3rd Time's the 'Royal' Charm!

Royal Princess as depicted by an artist's renderings.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruise Line.

Have you heard the news about Princess Cruisers? If you were glued to March Madness like I was, you may have missed the announcement. So just for you college basketball fanatics, here's a synopsis of what you missed. Princess Cruises announced a name has been decided for one of their two upcoming vessels expected for release, spring 2013. The new Princess debut will be named Royal Princess--this is the third time a Princess Cruises vessel has sailed with that name, and you know what they say (3rd time's the charm)! Charm is exactly what she'll bring to cruisers when they met her face-to-face in nearly two years!

Royal Princess will sail being 141,000 gross tons, and have a passenger capacity of 3,600--giving any eager cruiser the experience of a lifetime. She will offer more adult-only areas than any other ship on the high seas, have an expanded atrium, and other 'cruisemendous' amenities (which will be announced in the coming months) that will help you 'escape completely.' I could keep telling how 'cruisetacular' this ship is, or I could just let you see for yourself (check out this video--it gives you the full 411)!

At the moment, bookings for Royal Princess are not being accepted; but be on the look-out for cabins to start being sold in the coming months to year. Royal Princess will have a sister ship, which is still unnamed, that will debut spring 2014. I guess I got too caught up in VCU's Cinderella story, and allowed this cruise announcement to pass me by (I promise not to do this again until the Super Bowl, haha) As I always say: your ship awaits (it just might be this one), Bon Voyage!

The 411 On A Cruise To Nowhere

Dawn Princess at sea.
Photo Credit: AAP Images & Princess Cruises

Taking a cruise to nowhere (CTN) is just as fun as any other cruise that you would want to book. Novice or experienced cruiser, taking a CTN is always a nice little get away from reality, just for a moment. Cruises to nowhere can be booked seasonally all year round and are relatively inexpensive. I have done many cruises to nowhere and I enjoy them every time. You get to get on a colossal cruise ship and experience what it is like to be out on the ocean for about a day or so. I highly recommend these types of cruises for those who want to take a lengthy cruise (7 days or more), but have not been on an ocean liner before, and have no idea if they will like it.

These types of cruises are great for graduation, birthday, or even anniversary celebrations. People will book these two night sea voyages, coordinate with the cruise line to reserve a lounge or two on the ship, and just celebrate and party all night on the ship. Cruise lines even coordinate with certain holidays and have special one night sailings for holiday celebrations (i.e., Mother's Day sailings on Norwegian Cruise Line). Shockingly, a cruise to nowhere price can be cheaper than any one night stay at a four star hotel in any major metropolitan city.

These cruises are great to take if you are just getting your “feet wet” into the realm of cruising. Book a cruise to nowhere today and I guarantee that you will love it! After disembarking from your mini-cruise experience, you will be completely ready for that lengthier cruise that you have always longed to take. Your ship awaits, Bon Voyage!