Did you know? Impact of Cruise Terminal to our area.

That article in the Pilot...well, actually the comments about the article... made me want to know what the impact to the region has been from the cruise terminal.

According to Stephen Kirkland from Cruise Norfolk:

• The terminal has recorded more than 800,000 passengers since 2001
• This represents $85 million in total spending (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
• $9.4 million in spending in 2008 alone
• $16 million in projected combined spending for 2009 and 2010
• 190 local jobs on-site for cruise call (stevedores, processors, security, etc.)
• 15-20 tractor-trailer loads of provision (average) per cruise – many are local providers

Plus, reviews from people who have cruised from norfolk speak to the quality of the experience especially compared to other ports. On CruiseCritic.com, one person writes "This was the best cruise terminal I have ever cruised out of. We were literally on the ship within five minutes!! The port personnel were very friendly and finding our luggage after we disembarked was a breeze." (more here >)

I have heard this echoed from our customers and my friends and family who have taken a cruise here too.

The most unique aspect is that unlike other terminals, this one was built entirely devoted to people. It's not like other stuffy, large, bare warehouses that are adapted for people during cruises but are used extensively for loading and unloading supplies or products. When Norfolk built the terminal they listened to comments from travelers about the things they liked and disliked about other ports and incorporated that in their decision-making.

All things considered, Norfolk is a "young" cruise port with a lot of potential.

Congratulations Norfolk - Top Cruise Port Ranking!!

Posted today on PilotOnline, Norfolk was voted top cruise port in the country according to Royal Caribbean's weekly passenger ratings! Full article Here >

Of course, this is a weekly poll, but according to the article, it is gathered from "..up to 4800 passengers" who cruised from Norfolk on May 30th.

We hear similar comments about the beautiful terminal and the ease of the process compared to other ports. The port here, unlike most cruise terminals, was built specifically for people and not for loading/unloading goods as well as people. And you can really tell the difference...ask anyone who has sailed from Norfolk and another port, and they will tell you there is a distinct difference.

There are some comments on PilotOnline for the article that are negative...mostly about there not being enough sailings from Norfolk. I see that actually as a positive, that there is demand for more sailings. In fact, if the only thing one can say negative about the Norfolk Cruise Terminal is that there aren't enough cruises, then we are in good shape for expansion.

I happen to know that representatives from Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as other cruise lines, read this blog. So, a quick message to them: Give Us More Cruises! More Destinations! More Variety! If you bring it - they will sail! Just check out the article above...and contact Stephen Kirkland - he'll make it happen for your cruise line and for the area.

The last cruise royal caribbean cruise for 2009 is about to set sail!

On June 13, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas will set sail from Norfolk for it's last cruise. Next year, Royal Caribbean returns with the Enchantment of the Seas - it's a bigger ship, with more oceanview balcony cabins and was refurbished in 2005. They brag about having the very first (bungee) trampolines at sea, so you can't do that anywhere else. I honestly don't know how i feel about that.... to jump or not to jump while at sea. It should at minimum be a hoot to watch!!

Besides that, there are a number of other things that the Enchantment offers that are new (to us):

• Bungee trampolines, serious fun for thrill-seekers
• Massive suspension bridges spanning the expanded Pool Deck
• Pools for swimming and one dedicated to sports
• Splash fountain with 64 water jets controlled by a kid friendly touch-pad system
• Latté-tudes,SM a specialty coffee house featuring Seattle's Best Coffee®
• Glass-walled Viking Crown Lounge

By the way, my favorite place to be when we first set sail from the port on any Royal Caribbean cruise is in the Viking Lounge while sipping a dirty martini. Many people prefer being out on the deck, but for some reason, this really sets my vacation off on the right foot!

Please feel free to comment and share the place that you like to be on a cruise when it first sets sail....

9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - Labadee, Haiti

Labadee is Royal Caribbean's private island, although it is actually contiguous with the rest of Haiti and is a private resort leased to Royal Caribbean. As such, it is fenced off from the surrounding area. However, when you get to Labadee, you don't really notice that.

Great beaches, charming shops, lots of water activities - this is what you will see. There is even a new Aqua Park for kids. Among available activites are kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing, all available as shore excursions.

Or, simply relax in a hammock or on the beach. It's a great, stress-free retreat, especially if you have been busy exploring the other ports of call on this cruise, you should definitely take advantage of the time at Labadee.

Haiti itself has an interesting history. I pulled this from Wikipedia:

"It was the first independent nation in Latin America, the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world, and the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion. Haiti is the only predominantly Francophone independent nation in the Americas, and one of only two (along with Canada) which designate French as an official language..." For more, click here.

Welcome Back - and Bon Voyage!

Welcome back to passengers on the May 21st Royal Caribbean cruise from Norfolk to the Eastern Caribbean! And Bon Voyage to those on the May 30th Royal Caribbean sailing to Bermuda AND the May 31st Carnival sailing to the Bahamas!

I always love to see the ships when they are in port and this weekend we get treated to both ships coming and going! There's just something about driving down Waterside Drive, coming around off the highway and around the bend, when the ship appears in your sights. Maybe it is just living vicariously and thinking it would be great if I was going on the cruise that day (note that i am never thinking, ahh if only i could be getting OFF the ship today -ha ha). Or maybe it is just seeing a cruise ship, and thinking about my past and future vacations just never gets old. Whatever the reason, I plan to find a reason to drive down there this weekend just to see them...

9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - Samana, Dominican Republic

Columbus sighted its coral-edged Caribbean coastline on his first voyage to the New World and pronounced: "There is no more beautiful island in the world." The first permanent European settlement in the New World was on November 7, 1493, and its ruins still remain near Montecristi in the northeast part of the island.

Much of what Columbus first sighted still remains in a natural, unspoiled condition. One-third of the Dominican Republic's 869 mile coastline is devoted to beaches. The best are in Puerto Plata and La Romana, although Puerto Plata and other beaches on the Atlantic side of the island
have dangerously strong currents at times.

The people of the Dominican Republic are among the friendliest in the Caribbean, and the hospitality here seems more genuine than in more commercialized Puerto Rico. The weather is nearly perfect year-round. And the Dominican Republic's white-sand beaches are among the finest in the Caribbean. Punta Cana/Bávaro, for example, is the longest strip of white sand in the entire region.

The Dominican Republic has its own distinct cuisine and cultural heritage. Its Latin flavor is a sharp contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British- and French-influenced ones.

The verdant peninsula of Samana is paradise found for nature enthusiasts. Somewhat remote and removed from the tourist trail, this patch of paradise is home to one of the most important rain forests and mangrove reserves in the Caribbean. And its crystal-clear coast features some of the best diving on the northern side of the Dominican Republic. So pop on your flippers. In some spots you can see up to 150 feet!

9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands, is the most visited port in the Caribbean, and hence host to an incredible array of luxury liners. It is the only town on the island. Its seaside promenade is called Waterfront Highway, or simply, the Waterfront. From here, you can take any of the streets or alleyways into town to Main Street (also called Dronningens Gade). Principal links between Main Street and the Waterfront include Raadets Gade, Tolbod Gade, Store Tvaer Gade, and Strand Gade.

The harbour's natural beauty is a little marred by the thriving commercialism of the area, but the plethora of sight-seeing and shopping opportunities make up for it.

Shopping is duty-free and the list of boutiques endless - take your pick from those at The Royal Dane Mall - or, if you fancy something a bit more local, check out the crafts and clothing in the open-air market of Market Square.

Main Street is home to all of the major shops. The western end (near the intersection with Strand Gade) is known as Market Square. Once the site of the biggest slave market auctions in the Caribbean Basin, today it's an open-air cluster of stalls where native farmers and gardeners gather daily (except Sun) to sell their produce. Go early in the morning to see the market at its best.

Running parallel to and north of Main Street is Back Street (also known as Vimmelskaft Gade), which is also lined with stores, including some of the less expensive choices. Beware: It can be dangerous to walk along Back Street at night, but it's reasonably safe for daytime shopping.

In the eastern part of town, between Tolbod Gade and Fort Pladsen (northwest of Fort Christian), lies Emancipation Park, commemorating the liberation of the slaves in 1848. Most of the major historical buildings, including the Legislature, Fort Christian, and Government House, lie within a short walk of this park.

Southeast of the park looms Fort Christian. Crowned by a clock tower and painted rusty red, it was constructed by the Danes in 1671. The Legislative Building, seat of the elected government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lies on the harbor side of the fort.

Kongens Gade (or King's St.) leads to Government Hill, which overlooks the town and St. Thomas Harbor. Government House, a white brick building dating from 1867, stands atop the hill.

Between Hotel 1829 (a mansion built that year by a French sea captain) and Government House is a staircase known as the Street of 99 Steps. Actually, someone miscounted: It should be called the Street of 103 Steps. Regardless, the steps lead to the summit of Government Hill.

Especially for Kids
Atlantis Submarine -- Children are thrilled by this unique underwater adventure. The submarine dives to depths of up to 150 feet, revealing exotic fish, colorful sea gardens, coral formations, and unusual marine creatures. Children must be at least 4 years old.

Coral World -- This is the place on St. Thomas to take your children. It's a hands-on experience -- kids can even shake hands with a starfish at the Touch Pond. Later, they can discover exotic Marine Gardens, where 20 aquariums showcase the Caribbean's incredible natural marine treasures.

Magens Bay Beach -- This beach is one of the finest in the world, with calm waters, white sand, and lots of facilities, including picnic tables.

Dining in the Virgin Islands is generally more expensive than it is in North America because, except for locally caught seafood, many of the ingredients have to be imported. This also means that sometimes they aren't as fresh as they could be. Whenever possible, stick to regional food, which is fresher.

Overall, the food on the islands is better than ever. Many fine talents, including some top-notch chefs, now cook here. These chefs often combine mainland recipes with local ingredients to come up with a Caribbean/American cuisine. Try to eat at some of the local places as well. The prices there are more reasonable, and the fare is more adventurous.

9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - San Juan, Puerto Rico

This is the first in a series....

San Juan, Puerto Rico
The largest and best-preserved complex of Spanish colonial architecture in the Caribbean, Old San Juan (founded in 1521) is the oldest capital city under the U.S. flag. Once a lynchpin of Spanish dominance in the Caribbean, it has three major fortresses, miles of solidly built stone ramparts, a charming collection of antique buildings, and a modern business center. The city's economy is the most stable and solid in all of Latin America.

The Port of San Juan is the busiest ocean terminal in the West Indies, with an estimated half of the Caribbean's trade passing through here. There are about 710 cruise-ship arrivals every year, bringing some 850,000 passengers.

Shopping:
Puerto Rico is a shopaholic's dream, with designer boutiques, discounted retail outlets and numerous traditional crafts on offer. Traditional Puerto Rican crafts to look out for include the wooden figures of Christian saints and religious stories (santos); intricate, handmade lace (mundillo) and the dramatic island masks made from papier mache or coconut shells.

Places to Go:
There is no hipper venue in San Juan today than the Museo de Arte . It took $55 million to turn this 1920s city hospital in Santurce, an eyesore for decades, into this new home for art. The new museum has become a way of life for some Puerto Ricans, many of whom go here at least once a week -- perhaps to see a production in the 400-seat theater, named for Raúl Juliá, the late Puerto Rican actor, or perhaps to go for a romantic stroll through the museum's 5-acre (2-hectare) garden. Many chic trendsetters return at night for a nuevo criolla meal at Pikayo.

The emerging neighborhood for the chic set is called SoFo, a sector that lies south of Calle Fortaleza in Old Town. This place is becoming so trendy that it is the first of the Old San Juan neighborhoods to be awarded its own acronym, no doubt inspired by New York's SoHo. The Parrot Club is the hot spot of the neighborhood, quickly rivaled by Trois Cent Onze.

To mix with the locals, head for the Mercado de Río Piedras (Paseo José de Diego), with its 4 blocks of shops and cheap restaurants. (You can reach this area by taxi). This vast outdoor mall is scented with everything from recently caught fish to just-picked citrus. When Sanjuaneros want to buy anything, they head here. Open from early morning to late evening (but not on Sunday), these stores and markets provide a whiff of local life that's unseen anywhere else in San Juan.

Or, head for the boardwalk at Parque Lineal Marti Coli, which stretches along Caño de Martín Peña, from Hato Rey to Parque Central.

Later you can head for Rumba to dance to the sounds of salsa and a bomba with an African beat.

Bermuda, Jamestown, Virginia and Shakespeare

Did you know that Bermuda was settled 400 years ago (1609) as a result of a shipwreck? Even more interesting, it was that shipwreck which inspired Shakespeare's The Tempest!

"Let me live here forever
So rare a wondered father and wife
Makes this place a paradise."- William Shakespeare, The Tempest, 4.1

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's founding, the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs is having a special Jamestown - Bermuda exhibition from may 13 - May 31. the exhibition "...explores governmental, religious and trade connections between England’s second permanent colony in the New World and its first – Jamestown, Virginia, founded in 1607. The exhibition illuminates Bermuda’s unique character: strategic location and historic stone forts; extraordinary importance of sports and recreation; and land and seascapes immortalized by internationally renowned artists, leading to Bermuda’s rise in the 20th century as a premier travel destination." according to the official Bermuda Tourism website.

Enquiries: Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, 81 Court Street, Hamilton HM12, tel 441 292 8990, fax 441 292 2474, email bermuda2009@gov.bm, website www.bermuda2009.bm

Just a unique cultural experience you may want to mosey on over too while in port.

For more details, check out their official website at http://www.bermuda2009.bm/.

May 2 - May 7 Bermuda Cruise from Norfolk

Welcome back to all of those who cruised on the May 2nd sailing to Bermuda! Hopefully the weather in Bermuda and at Sea was better than what we had here...and you remembered to roll up your car windows before you left.

If you have just returned from the sailing, please write a review here or share your tips for future cruisers.

Swine Flu and Norfolk Cruises

The cruises from norfolk are not currently impacted by any itinerary changes due to the swine flu...they don't go to Mexico and the cruise lines clean the ships pretty thoroughly between each sailing.

Royal Caribbean's Statement on the Impact to their Sailings:

"...It is important to note that health authorities have not raised concerns regarding the ports of call we visit in Mexico. None of our sailings have been altered and none are scheduled to be...." Full statement: click here

Carnival Cruise Line's statement on the Impact of the Swine Flu on their sailings:

"Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled all port of call visits in Mexico for 16 of its ships that were previously scheduled to stop in that country. Itineraries for vessels departing between now and June 15, 2009 that included stops in Mexico have been modified. In many instances, the modification simply involved substituting an alternate port...." Full details: click here

Note also that cancellations to any trip to mexico due to swine flu are currently covered by most travel insurance, but that will change if the CDC elevates the threat to a pandemic or epidemic, which is conveniently not covered by travel insurance. BUT if you have Cancel for Any Reason insurance, you are set! And you may be able to add on Cancel for Any Reason insurance to your trip (it depends on whether you have made the final payment or not).

Normally i don't like to put any sales pitches on this blog, but in this case, i do want to just say that even if you didn't purchase your vacation through CI Travel, we may still be able to help you get insurance...so give us a call... ok, that's it, no more sales pitches!

Enjoy your vacation - if you work as hard as i do, you deserve it and more!!

2009 Norfolk Cruises About to Set Sail!!

May 2 kicks off the Norfolk Cruise season for 2009! If you are coming in from out of town, or hey, are a local person trying to get around this weekend, note that parking and traffic may drive you crazy between the Azaela Festival and construction at Town Point Park. So, plan extra time if you are getting dropped off at the Pier, or park early and enjoy a morning stroll with coffee in Downtown Norfolk. Whatever you do, don't let a little traffic start your cruise off on the wrong foot - just plan ahead and be prepared and enjoy your Cruise from Norfolk!!