004 so everything is fresh and new.
We noticed the comparison to the Bellaggio . The ship's casino also took our money!
We had a smallish but comfortable stateroom with verandah on the 10th deck. The room stewardess was pleasant and accommodating after we got the larger ice bucket situation and timing of delivery settled.
One of our cruise couples found themselves located above the lounge. Fortunately, they were able to move to a different location. When booking your room, it is always advisable to check what is beneath you. Either that or become party animals every night!
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| Edie and Tony Fowkes and a table of crewmates. |
The food and food service for most dinners was somewhat lacking. As usual, there were a fair variety of entries to choose from but not much stood out as being unique or especially well prepared. It was just "OK"; nothing more. At times the servers seemed confused and inexperienced and maybe they were as it is such a new ship. The two specialty restaurants (Italian and Steak/Chop house) were a cut above the dining room for both food and service. Especially the Steak house, where we had, in my opinion, the best dinner of the cruise in terms of variety, quality, presentation and service. The Windjammer dinning room was all buffets, all day. Certainly enough variety here, but most of the fruit was canned and long waits for an omelet in the morning starts the day off on a rough edge.
Varying degrees of food and service are things discussed most when talking about ship size. There is no doubt that smaller vessels, much like smaller restaurants, can provide a higher degree of "quality". Does that make the food bad? In no way, in fact, the service and quality on board this ship were wonderful...for a price. You had to eat in the specialty, extra-charge locations. One night, we tried to order a shrimp cocktail at our regular dining room seating. The "new" waiter seemed perplexed because it was not on the menu. He politely turned us down. Later, as we were walking out, we mentioned this to our table Captain. From then on, every night we were given a shrimp cocktail whether we ordered it or not. Definitely food and service could have been better but no one ever went hungry.
We enjoyed most of the entertainment in the large theatre after dinner. Nothing to complain about because if you didn't like it, you just go back to the casino and create your own entertainment...provided you are lucky enough. There were also small combo's or individuals playing in bars through out the ship during the late afternoon and evening; plenty of music for everyone.
Ports and excursions:
Bar Harbor. I found a mini-van taxi driver who was just dropping off two guys from Japan at the harbor where had tendered. She agreed to pick six of us up later in the morning after we had combed the shopping areas of this quaint and charming town. She spent summers in Bar Harbor since her teen years and really had a handle on the places to see, i.e., Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, historic sites, view sites and lobster roll restaurants
Bar Harbor and Quebec were our two favorite stops. Bar Harbor seemed like an East coast version of Catalina. Our hired local guide, Joselyn Brenton, drove 8 of us around with some knowledgeable "inside" commentary. Afterwards, she directed us to the best place for lobster rolls and local beer. As we tendered back to the ship, we all felt it was a great start to our east coast leaf peeping.
Halifax, Nova Scotia. We took a Grey Line "trolley" tour from the dockside and this was a nice overview of the city and its historic background. Later we strolled along the harbor boardwalks and found some shops and a hand-blown glass factory among museums and other harbor exhibits.
Sydney , Nova Scotia. We tried to brave the elements here and got soaked big time for the effort. We got two blocks into town and realized it was Sunday and hardly anything was open. So, back to the dockside tent where they had set up a historical diorama of the areas development in its early years.very well done and interesting. The usual shopping booths were open and doing a great business.
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| Nothing like Quebec on a bright fall day |
Quebec City, Canada. In my view, this is one of the great cities in Canada to visit. Old world charm, French pastries, views along the Saint Laurence River that goes forever, quaint shops and restaurants. Not to be missed is the Chateau Frontenac, scenic promenade and the view of the busy port where our ship was docked. We were just a short walk to the old city walls, cobblestone streets and the Quebec old town shopping area. Needless to say, this was all walk, all day but we did stop at a sidewalk café for some refreshment and ambiance
Ahh, Paree! Got an urge for tall towers and French accents? Go to Quebec . It is magnificent. Sure, there is a little French surliness around, but at least it is in cheaper Canadian dollars. We left Quebec in the early evening. The next morning found us lazily sailing up the Sanganay River . Billed as a "Fall Foliage" cruise, this was the leaf peeping part. Where the Sanganay and St. Lawrence converge is a favorite way-station for whales heading south for the winter. This colorful interlude featured, mellow sun, blue water and hillsides in full bloom. After 3 hours, the ship does a 180 and heads back to the St Lawrence and the Atlantic .
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| Shopping is fabulous at the Farmers Market in St. Johns |
St John's, New Brunswick. Located on the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tidal changes in the world (did I hear 55 feet). This was another walking day for sightseeing and exploring. The City Market is not too far from the dock and so we made the trek to see what the locals have for sale in their food markets and other shops. We tried two restaurants before we found "Steamer's" saloon, famous for lobster in every kind of preparation; our crowd zeroed in on lobster rolls and local Moose head amber ale. A great combination for tired walkers.
Portland, Maine. Close to numerous small business's and shops that have been at this docking area for 200 years, the town grew from this commercial district outward to the farming sites. Many of the banking houses, financial firms, government buildings and churches are just blocks from the piers. This makes for a handy jaunt to small stores that are near the ship. In addition, we took another "trolley" tour around town (historic buildings, residential areas both old and newer, a drive over the worlds longest draw bridge) and a stop at the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S. In point of fact, our AAA tour guidebook of New England had the lighthouse on its cover. Anyway, we enjoyed the hour and a half tour which was highlighted by our final stop at Mellio's Seafood Restaurant. Their lobster roll was the best we had had on our forage through the Down East country.
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| Most photographed lighthouse, Portland, ME. |
That figures, I got tired from all the "seeing" and went back to the ship for a bowl of chicken noodle soup.
Boston, Massachusetts. We stayed one more night in Boston after leaving the ship. Stayed at the Hilton Airport and took the subway into town for more historical sightseeing and exploring. Like most eastern US cities, it is better to use public transportation in Boston . No way do you want to get trapped in that traffic, pay exorbitant parking fees and fight the detours that seem to be endless. Of course the next morning we were on the runway taking off when the power from the aircraft engines diminished noticeably. We coasted to a turnoff on our way back to the main building. We waited while they checked out a suddenly appearing warning light on the de-icier. Six hours later the problem was solved and we finally headed home.
One last comment. The airport and Royal Caribbean docks are no more than 20 minutes apart. You will usually fly over your ship while landing or leaving. The Boston skyline steaming out to sea is a magnificent collection of old and new. Old colonial forts and new jumbo jets set the tone for your awaited adventure. Boston is one of the greatest American seaports to set sail from.
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| New ships, old forts, make Boston a fantastic seaport for sailors and history buffs |
"DOES SIZE MATTER?" At least in cruising, the answer is yes!
By Scott MorningsideShips are like shoes. One size doesn't fit all. Making your cruise decision a successful one can depend on selecting the perfect fit for your personal Id. Granted, no cruise can be all bad, but some can be much better. Stop for a moment and consider your reason for cruising. If you are a land lubber, a sack timer by 10 pm , do you think that will change on water? Is this for rest and relaxation ..or fun and games? How important is food? Cabin? Dinner companions? Would you go to Las Vegas or Carmel for your next land vacation? A modern day cruise ship is just a floating resort. The choice is yours.
EXTRA-LARGE SHIPS - 1,800 + SHIPMATES
If you DO want.......
- Large Resort feel
- Huge Casino, (MGM)
- Wide cross section of ages
- Multiple varieties of activities
- Lots of glitz and glamour
- Every indulgence possible, bars, theaters, restaurants
- Broadway entertainment
- Swimming Pools for every age
- Large exercise and spa facilities
- Sea smooth sailing (larger ships usually come with stabilizers)
- Best bang for the buck (volume means lower $)
If you DON'T want........
- A feeling that all of Los Angeles has joined you
- Waiting in lines
- Nickled and dimed to death
- Higher use of tenders
- Fairly standard ports of call
- Needing a map to keep you from getting lost (aboard ship!)
- Disembarking into a shipmate filled zoo of bags and bodies
LARGE SHIPS - 800 to 1,700 SHIPMATES
If you DO want........
- A smaller city of travelers
- Large Casino (The Bally)
- Fewer families with kids
- More spending their social security
- Nearer a traditional ocean going experience
- Large spas and swimming pools
- More lectures and lessons
- Less of everything else
- A more relaxed atmosphere
If you DON'T want.........
- More options for dining
- Discussing the latest AARP article at dinner
- Fewer or smaller public amenities
- Late night partying
- More exotic ports of call
- Wide variety of entertainment
MEDIUM SHIPS - 300 to 800 SHIPMATES
If you DO want......
- A neighborhood atmosphere
- Quieter, more refined meal hours
- Comfort and coziness
- Accent is on where you go
- Casino ala Elko, Nevada
- No young children
If you DON'T want....
- Less flash but more cash
- Limited public facilities
- Swimming pool full if 4 people jump in
- Crew providing the entertainment
- Food and service as the highpoint (refer to item 1)
SMALL SHIPS - 50 to 300 Shipmates
If you DO want....
- Very personal cruising
- Playing poker with the crew
- Getting to know everyone on a first name basis
- Lots of stops
- Outstanding food
- Unique and varied ports of call
- A good book as your best entertainment
If you DON'T want.......
- Everything else
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| Captn' Cruise |
"AHOY CAPT'N CRUISE!"
Hi John,
As I promised, here is a brief recap of Pat & my trans-Atlantic trip on the new Queen II, last November.
The ship is a marvel. She has the finest accomindations I have ever seen. She is a thing of beauty and has the finest ballroom, theatres, shops, casino, etc. She had four gentlemen hired to keep everyone dancing to exceptional music on this crossing.
Our cabin (#11111) was spectacular. We had a large balcony, a queen bed with the finest sheets & blankets and our room steward was invisible and professional.
We choose the early seating and were delighted with our table and our dinner companion's, however; the food and service were spotty and inconsistent. Everyone at our table complained and stated they would not book again on the Queen Mary II. The eight other people at table 3, who had been on the ship for a month, were very negative towards the quality of food and the hit/miss of service.
I enjoyed the beautiful Library & Cigar Bar plus the interesting lectures by Oxnard (I believe he meant Oxford , ed.) professors but would not repeat unless the food & service improved.
Bob and Pat F.
Camarillo , CA
Dear Bob and Pat,
Glad your back, thanks for the note and am sorry to hear the new II failed to live up to standards we all expect. (Or at least hope for.)
Dear Captain Cruise,
I sell real estate part-time and have an opportunity to sail on a cruise where there will be "business" meetings. I have heard that cruise trips can be deductible under the right set of circumstances. Can I take my husband and deduct his costs?
Harriett G.
Ojai , CA .
Dear Harriett,
An accountant I'm not. I wouldn't even begin to give you advice on deductibility other than say, there are instances where 100% of the costs can be legally expensed items. For example, on the new NCL ships sailing Hawaiian waters, because they are U.S. flagged ships and their cruise fares are based on double occupancy, for tax purposes, a double occupancy rate is deductible regardless of single or double use. Actually, I believe a cruise experience is one of the best places for business activities. Unlike land opportunities, you have no where else to go plus you can eat, drink and relax with business associates. Some of my best ideas came from cocktail hour conversations! My Advice?" Check with your CPA.
Dear Mr. Masterson,
Thank you for referring me to your web site. I have read your articles and it seems like everyone is having fun. But no one talks how much it costs. My question is simple, can I afford a cruise?
Carol O.
Ventura , CA .
Hi Carol,
Welcome aboard "Capt'n Cruise Travel News"! Simple answer is if you can afford a hotel vacation you can take a cruise. What many non-cruisers forget is everything is included. All your food, entertainment and travel for one price. The cruise lines offer a variety of pricing (and discounting) to make it fit almost anyone's budget. I have sailed for under $60 per day. Those are Motel 6 rates! I have never found anything that gives as much value ---"bang for the buck"--- as a cruise. Granted, you have to plan for the mandatory tips, as well as, avoid the casinos and ship shops siren songs, but you have to do that on land too! Cruise lines are offering 2 or 3 day cruises for those who want to taste the flavor of modern cruising. Try one of those first. It won't be long before you'll have a bad case of C fever!
CRUISE NEWS
We have mentioned in previous issues how cruise lines are making it easier for you to use your cell phone while at sea. If you have a cell phone, this is for you. Did you know that cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies as we speak? You can protect yourself from this by calling (from your cell phone) 888-382-1222. This is a national Do Not Call List. It blocks your number for 5 years.
Always looking for new Internet Travel sites?
Here a few recommendations from Frommer's Budget Travel.
USA Today's, (www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/today/sky.htm ) Airline news
Chris Elliot, ( www.elliott.org/blog/archive.htm ) Independent Air Travel news
Smarter Living, ( www.smarterliving.com ) good comparison shopping
MSNBC's "Savings Sleuth", ( www.msnbc.msn.com/id4506296 ) deals galore
Travelzoo, ( www.travelzoo.com ) Lots of advertising but fabulous deals
View >From The Wing, ( www.webflyer.com/blog ) Frequent flyer fanatic
If you think cruising is just a passing fancy, forget it!
A record number of passengers were recorded by CLIA, (Cruise Lines International Association). CLIA expects 2004 to top off near 11 million passengers with a load factor of 105%. This is up from 9.52 million and 102.6% capacity in 2003. With fewer new ships being delivered and stronger pre-cruise bookings being recorded, new records are almost certain for 2005.
Cruise ship "class system" newest lure for extra $
Always on the lookout for ways to create a larger bottom line net, cruise lines are testing the once common, clearly defined, class system privileges. Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have added concierge services for those who have booked higher priced accommodations. According to Cruise Critic, these features would include priority perks for embarkation and debarkation, reservations for shore excursions, spa treatments and specialty restaurants plus butler service and higher quality amenities.
FUTURE CRUISES
Spring time brings out the southern California cruisers. It's not a weather thing for most sun drenched Californian's but more a "refresher" from the holidays. Two big CC cruises are organized with one leaving from San Diego on February 26 aboard the Holland America , Oosterdam and one from Tahiti on March 3 aboard the Radisson, Paul Gaugin . We'll have personal reports in future issues of Capt'n Cruise Travel News.
Fall foliage Cruise with the Capt'n
New York City to Montreal
- September 22 - October 1, 2005 - 9 nights
- All Suite - Radisson Seven Seas Navigator
- From $ 3250
Join Capt'n John and Rear Admiral Judy on a luxurious New England cruise aboard the All Suite Seven Seas Navigator. You've listened to him on the radio and now you can sail with him on a 9 night New York , Cape Cod , Boston , Bar Harbor , Halifax , Quebec , Montreal Itinerary. This package includes:
- 7 Nights Aboard the All Suite 7 Seas Navigator
- Free Economy Class Airfare
- 2 night hotel stay in New York City
- Tickets to a Broadway Show
- $50 Shipboard Credit
- Wine & Spirits with Dinner Aboard Ship
- Special Capt'n Cruise Clothing
- On Ship Gratuities included
- Transfers
Book your stateroom Today , 1-800-777-6540
WANT TO CONTACT THE CAPTAIN?
The Capt'n and Judy would love to have your comments and questions.
Just email john@captncruise.com .
Have you emailed Captn Cruise Travel News to your best friend? Do it today. Give them "C" fever!
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| John (aka Capt'n Cruise) and Judy (Rear Admiral) Masterson |
