Cruise lines alter itineraries due to Hurricane Gonzalo

By Tom Stieghorst
Winds and rain from Hurricane Gonzalo have forced cruise ships in the Caribbean east of Puerto Rico to alter their itineraries.

Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International are among the cruise lines that have skipped ports of call because of the storm.

Royal Caribbean said Jewel of the Seas did not call at St. Maarten on Oct. 13. The ship spent Monday at sea before returning to the scheduled itinerary, calling at Antigua on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Explorer of the Seas departed San Juan at 9 p.m. on Oct. 13, instead of staying overnight.

Allure of the Seas is sailing a modified western Caribbean itinerary. The ship will now visit Falmouth, Jamaica on Oct. 15 and Cozumel on Oct. 17.

The storm led to Carnival Liberty staying at sea for a second day rather than calling at St. Thomas on Oct. 14. The cruise will go to Grand Cayman and Cozumel before returning to Port Canaveral. Carnival Breeze will stay at sea rather than call at La Romana, Dominican Republic, on Oct. 14.

Carnival Conquest’s original eastern Caribbean itinerary out of Miami was scrapped in favor of a western Caribbean route that will stop in Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay (Honduras) and Costa Maya (Mexico).

The hurricane is expected to strengthen from its current Category 1 status and move toward Bermuda later this week.

Ship Portrait of the Costa Mediterranea Costa Cruises

Ship Portrait and report from on board the Costa Mediterranea Costa Cruises

The Costa Mediterranea Costa Cruises was built in 2003, is 293 m long and has 85,619 GT. Overall, the cruise ship has 1,057 cabins, of which 660 have a private balcony. For an 11 year “old” cruise ship balcony cabin share of 62% is by no means a bad cut.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The interior is inspired by Italian palaces of the 16th and 17th century, Venetian influences are everywhere to be found in the design. Interior Designer Costa Mediterranea is, like its sister ship “Costa Atlantica”, who lives in Miami interior designer Joseph Farcus. The since 1978 working for Carnival Farcus shows the way on most cruise ships of Carnival Corporation & plc responsible for the interior design and is known for his extravagant and eye-catching style.

Let’s start again on the lower decks.

Deck 1 houses adjacent to the large Giardino Isola Bella Lounge, which represents one of the evening meeting on the Costa Mediterranea, the Selva Disco. The Selva Disco is equipped with a modern stereo system, extending over two decks and has built-in bar with plenty of seating. Overall, Disco is very inviting and appealing.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Located on Deck 2 and 3, as on almost all cruise ships in the bow the great theater. On the Costa Mediterranea it is called Osiris and the theater can accommodate a total of three decks. Contrary to our expectations, the theater is almost classic and simple in design, all seats have small tables where drinks can be parked. This is practical and not universally standard.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

On the port and starboard side of the Osiris Theatre are tucked two long passages that call themselves Winter Garden.While the colorful designer lamps on the walls and the wall paneling remember not necessarily to a conservatory but these two transitions are during the day as a perfect retreat from which one even has a pleasant sea view.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Calm down, it should not always go in Winter Garden, because this is at the same time on one side of the access to the Virtual World of Teens traveling on board. In the virtual world the teens can go to various play equipment car race or deliver a duel in virtual soccer. The offer is very diverse. The Squok club for younger guests is located on Deck 5 in the bow area above. Unfortunately, access to the time of our visit was not possible.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Kids & Teens under 18 years traveling onboard most ships of Costa Cruises now. More specifically, traveling up to two children up to 18 years for occupancy of upper beds in the cabin with 2 adults free and pay only the mandatory service charge. We are happy to inform you about regarding the exceptions in person. These rules.

On deck 3, the upper level of the Selva Disco and much of the public ranges. The Talia Lounge is located at the main restaurant Degli Argentieri and is recommended as one of the venues before dinner or as a chill retreat for entertaining evenings with friends and acquaintances. Comfortable lounge chairs invite you to linger and optical separations between the seating arrangements create an intimate atmosphere.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

At the rear, the Costa Mediterranea is the large main restaurant Degli Argentieri, which as a classic restaurant is available to guests with reserved tables in table two times. The walls are adorned by Italian designs and sculptures, the overall design is quite restrained and not overloaded cheesy. In addition to a variety of large tables with 8 seats have small groups, couples and families the opportunity to dine at significantly smaller tables. So we can also discover 2 or 4 tables in both the pane and in the open gallery during our tour.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Heart of the Costa Mediterranea is the Maschera d’Argento Atrium with the Maschera d’Argento bar as a central meeting point in the middle. Barstool made of leather and an elegant granite bar stone give rise to a quite high-quality impression.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Well, the colorful plastic lamps and the shrill tones not necessarily meet the taste of a typical German cruise guest but overall the Atrium of Costa Mediterranea quite handsomely. Particularly striking is already at this stage of our tour of the excellent overall impression of the ship. Noticeable signs of wear can be hardly recognizable and the cleanliness is excellent.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

A casino may, of course, not missing, looks at the Costa Mediterranea, of course, not very different from how on all cruise ships. Overall, this area shows but bright and friendly, not directly mediated the typical casino character. Beautiful are the various seating.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The casino is directly connected to the Grand Canal Bar Costa Mediterranea.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

It now leaves the casino on the starboard side, so you will find yourself directly on the Casanova Square. This open and spacious area connects the casino, the Casanova bar, card room and the front staircase together.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Even if the design is a little playful, so also the Casanova Square does not appear cluttered and tacky. The heart of the Casanova Square is a large staircase in Las Vegas style up to deck 3 The flooring consists mainly of granite, comes across as high and elegant. Only the Casanova Bar sprayed through the use of many gold elements a slightly oriental character.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Laterally from the main course of Casanova Square the traveler has the opportunity to relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the Casanova Square. In addition to different seating is separated separately a cardroom to find. Surely this has to even board games or as a meeting place for a little chat. The materials used here fall directly into the eye – Granite worktops, window sills marble, solid wood chairs and thick rugs nestle perfectly into a harmonious overall picture. We find the widespread statement, the Costa Mediterranea was the “most colorful” ship of the fleet, not applicable.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

In the area of ​​the front staircase, we switch to the “Bacco deck ‘(deck 3).

Now we see almost the top of Casanova Square, which is indeed connected by the staircase described to the deck 3. So lie directly above the Casanova bar the Roero Bar and Oriental Lounge. Italian chic with American influences fits as a description for the color scheme of the interior quite well. Comfortable lounge chair, couch many areas, a large dance floor framed by columns and glossy lacquered wood tables are the most striking features of the Oriental Lounge and the Roero Bar.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Compared to current new buildings in the Internet zone or the Internet Point with integrated library seems relatively small.For the separate room next to the Oriental Lounge is a quiet retreat where you can read undisturbed own or borrowed magazines or books.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Shopping fans are certainly in the Via Condotti store and buy there one or another souvenir, a new bag, clock or necklace.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

On the way towards the stern we cross again the region of the atrium, discover the Photoshop and Photo Gallery.

As on Deck 2 are the main Degli Argentieri Restaurant is a bar and a lounge upstream. The bar is part of Dionisio Dionisio Lounge and loads during the day for a cocktail, a cup of coffee or tea. In the evening meet for an aperitif or a nightcap.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

So we leave the two lower decks 2-3 and go up on deck 9 First welcomes us in the front area of ​​the ship Venus Beauty Salon, where the friendly staff upon request conjure a new haircut or offer completely customized nail treatments.

Next door extends over two decks of Ischia Therme Spa area with great ocean view fitness area, treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish steam bath, whirlpool and relaxation areas. The hot tub is a large area surrounded with glass walls, which are supported by white columns. This makes it possible to look directly from the jacuzzi in the gym and on the sea.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

As the Costa Mediterranea was put into service eleven years ago, as the Ischia Thermal Spa was one of the largest spa areas at sea. Today, size and design are certainly no more records on but ultimately convinced everything perfectly and brilliantly clean. The Costa Mediterranea is so far flawless.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

If we now also on the sun deck, then drop another first hot tub and large pool Armonia eye. Even if the design therefore on deck in typical Costa dress comes and we did not like the yellow Costa-lanterns still so convinced the excellent overall picture here. Flooring, pool tiles, sun beds, showers – how old was the ship again? Somewhere wear tracks must be found, we believe. However, stick to the shower head not even water stains, the glass sparkles in the sun as well as all metal railings and boundaries. The varnish wood railing around the pool deck glistens with the water on the Elbe to the bet, the Elbe water rather has a slight yellow tinge.;-)

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

We go further in the direction Armonia Lido. When Armonia Lido is in principle to the outside of the buffet restaurants. This is covered by a glass roof trailable (Magrodome) and exactly in the middle are the Cadmo pool and an additional Jacuzzi. The covered Cadmo pool has the same size as the Armonia pool and is well suited to swim a few laps.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Instead of the silver-colored aluminum-Chairs would certainly appealing wooden look and would create a warmer atmosphere than the bare metal. For Pool Events is a fully equipped stage available.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Extra space is now offering the Perla del Lago Buffet restaurant as well as the Posillipo Pizzaria. Both restaurants actually merge into a main restaurant at the stern of the Costa Mediterranea and although their age quite inviting designed and easy split.

The different dishes, salads and drinks can be found respectively at different stations, so that should hold at peak times the queues in particular limits.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Very good like the fact that there are still a number of inclusive beverages with meals at the drink counter. These are not “real” fruit juices but at least the offer is in direct comparison to competitors MSC here yet. Iced Tea, Coffee and tea are also still available for free.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

In the Pizzaria obtained at any time of the day quite a large selection of pizzas.

The real fun is the whole free area at the stern of the Costa Mediterranea. Besides the fact that this large outdoor deck is covered with real wood and surprised us very positively, there is another pool plus jacuzzi. We like to mention again that the optical state is absolutely perfect. For the supply of drinks is also ensured, since the Apollo Bar is adjacent to the region of the Apollo Lido.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

On deck 10 the water slide in the Costa Mediterranea is installed in its size certainly is, even after 11 years still standard, although, of course, no more cheers will trigger. The entire sun deck is spacious and incidentally occupied with wood. Sun beds are available in sufficient numbers. Too bad that there is no shade.

The kids pool on Deck 11 (Lido Squok) is actually more of a wading pool and somehow completely unattractive. Even in this area there is no awning. On hot summer days or in warm trades you are exposed unprotected to the sun and felt certainly rather Sahara atmosphere as refreshing water fun. In addition, although the completely flawless, non-slip flooring, but it has been heated up uncomfortably on the day of our visit on board. The outside temperature was a mere 24 degrees. Running without shoes is likely to be impossible in sunlight for children.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Best views and excellent food served in the à la carte Club Restaurant Club Medusa. This magnificent specialty restaurant is located on deck 10 and 11th

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The chefs offer an exceptional dining experience in an elegant and luxurious atmosphere in the Club Medusa Restaurant.The whole area is very open and flooded due to a glass dome light completely. Some places offer beside the culinary experience even one of the senses. If you sit on the balcony in the atrium, so it looks the same nine decks into the depth.Food in high altitudes could be called that.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Only criticism as part of our tour aboard the Costa Mediterranea is the children’s pool, which would have loveless can not be made and no sun protection. The multi-purpose sports court on deck 11 before the signal mast leaves nothing to be desired, however. Sea breeze is likely to provide a permanent cooling also, if it blows then.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The ship can be seen in a wonderful condition and the age of at least 11 years nowhere. In our view, the design for a cruise ship in the Costa fleet is still rather be described as cautious and discreet. Of course, the taste of German cruise passengers the coloring is not necessarily true but convinced the ship in all respects.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The lunch buffet at the restaurant meets the expectations for a oriented for international guests breakfast and can basically nothing to be desired. In addition to hot and cold dishes, there is a large salad bar and different desserts are allowed for the grand finale are not missing too. Diabetes is of course separate desserts.

The ship is the way in many areas and barrier-free and therefore suitable for wheelchair users!

For more details, cabin information and recommendations on the routes you like to receive in person, call 04893-4288535 or send mail to kontakt@kreuzfahrten-mehr.de

Complete picture gallery << aboard the Costa Mediterranea >>

10 Of The Weirdest Things You Didn’t Know About The Queen Mary 2

She’s big, she’s posh and she cost lots of dosh (approx $300,000 per berth = a heck of a lot!).

When it comes to the flagship liner in Cunard’s fleet of three, the above is all plain to see, even if you’ve only ever clapped eyes on her on a postcard from a gloating relative!

 

How about some fun facts that you might not know though?

 

With her spa, 3D cinema, planetarium (the only one at sea – take that, other ocean liners!), staterooms to accommodate 2,600 passengers and classy sophisticated interior that channels a golden ocean-going era when the cream of society toffs sailed between New York and Southampton in sumptuous style, there’s no better way to follow in these elite footsteps in 21st century comfort!

Here are some fun facts from the  www.CRUISE.co.uk team about the QM2  to get you excited about sailing on one of the most majestic ships on the ocean waves:

 

1- She’s Actually Not A Cruise Ship

Her sisters Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are cruise ships designed to look like old-style ocean liners but as the only liner who sails the route she was designed for – the transatlantic crossing between Southampton and New York – Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only bona fide ocean liner; so don’t call her a mere cruise ship, OK?

For her 2,600 guests the experience is all about the voyage itself, so that’s why there are no port calls – the emphasis is on the amazing onboard experience and arriving at the best port of all, the Big Apple baby!

 

2.1 – She’s Big

On her maiden voyage in 2004, at 148,528 tonnes Queen Mary 2 was the largest cruise ship ever built.

Now eclipsed by Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, who is just plain showing off with her 225,282 tonnage, the QM2 still feels astonishingly large when you first see her but despite her bulk this girl sure can move, clocking up a maximum speed of 29 knots (33 mph) compared to the cruise ship norm of 24 (27.5 mph).

 

2.2 – And Long…

When Cunard’s first ship, Britannia, made her maiden voyage back in 1840, her size caused a stir – well it’s going to when the average Joe is used to looking at a two person horse and cart!

But at 1,130 feet to Britannia’s piffling 230 feet, Queen Mary 2 makes her ancient relative look like a mere dinghy!

 

2.3 – …Really Long

Queen Mary 2 boasts 17 decks and looms large 200 feet above the waterline.

That’s equivalent to a 23-story building (and she only stopped there as she has to get under the Verazzano Narrows Bridge in New York!).

She needs every inch of this space to fit in all those fabulous staterooms, restaurants, bars, library, theatre, spa, and not forgetting that cruise essential – the planetarium!

 

2.4 – …Really, Really, Really Long

If you still need a bit of help imagining this behemoth, put it this way – her length is equivalent to four football pitches (great for working off all those afternoon teas as you pace the decks). Not a football fan? She’s as long as 36 London double-decker buses (31 ½ feet).

Still not getting it? She’s more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 feet), more than 3 ½ times as long as Big Ben is high, or 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 feet), more than three times as long as St Paul’s Cathedral (366 feet) and only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building (1248 feet).

We could go on but if you don’t get the picture by now, just accept the fact that she’s incredibly long OK?

 

3 – Sea and Be Seen

QM2’s 360-degree promenade deck is a faithful re-creation of bygone eras where ladies and gentlemen ‘stepped out’ for a stroll to get a bit of sea air, pass the time of day and check each other out from behind those handy old-fashioned hats and parasols!

These days nothing has changed, except everyone’s decked out in cotton rather than crinoline.

The promenade deck, whose circumference spans more than one third of a mile, is well stocked with traditional steamer chairs  – so there’s no need for any vulgar bagging of these with strategically-placed bags or cardigans (or parasols, if you so wish).

If the wind’s up, there are interior promenades circling several decks so you can take your daily stroll without the weather messing with the glamorous blow dry you’ve just had done for tonight’s black-tie dinner!

Image credit

 

4 – Rain On Your Parade?

There’s no chance of this with Queen Mary 2’s state-of-the-art retractable glass roof that means you can swim in the Pavilion Pool on Deck 12 come rain or shine. But if you’d rather swim inside (perhaps before a relaxing massage or facial) you can do so in the indoor swimming pool in the spa.

Mix it up by heading for the main pool on Deck 8 or feel on top of the world in the Splash Pool on the top deck. Little ones will love the Minnows pool next to the play area on Deck 6 (and parents will love the English nannies who will supervise little ones in the Play Zone while they go off for a relaxing dip. Now that’s just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!).

5 – Fly Me To The Moon

Yes, it’s that planetarium at sea again – we know we keep going on about it but it really is an amazing thing to find on a cruise ship (sorry, ocean liner!).

The stars look incredible from the middle of the ocean anyway, as the lack of light pollution makes them shine extra bright and the Cunard Enrichment Programme provides telescopes and binoculars plus expert tuition from the Royal Astronomical Society for mesmerizing on-deck star gazing.

However, the 150 seat full size planetarium, Illuminations, means you can take a (virtual) flight to these distant planets during one of the stunning constellations shows!

Talk about out of this world…

 

6 – An Audience With The Queen

When a Queen speaks, everyone listens and this is especially true when it comes to this floating monarch – when her whistle blows, it can be heard for 10 miles!

This means lesser vessels are left in no doubt that someone important is sweeping towards them.

Out of the way, ocean royalty coming through!

The sound of QM2’s whistle is a nostalgic echo down the years as it’s the original whistle from Cunard’s Queen Mary who ruled the waves between 1936 and 1946.

Cunard loves to mix old and new where it can and this little nod to times past is a nice touch (and sure to be of interest to the cruise line geeks onboard!).

7 – She Puts the Luxe Into Library

If your only experience of libraries is the dog-eared school one or the council one that never has the book that you want, then you’re in for a treat, bookworms!

With cosy carpets, lit bookshelves and great views over the bow, the QM2 onboard library, with its choice of over 8000 books, is the best library at sea bar none.

If there was a bestseller’s list for libraries at sea, this one would consistently take the number one spot.

It’s a great place to curl up on a comfy chair for an hour and play lord or lady of the manor, even if you’re only reading the latest blockbuster.

(Top tip – we like to hide our rather worn copy of 50 Shades in a hardbacked War and Peace).

 

8 – To Act or Not To Act? 

With the Cunard Insights and Cunard ConneXions programmes on all three ships you’ll disembark every Cunard cruise ship feeling that little bit cleverer (it compensates for those extra pounds you’re sure to be carrying!).

However QM2 offers something really special with its RADA Acting Workshops, where the actors from the prestigious theatre school will have you treading the decks like a seasoned luvvie in no time and with the cost of a two hour taster session at RADA on dry land costing £25 (plus the cost involved in getting to London), this activity offers a great opportunity to give acting with the experts a go for free.

Who knows, you could turn out to be the next Kate Winslet or Leonardo Dicaprio – then you can cruise the QM2 as often as you like!

 

9 – Feeling Good (or Slightly Nervous?)

QM2’s Canyon Ranch Spa Club brings the exquisite pampering packages and facilities of this prestigious American chain to the seas.

There’s an emphasis on health as well as pampering (better save that glass of bubbles for afternoon tea!) and if you think an Indian head massage is unusual then you’ve obviously never had a Japanese Ashiatsu massage where your therapist holds onto overhead bars and massages you with their feet – let’s hope they have a strong grip!

Image credit

 

10 – Pack Your Pet

Never mind the kids, you can bring Rover or Felix along for the ride with Queen Mary 2’s kennels service, complete with visiting hours and dog-walking area!

All pampered pooches and kitty cats will receive a Frisbee (every self respecting pet needs its own Frisbee, don’t you know!), nametag, food dish and scoop, fleece blanket and premium food but there’s no need for your pet to stress about the dress code – black tie is not required for dinner!

History, style and more than a splash of glamour (plus, yes, the world’s only onboard planetarium!) – Cunard’s regal ocean liner Queen Mary 2 has got it all and now you know all about her, you’ve got a few handy opening gambits for that all-important getting-to-know-you first night dinner.

Don’t forget to mention the planetarium, after all, it is the only one at sea!