M S Artemis is captained by Sarah Breton, who is only the second woman to take charge of a major cruise liner. She took charge in 2010.

Construction and History

M S Artemis was built Wärtsilä at the Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland in 1984. Inauguration was done by Diana, Princess of Wales at South Hampton in the same year. At the time of construction, M S Artemis was a pioneer in innovation, as public areas were incorporated in the lower decks, with the cabins located above them; she was the first ship to have all cabins outside. She was also the first ship to provide standard cabins equipped with balconies.

Specifications

M S Artemis, is a comparatively small ship at 44 348 Gross Register Tons ( G R T ). The ship has a displacement of 5, 580 metric tones dead weight ( D W T ). She is 756.59 feet long ( 230.61 m ) and 29.60 m ( 97.11 m ) long at the beam, and 7.80 m ( 25.59 ) long at the draught. There are 8 passenger accessible decks on board. The maximum passenger capacity is 1, 260 and average passenger capacity is 1, 188. The crew members and other staff numbers 537.

Itinerary

M S Artemis sails routinely from Southampton, United Kingdom with over 120 cruises for P & O departing from here annually. Cruises lasting for 7 to 26 nights are offered to various destinations like the Baltic Sea, Iceland, Norway and so on. The ship goes around the U K and the Mediterranean. The 26 night cruise visits ancient holy lands mentioned in the Bible. In January 2011, a 98 night world cruise, which will be via Suez Canal, to China and will return via South Africa.

Accommodation Options

Artemis has a total number of 594 cabins on board. The State rooms include Outside stateroom, Balcony Stateroom, Deluxe Balcony Stateroom and Suite. Artemis is does not have any inside cabins, all the cabins are outside.

The keel of the ship was laid on 23rd January 2009. She floated in her dry – dock in 28th February 2010. It was christened in 24th April by Emma Pontin, legendary yachtswoman and was inaugurated in April 29, 2010.

The third Solstice class ship is as environment friendly as its sisters; Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox. A photo voltaic system, a hull design that is optimized to perfection, energy saving LED lighting systems and extra efficiency hull coatings optimize the ship to such extent that it uses 30% less energy than other ships of its kind.

Specifications

The Celebrity Eclipse has a Gross Tonnage of 122, 000 G T. It is 1 033 feet long and 121 feet wide at its widest point. The draught length is 27 feet. It has a capacity of 2, 852 passengers and has approximately 1, 271 crew. The ship has a speed of 24 knots (44 km per hour). There are 17 decks.

Décor

The Décor is at the same time sophisticated and vivacious. It caters for comfort, as well as tasteful style. The brilliant décor is an important reason why this ship has received all the great reviews. The ambience is perfect, it refuses to be gaudy, in the midst of all the ostentation.

The Staterooms

The accommodation options offered by the Eclipse are:  Inside Staterooms, Ocean View Staterooms, Verandah Staterooms, Sunset Verandahs, Concierge Verandahs, Deluxe Ocean View with Verandahs, Family Ocean View with Verandah, Suites like Sky Suite, Celebrity Suite, Royal Suite, Penthouse suite and the exclusive Aqua class suites.

All cabins in Celebrity Eclipse are significantly larger than the cabins in her sister ships.

Aqua Class Suites

The Aqua Class is a special feature, and is a unique combination of wellness along with luxury and comfort.

There are a total of 130 Aqua Class suites on deck 11 near the Aqua Spa area. Guests in Aqua Class Suites are given a special card that differentiates them through out the ship. In room amenities are indulgent. For example, the welcome kit includes a teeth whitener, Frette bath robe, slippers and shower cream. There are big fluffy bath towels, face towels and comfortable bedding with a pillow of choice from the pillow menu(!).

The rooms are equipped to suit every comfort, with automated light dimmers, fragrance producers, soothing music picked out by music therapists.

Exclusive access to the “Blu” restaurant is also given to the Aqua Class guests. The Persian Garden, which is an aromatherapy, hot ceramic bed and sauna room meant for ultimate relaxation is also open to guests in the Aqua Class.

Amenities

The Ship features a casino, several swimming pools, shopping malls and other amenities.

Facilities which are special to only Celebrity Line such as Michael’s Club, iLounge and a host of other amenities are also on offer.

Dining Options

The Dining options offered on board the Celebrity eclipse are several, and offers multiple and varied cuisine.

• The Grand Epernay

Continental European cuisine

• Tuscan Grille

Italian cuisine and steaks

• Blu Restaurant

Healthy fare for AquaSpa Guests

• Murano restaurant

Continental cuisine (modern and classic)

• Bistro on Five

Sandwiches, soups, salads, quiche, desserts etc

• AquaSpa Café

Spa cuisine like salads, raw greens and small sandwiches

• Mats Grill and Bar

Poolside fare like hamburgers, fries, chicken wings, tacos etc.

• The Oceanview café and Grill

Cafeteria style Buffet room

When she was built in 1991, M S Monarch of the seas was one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Monarch was also the first major cruise ship in the world to be have a woman as captain – Karin Stahre Janson.

Construction

M S Monarch of the Seas was made in 1991 at the Chantiers de l’ Atlantique shipyards in Saint – Nazaire, France.

Specifications

M S Monarch of the Seas has a Gross Tonnage of 73 941 gross tons.  It is 286.33 meters (880 ft 4 in) long, and is 32.20 m (105 ft 8 in) wide at its widest point.

M S Monarch of the Seas has a passenger capacity of 2 744 passengers. There are 12 decks on board

The Monarch can achieve a maximum speed of 22 knots (40.7 kilo meters / hour or 25.3 miles /hour.

Accommodation

M S Monarch of the Seas have 1 777 cabins, 445 of which are inside and 732 outside), plus 12 suites which have their own verandahs, also there are 50 large deluxe outside state rooms.

All the cabins are equipped with T V sets with remote controls. The cabins also have room telephones, private showers and baths, vanity wardrobes and hair dryers.

Dining and Entertainment

Dining rooms like Brigadoon and Flower Drum Song have extensive menus and impeccable service. The Windjammer Café is in cafeteria style and has excellent ambience. Room service is also available twenty four seven.

The Monarch has entertainment options galore including a casino (Casino Royale), discotheque, a lounge (The Sound of Music), game arcade and card room on board.

A range of activities are planned during a trip for all members of the family.

Fitness / Spa / wellness facilities

M S Monarch of the Seas has a range of facilities like an outdoor basket ball court, two shuffle board courts, two salt water pools and a rock climbing wall.

The Fitness center includes a gymnasium. The Spa has a complete service retinue. The Beauty Salon offers hair dressing and beauty treatments. There is also a sauna and stream room.

Other facilities

Other facilities include business and conference facilities, baby sitting services, concierge desk, safe deposit boxes dry cleaning and laundry services.

SuperStar Libra was constructed in 1988 In the Wartsila Shipyard in Turku, Finland for Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship was named Seaward then. In 1997 she was renamed again as Norwegian Sea. It was in 2005, when the ship was transferred to Star Cruises, that she got her present name of SuperStar Libra.

SuperStar Libra

SuperStar Libra has done away with the traditional cruising models and has provided a more laid back, flexible and resort like cruise. A range of services designed for passenger comfort, along with the superb Asian hospitality distinguishes Star Cruises.

Specifications

SuperStar Libra has a Gross Tonnage of 42 276 Gross Tons. The ship is 216.4 meters long and 28.4 meters wide at its widest point. The average cruising speed is 19 knots, while the maximum is 21 knots.

Libra has 732 cabins and 10 decks. The passenger capacity is 1472 passengers. There are 740 crew members.

Libra has its home port in Nassau. The port of registry is Bahamas.

Cabins and suites

The cabins and suites are very spacious, and well furnished. The suites are equipped with refrigerators, flat panel T V sets, mini bars.

Executive Suites, Junior Suites, Deluxe Ocean view state room, Deluxe Ocean view state room with porthole, Inside State room are the various accommodation options available.

The décor is warm and bright. The furniture has a lot of old world charm.

There are four cabins on deck four for physically challenged passengers.

Dining options

There are several excellent dining places and bars on board and offers cuisines from around the world including oriental and western.

The restaurants and bars on board include Four Seasons Restaurant (continental cuisine), Coconut Willy’s (Pool side bar), Taipan (lounge and restaurant), Mariners Buffet (international cuisine), Blue Lagoon (open 24 hours and serves light refreshments) and Lickety Splits (Ice cream bar).

Sports and Fitness

Libra has a range of facilities provided to keep you fit during your holiday. There is a fitness center consisting of a gym, sauna and massage facilities.

An out door golf driving range is provided for those who want to play golf. The Sports deck has a basketball court and a jogging track.

There is also an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi facilities.

Entertainment options

Shows and acts are held on board to entertain passengers. There are also several excellent lounges. The Stardust Lounge is a show lounge. Boomers the discotheque is another favorite. The Skyline KTV is an open style karaoke lounge and is a fun place. The Galaxy of the stars lounge provides cocktails along with live performances.

Other

There are many other facilities catering to your needs. Porthole is a fun play room for children. The Beauty Salon offers hair dressing and beauty treatments. Internet surfing is provided at the Internet Café. There is also a photo gallery for photo souvenirs.

Baby sitting and crèche services are also provided on board.

Construction

Crystal Symphony was constructed in the Kyaerner Masa Ship yards (now called STX Finland Cruise Oy) in Turku, Finland. The ship was subject to three installments of refurbishments in the interior in 2004, 2006 and 2009 respectively, and  massive amounts were spent and extensive refurbishments made.

Specifications

The Gross Tonnage of Crystal Symphony is 51,044 tons. Crystal Symphony has a total capacity of 922 passengers and 545 crew and staff. The Ship is 238.05 meters long.

The Crystal symphony has 12 decks, out of which 8 can be accessed by passengers.

The ship has a service speed of 20 knots, which is about 37 miles per hour (23 miles per hour). The port of registry is The Bahamas.

The State rooms

There are 461 state rooms in the Crystal Symphony. The rooms range from ‘Crystal penthouses’ to interior state rooms, more than half having private verandahs. The Crystal penthouses has a range of amenities like a team of butlers, a Jacuzzi, a library, private gym, personalized stationary, Riedel cutlery and free beer and wine.

Standard state rooms have L C D plasma T V, wire less fidelity access, personal voice mail and cell phone services, telephones in the bathrooms and well stocked refrigerators.

Dining options

There are nine excellent restaurants on board. They include the Prego (Italian cuisine), The Silk Road and The Sushi Bar (Japanese cuisine), the Bistro (coffee shop), the Trident Bar and Grill (hamburgers, sandwiches and other light fare), Lido Café and the Palm Court.

Amenities and facilities

The ship has two large pools. One of them has a retractable glass cover. The Crystal Spa which is inspired by Feng shui has treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities.

There is also a salon and an excellent fitness center.

In the Sports deck, there is a golf driving range, putting greens and professional golf instructors certified by the PGA.

The Exercise studio gives lessons in low and high impact, yoga and personal training.

The 360 degree teak promenade deck in the exterior is excellent for walks.

Table tennis (ping pong), Shuffle board and paddle tennis can be played.

Health and fitness themed cruises are offered by Crystal Symphony during certain itineraries.

Entertainment Options

Crystal symphony abounds with entertainment options galore.

“The Hollywood Theater” is equipped with translation instruments and audio enhancements to assist people with impaired hearing.

The Galaxy lounge is a hydraulic stage equipped show room on board.

There is a playroom for children and a hang out area for teenagers.

Computer classes and Internet access is offered at the ComputerUniversity@Sea. A library, well equipped with books, DVD’s and audio books, is another option.

There is a casino which features Texas Hold ’em Poker.

Above the bridge, there is an on-board observatory too.

Itinerary for 2010

In winter 2010, Crystal Symphony will set off on a 19 day cruise on The Panama canal from New York City. Afterwards she will be spending time in the Mexican Riviera and Hawaiian Islands

Recognition and Awards

In 2008 and 2009, the ‘Conde Nast Traveler’, a top travel magazine placed Crystal Symphony at the second place in a list of “Best ships in the World”. Crystal Serenity, sister ship of Crystal Symphony was at the top both times.

In 2001 and 2003, Crystal Symphony was selected “Ship of the Year” by ‘Ocean and Cruise News’

Also ‘Best medium sized Cruise ship in the world’ was awarded in 2003 by ‘Conde Nast Traveler’.

MS Nieuw Amsterdam was built by the Italian ship builder Fincantieri at Marghera ship yard in Venice. It was launched on the 4th of July, 2010. Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands will be the ships godmother. The ship will sail in Europe and the Caribbean.

Specifications

MS Nieuw Amsterdam has a GT (Gross Tonnage) of 86,700 tons. It has a capacity of 2,106 passengers. There are eleven decks. The maximum speed of MS Nieuw is 23.9 kt.

Design, Interiors and Artwork

Nieuw Amsterdam was a former name of New York City, and MS Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glorious history and the glamour of New York with its interiors and collection of art. The ships design is inspired by New York and Dutch influences. The ship’s interior has a substantial art collection. The entire collection of works is valued at over $ 3 million. There are traditional Dutch antiques and also contemporary works by renowned artists. In the ships atrium, a sculpture equipped with light emitting diodes (LED) represents the New York skyline inverted. This abstract center piece was created by Gilbert Lebigre and Corinne Roger, famous Italian artists. Works by legends such as Richard Estes, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are displayed throughout the ship.

Holland America Line has also included the popular glass elevators with splendid outside views.

The Guestrooms

Several types of state rooms are offered by The Nieuw Amsterdam. Ocean-view state rooms, interior state rooms, verandah state rooms and veranda suites are the available rooms. Private verandas are also offered by more than half the state rooms.
Spa state rooms, situated on the Panorama and Observation decks, are also on offer. These provide facilities like bath salts, spa treatments, aromatherapy and yoga mats.

In the state rooms, amenities such as King size beds, plasma television, DVD and CD players are offered. Make-up mirrors and hair dryers are also available. Fruit baskets and fresh flowers are complimentary. Whirlpool tubs, fridges and ovens are provided at the verandah suites and state rooms. These rooms also have huge French windows that extend from floor to ceiling.

Facilities and amenities

MS Nieuw Amsterdam has a wide variety of amenities provided.

Two out door pools are available. One of them has a glass roof which is retractable.

The Screening room, Stuyvesant room, Half Moon room, Hudson room and Kings room are the main meeting rooms. Meeting rooms are equipped with audio and visual equipment.

There is also basketball and volleyball court on board.

The atrium extends to over three decks and has boutiques and gift shops.

Dining

There are several excellent restaurants on board, and a variety of dining options are to be had. The restaurants include the Tamarind(Pan-Asian cuisine), The Pinnacle Grill and Bar (wine and cocktails), The Canaletto Restaurant(Italian cuisine), The Lido Restaurant, The Terrace Grill, Slice, Explorations Café and The Manhattan Dining Room ( continental and vegetarian five course meals).

Entertainment

Several excellent café’s, lounges and clubs are on board the MS Nieuw Amsterdam.

The Showroom at Sea has live entertainment, stand up comedians and singers. The Crow’s Nest, Ocean Bar and Show Lounge has live bands playing.

The Casino placed on the lower promenade deck and has blackjack tables, table games and slot machines.

The Greenhouse Spa is another good place to unwind. It offers whole body treatments. The spa has a hydrotherapy pool and Turkish baths. A fully equipped gymnasium is also featured.

Itinerary

The ship will travel in the Europe and the Carribean. From November 2010 to March 2011, it will sail seven day east-west trips in the Carribean.

Disney Fantasy

Disney fantasy will be the fourth cruise ship in the Disney line. It promises to be exciting since the launch was announced in 2007. The primary steel cut intended for scroll work on the hull happened in March 2009 in Papenburg, Germany. The ship was named along with its sister Disney Dream, as Disney Fantasy at the same time.

Specifications

Disney Fantasy will be made to the same specifications as Disney Dream. With a GT (gross tonnage) of 128,000, the ship will be 330 m long and 37 m wide at its widest area.

A total of 1250 staterooms will be there and excellent on-board services and amenities will be provided.

Theme and Ambience

In appearance and style, the Fantasy will be similar to the other ships in the Disney fleet. A classic design, reminiscent of the 1930 ocean liners, is aimed at.

The ship, like its sister, is being built with the comfort of families as an objective.

Disney fantasy will have special designer areas and activities which promote quality time between family members. Every member of the family is taken into consideration and activities are planned for their benefit. Individual comforts are also taken care of.

A magical holiday is planned and the main attraction is the provision of an atmosphere in which families can relax and connect. It aims at a combination of a place where adults can recharge their batteries as well as an immersive experience for children which Disney guarantees.

Disney Fantasy thus is a ship that caters to the needs and wants of each and every member of the family.

Itinerary and visits

Although official plans for the itinerary for Disney Fantasy have not yet been announced, it is expected that the Disney fantasy will stop at Castaway Cay, which is Disney’s very own private island during itineraries in the Caribbean sea.

Disney fantasy, along with Disney Dream, will set off from Port Canaveral, Florida. Port Canaveral, as part of a contract between Disney and the port authorities, is going to be refurbished and expanded in order that the Fantasy and Dream can be accommodated here. Both the ships will be home ported here.

Castaway Cay, the private luxury island, which is an exclusive port for Disney ships, will also be upgraded in anticipation of the new arrivals. It is solely owned by The Walt Disney Company, and a unique tropical experience is promised to the islands visitors.

Enhancements like enlarged beaches, private beach houses, a new hangout for teenagers and new additions to the water parks will take place.

Thus the Disney fantasy promises to be a thing of splendor and well worth ones money.

This liner has been built in the year 2005. The new and the modern river vessel is one of its sort. The cruise provides luxurious and spacious accommodation and has a wide range of activities in which you can indulge into.

Accommodation

The accommodation facility provided here is simply amazing. There are 64 rooms and suites on board. These rooms and suites are remarkable. They are equipped with the latest technology and designed in the most grand way.

Features, amenities and facilities on the ship

There are great features, amenities and facilities on board. All the rooms are equipped with the following features –

• Satellite Calling
• LCD Television
• DVD/ VCD Player
• Comfortable bed and ambience
• Mini bar
• Fully air conditioned
• Completely carpeted
• Hot and cold water available in the bathroom
• Wireless internet connection

These are some of the facilities and the features which are available in the rooms on board.

Other than this, there are some other facilities and features which are available on board.

• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Outside Viewing Deck
• English-speaking crew
• Sightseeing with a Local Guide
• Modern Finishings
• A la carte restaurant
• A/C
• “Theme Nights” in Club Lounge
• Tour Director
• Cruise Director
• Jacuzzi
• Fitness center
• Swimming Pool

These are some of the other facilities which are provided on the ship.

Dining

The dining facility here is awesome too. The ship houses its own A la carte restaurant which serves the best Egyptian and also multicuisine. This restaurant is a favorite among the tourists.

Things to do on board

There are many things which you can do on board. For your leisure there are activities like swimming, lazying around on the deck, working out in the fitness centre, playing billiards, surfing the net or simply walking around on the deck and looking out from the deck.

These are some of the activities in which you can engage in while on board.

Places where the cruise takes you

The ship cruises along the Nile river and halts at some major tourist destination. These places are Karnak, Luxor, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings. These places are of great tourist interest and the tourists get to explore the various destinations here. You can enjoy get to buy some local jewelery and clothes from the flea markets which are located near the ports here.

The Royal Lotus is one of the most amazing cruise which operates under the Avalon Waterways and is one of the unrivalled cruise liners.

About the vessel

Queen Victoria is known as the second largest cruise liner which is sailing among the Cunard liners. Queen Victoria joined the Cunard fleet on December 2007. This vessel is known to uphold some of the famous and the heritage traditions and customs. The vessel is adorned with marbles, woods, plush, carpets, rich fabrics and soft furnishings, these are some of the few elegant way the ship has been designed.

The accommodation facilities are simply amazing. These facilities are some of the most remarkable ones.

Accommodation

Queens Grill Suites is known as one of the most amazing and the interesting suites which is  a favorite among the guests. The rooms are marvelous with a balcony which opens out to the vastness of the sea.

The Princess Grill Suites is known to be one of the most amazing and the most grand room to reside in. The amenities and the facilities provided here is simply amazing. There is a private balcony.

Britannia Balcony is another room which you can opt for. This room is simply the best one and guests love to go in for this.

The Britannia Oceanview is another stateroom which guests can opt for. This stateroom is known to be one of the best ones. The Britannia restaurant is also located on the same floor in which the stateroom is situated.

Britannia Inside is also a stateroom which is one of the most loved accommodations in Queen Victoria.

Amenities, features and facilities

Some of the major amenities, features and facilities of the cruise are as follows. Some of these rooms are equipped with some of the most latest and the most amazing ones.

• Complimentary toiletries
• Hair Dryer
• Hot bath tub
• Hot and Cold water available in the bathroom
• Fully air conditioned
• Fully carpeted
• International dialing facilities
• Satellite channels
• LCD television
• DVD/ LCD Player
• In room service
• Butler service
• Concierge service

These are some of the most remarkable and the most amazing facilities, amenities and features on the cruise.

Some other features and amenities included are –

• Swimming pool

• Spa
• Sauna
• Fitness centre
• Massage parlour

These are some of the other benefits and facilities.

Dining

There are some remarkable places where you can dine on the cruise. There are four restaurants at the cruise and they serve everything from Continental, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Italian. These are some of the most amazing places where you can dine. There is also a bar on board and you can spend a great evening here.

Leisure activities to do on board

There are some activities which you can indulge in on board. You can swim on board, or simply lie down on the deck and sunbathe or read a book. These are some of the activities which you can indulge in.

Queen Victoria is an amazing cruise liner which you can go in for. This place is simply the most amazing one among the ones which sail under Cunard liner.

The Northbound Voyage is known to be one of the most popular ones. This voyage takes you onto some of the most interesting and the most amazing destinations in Norway. The voyage goes around for 9 days and takes you some of the most remarkable cities like Oslo, Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim, Bodo, Tromso, Honningsvag and Kirkenes.

Accommodation on Board

The accommodation provided here is simply great and very amazing. There are 51 rooms and 12 suites on board. This vessel is a small one so it has been designed in such a way to suit the requirements and the needs of the guests on board. The rooms and the suites offer the best luxury on board.

There are many facilities, amenities and features on board.

Amenities, features and facilities on board

There are some amazing features, facilities and amenities which are available on board.

The rooms are equipped with facilities and amenities like

• Centrally Air conditioned
• Fully Carpeted
• Hot and Cold Water facility
• Deck facing rooms
• In Room Service
• Hair Dryer
• Complimentary toiletries
• Satellite call facility
• Satellite channels
• LCD Television
• DVD/ LCD Player

These are some of the facilities and amenities which the rooms and the suites are equipped with.

Some of the other facilities and the features which are included on the board are as follows-

• Mini Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Spa
• Massage Parlour

These are some of the other facilities of the cruise.

Other than this, there are many activities which you can indulge in when on board.

Things to do on board

The deck is an ideal place where you can head onto sunbathing, reading a book or just relaxing.

Other than this, you can swim for sometime in the mornings or in the evenings. The swimming pool being located on the deck is simply an ideal place where you can head onto and have some great fun.

Also, when the ship anchors, you can go in for scuba diving or snorkel. Most of the tourists love going in for snorkeling and scuba diving when the ship is anchored.

There are some amazing destinations where the ship takes you along.

Places to visit

Oslo is a very amazing place and the most remarkable place to be in. This city is known to be the most happening and the most famous one in Norway. Tourists can indulge in shopping and visiting some of the remarkable tourist destinations here. Oslo is also known to be one of the most happening cities in Norway.

Then you are taken to Molde which is known to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is quite popular. There are many places there where you can catch up with some of the best sites to visit in the lap of Mother Nature.

Trondheim is known to be another place which is very significant for being the most cultural and the most ancient city in Norway. This place is ranked to be one of the best medieval cities in the country.

These are some of the remarkable destinations which you can visit in Norway.

The Northbound Cruise is simply the most interesting and the most exciting one and is known to be one of the best ones.

Also, other than this, you can also enjoy yourself at the cruise since there are many activities which you can indulge in and also have lots of fun.