Page 5 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

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Glorious Days at Sea
By Judie Karhan
In the glamorous days of trans-Atlantic cruising during the early 1900s, the shipboard social swirl created a wave of excitement on the high seas. Au courant travelers reveled in the luxurious, stylish surroundings of graceful vessels such as Cunard Line’s Mauretania and Queen Mary, which provided extravagant spaces at sea.
In addition to all of the special amenities aboard a small ship, luxury cruise lines specialize in offering unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot go.
Romancing the sea
Yacht-like ships carrying no more than 350 passengers offer unusually warm and friendly environments. Though daily activities may not include singles get-togethers or Broadway-style revues, sailing ships offer plenty to passengers, including special enrichment lectures, onboard water sports platforms, and excellent cuisine.
Sailing on a small ship is a romantic adventure. As you sail from shore to shore, idle days are spent lazing in the sun – swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, jet skiing, or even having a personal hand at the sails. Tropical nights are spent gazing at bright shining stars and chatting amicably among newfound friends. It doesn’t take long to get acquainted with the natural rhythm of the sea.
There are, of course, some variations when it comes to sailing vessels. Certain ships, such as those of Windstar Cruises, seem more akin to floating five-star hotels. Others, such as Star Clippers’ tall ships, evoke images of the original swift clipper ships of the 19th century – elegant yet small and appealingly simplified.
Whether you set sail to explore exotic, distant lands or find bliss closer to home along rugged coastlines or amid tropical islands, your shipboard experiences will be as much a barometer of satisfaction as the destinations in themselves. So pack your party shoes – or your deck- ready sneakers – and enjoy those glorious days at sea.
Today, their legacy remains alive and well. Ships displaying all the grandeur of four- and five-star hotels, with exceptional spas, private verandahs, impeccable personalized service and lavish interiors have revived the celebration of shipboard life. These floating resorts have become destinations in themselves, with fabulous social areas designed to bedazzle and be dazzling in.
A Dizzying Array of Activities
Aboard the newest of the large ships, today’s passengers enjoy guest amenities on a grand scale, with elaborate stage performances, casino gaming, fine dining experiences, and – most especially – an incredible array of activities.
When Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas made
its debut in 1999, the vessel became the largest
ship in the world. Carrying up to 3,840 passengers, the Voyager of the Seas introduced a wide range of innovative, never-before-seen recreational facilities, including the industry’s first rock-climbing wall, an ice-skating rink and roller-blading track. The cruise line’s newest ships feature even more first-at-sea onboard activities, such as FlowRider, a surf simulator; RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; and Xbox Live, offering an unprecedented bandwidth and ultrafast wireless capabilities.
With so many activities now available for ship passengers, kids love cruising more than ever. Disney
Cruise Line has gone a long way in bringing the concept of family cruising into the spotlight. All Disney ships offer separate areas and age-specific activities
for kids, babysitting services, teen recreation centers, even staterooms configured especially for families. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts having the widest choice of accommodations at sea, with the largest and most interconnecting suites and staterooms to fit families of any size, so you can keep your crew together.
Refining the concept of luxury
Perhaps your idea of the perfect vacation is getting away from the crowds. Small luxury ships, such as those operated by Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises, elevate and redefine the traditional notions of luxury cruising with innovative concepts, exquisitely designed ships, customized destination immersion, and the highest standards of personalized service.
Climb aboard a vessel carrying just a few hundred passengers and you’ll find an incredibly welcoming staff, all-suite accommodations with ocean views, and gourmet dining menus created by celebrated and world-renowned chefs. Most importantly,
you’ll enjoy all-inclusive pricing. Dining venues are complimentary – dine where, when and with whom you wish. Unlimited beverages, including premium spirits, beer and fine wines, are complimentary as well. Tipping is neither required nor expected.
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