The Cruise Ship and Cruise Line Discussion Thread!

[jray21Why do I still have a donkey title???]

Oh carnival.

Family finds hidden camera in Carnival Cruise stateroom

www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/12/15/family-finds-hidden-camera-in-carnival-cruise-stateroom.html

[DirkFunkCan you see the donkey in my toast?]

11 or 12 people killed on a shore excursion taking RCCL and Celebrity passengers to ruins from Costa Maya. Police suspect a tire blew out at high speed, sending the bus off the road (it may even have rolled a few times before ending up on its side). Yes, it's an official excursion: no other way to end up on a bus trip from Costa Maya than buying from the ship, as anyone who's been knows.

I've said this before many times, but for all that ships say about the comparative safety of their shore excursions, the reality is that they're outsourcing to many of the same people you would on your own if you made arrangements, except inflating the price to get a cut themselves. You're not gonna be safer; they're playing on your fears of the unknown.

This is going to go down as one of the worst 'cruise ship accidents' ever. Looks like everyone from children to elderly were killed, and some of the injured are severe. Truly a terrible event. Over on one of the cruise message boards I'm on someone lost a brother in this accident. I just hope this doesn't scare people away from cruising, like we all already knew, the cruise ship is super safe compared to driving! *Not that I would let this deter me from driving in a less developed country to see amazing sights, it's just a small risk you have to take.

[jray21Why do I still have a donkey title???]

This cruise ship screams of terrible parents and terrible children.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cartoon-network-cruise-ship/index.html

Cruise ships aren't for everyone. Cartoon-themed cruise ships aimed at families with young kids even less so.
But for fans of animation broadcaster Cartoon Network, a colorful new branded cruise liner -- Cartoon Network Wave -- is about to float their boats. The newly announced ship, which embarks on its maiden voyage from Singapore in late 2018, will draw inspiration from popular shows to create a kid-oriented experience at sea. Its 800 cabins are inspired by shows such as "Adventure Time" and "Ben 10," while 11 entertainment decks will host themed nights including circus shows and parties with the Powerpuff Girls. The ship will be the latest of several new oceangoing options for families with kids. Disney has just announced the return of two favorite cruise options. Its popular "Star Wars" and "Marvel" sea adventures will be on offer on select Disney cruises in 2018 and 2019.

This colorful new ship is emblazoned with Cartoon Network star Jake the Dog. Pictured here: Artist impression of Cartoon Network Wave. All illustrations are subject to change without prior notice. Cartoon Network's ship will be dominated by images of Jake the Dog -- the star of "Adventure Time" -- with others dotted around restaurants and bars. There's also a rope adventure park and an outdoor "Young Tooniverse" space for kids to play in.

There will be some great entertainment options on this fantastic new ship. Pictured here: Artist impression of Toonix Pool on Cartoon Network Wave. All illustrations are subject to change without prior notice. The cruise is the product of a partnership between Oceanic Group and Turner Broadcasting, the parent company of Cartoon Network and CNN. "Turner is always looking at new ways to bring our characters to life -- and Cartoon Network Wave will be their home on the high seas," says Ricky Ow, president of Turner Asia Pacific. Cartoon Network Wave will have its maiden voyage in late 2018. Pictured here: Artist impression of Cartoon Network Wave. All illustrations are subject to change without prior notice.

Cartoon Network Wave will sail to 13 destinations across the Asia Pacific Region, including Singapore, Malaysia and China.

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

11 or 12 people killed on a shore excursion taking RCCL and Celebrity passengers to ruins from Costa Maya. Police suspect a tire blew out at high speed, sending the bus off the road (it may even have rolled a few times before ending up on its side). Yes, it's an official excursion: no other way to end up on a bus trip from Costa Maya than buying from the ship, as anyone who's been knows.

I've said this before many times, but for all that ships say about the comparative safety of their shore excursions, the reality is that they're outsourcing to many of the same people you would on your own if you made arrangements, except inflating the price to get a cut themselves. You're not gonna be safer; they're playing on your fears of the unknown.

I believe The main thing you’re paying the premium for is the cruise line making sure you’re back before they leave. Book on your own and you’re SOL.

[robbalveySite Admin]

Today we got a special preview of "Star Wars Day at Sea" on the Disney Fantasy. Since this was a media event, everything was compressed down into a few hours, but the entire event looks FANTASTIC! We got to meet some of the characters, see a sample of the shows, check out the Star Wars area in the Oceaneer Club, try some of the food offerings for the event, and a walk around the ship taking it all in!

Disney Cruise Line most certainly does things at a "higher end" than other cruise lines. For Disney fans and especially in this case Star Wars fans that like the "Deluxe" accommodations of Walt Disney World, a week on the Disney Fantasy, or any of their other ships for that matter would be right up your alley!

Let's take a look at some highlights from the event and for more details about cruises, special themed "days at sea" or other booking information, check out their website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/

Here's our re-cap highlights video:



Good morning from the Disney Fantasty for a preview of Star Wars Day at Sea!


Kristen has her credentials and she’s ready for Star Wars Day at Sea!


Storm Troopers have infiltrated the terminal building looking for Rebel Spies!


Yay! We are official! We have our Star Wars name tags!


I think Kristen has gotten herself into a bit of trouble!


Walking through those Mickey ears is one of the most magical vacation experiences you can have!

Minnie Mouse, the ships mascot greets us on board!

I just love the little Disney attention to details on these ships like the Mickey hand on the elevator numbers.

The central area and the hallways on this ship are just gorgeous!

We are not even on the ship five minutes and already trouble is starting to go down!


Kristen trained to be a Jedi against Kylo Ren!


Yeah, sorry Kylo Ren, Kristen isn’t having any of your attitude!


Yay! She got to meet C-3PO!


Things didn’t go well at first with Kristen meeting Vader...


...but she told him she’s joining the Empire so now they are BFFs!


CHEWIE!!! DO NOT EAT JANICE!!! She is not a BBQ Porg!!!

The ship uses the Magic Band technology for the kids to enter and exit the Oceaneer Club.


Look who is hanging out with kids in the Oceaneer Club!


These Star Wars simulator games they had in the Oceaneer Club were amazing! Fantastic resolution and the games were super fun!


The Oceaneer Club staff will assist you in building a droid!


While it may be “Star Wars Day” the Marvel stuff on the ship is super cool also!




Kids can also hang out with Pixar characters, princesses, and fairies in the Oceaneer Club!


Here’s a look at some of the merchandise only available during Star Wars Day at Sea.




Lunch today is at Animator’s Palate!


It’s all decked out for Star Wars Day At Sea.


Here is our lunch menu...


It’s made out of people...


Sand People!!!


For our entrees we chose the Pork Tenderloins..


Mushroom Katsu Curry...


...and the Crisp Chicken. All fantastic!




Dessert was OMG fantastic!!!

We had an amazing time during the preview of Star Wars Day At Sea! All your favorite Star Wars characters are here so you should be, too!

[Ape"Excuse me, miss, may I pound my large rooster into your donkey?"]

I think this will be our next family trip!

Believe it or not, this was actually KT's first time doing the Jedi Training Experience! It was a really fun day and left everyone wanting to book a Disney cruise!

[bert425Why do I still have a donkey title???]

I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, but this looks like a fun time.

and since it's Disney, you KNOW it's gonna be "done right"

[jray21Why do I still have a donkey title???]

Wow, that is really impressive! I didn't realize how all out they went. I definitely would like to eat some sand people in a salad!