Out to Sea cruise column for Dec.
14/13
(c) By Jim and Barb Fox
When you’re
cruising with a few hundred or several thousands of your closest friends,
sometimes there’s the urge to have some alone time.
Today’s cruise
ships have the solution with special spaces for seclusion seekers.
These intimate
spots allow cruisers to combine the convenience, comforts and choices of a
megaship with the feeling of sailing on a private yacht, says Christine Duffy
of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
They’re designed
for such things as private dining, sunning, small gatherings – and even
romance.
 |
| Two types of private cabanas are offered seaside on Holland America Line cruise ships. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Secret nooks
Even on the largest
ships that carry 5,000 passengers, there are escapes from the hustle and bustle.
Cruisers looking
for quiet times and personalized service “can get this from a concierge-level
cabin with its own lounge or by having a romantic dinner for two under the stars
in a secret nook of the ship,” Duffy said.
Ships of all sizes
are adding additional balconies that are among the most popular privacy feature.
 |
| The Royal Princess has
balconies on all outside cabins and a top-deck pool with a water-and-light show
and Movies under the Stars. |
The new Royal
Princess has balconies on all outside cabins while Disney Cruise Line’s newest
ships have verandahs on 70 percent of staterooms and suites.
A novel idea is Royal
Caribbean’s refurbished Navigator of the Seas will have “virtual” balconies –
LED projection screens showing live images taken by exterior cameras in the
less-pricey interior cabins.
Club sections, similar
to luxury hotel concierge floors with upgraded services and intimate lounges,
are available widely.
Holland America
Line’s Neptune Lounge and Oceania Cruises’ Executive Lounge offer continental
breakfast, coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day, big-screen TVs and concierge
services.
Serenity now
Along with hidden
hot tubs, tree houses and adult-only areas, ships are adding fun, new twists on
serenity.
The Hideaway on Celebrity
Silhouette and Reflection resembles an avant-garde tree house with cozy
suspended “nests” and pods.
Seabourn’s Odyssey,
Sojourn and Quest have the top-deck Sun Terrace, with double sun-beds, and secluded
whirlpool spas on all its ships.
Private retreats
include MSC Yacht Club’s private pool, solarium, restaurant and butler-serviced
suites.
The Haven on Norwegian
Cruise Line has butler-serviced cabins surrounding a private two-storey courtyard
with pools, whirlpools, massage room, restaurant, bar and concierge lounge.
Cabanas that can be
rented include the Alcoves on Celebrity Silhouette and Reflection with food and
chilled towels while an attendant can arrange spa treatments, meals and other
services.
 |
| Private cabanas at sea on Holland America Line ships. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Holland America’s
“Cabana Club” offers airy, tented cabanas with plush upholstered seating where
guests receive bathrobes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne and a
pre-loaded iPod.
Adults-only areas include
Disney’s Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar for sunbathing, swimming and soaking in a
hot tub overlooking the ocean.
Royal Caribbean’s
glass-canopied Solarium pool area and cafe has cantilevered whirlpools jutting
out over the sea
Carnival Cruises
Lines’ Serenity for adults features plush lounge chairs, bar and food service,
whirlpools and soothing music.
Tables for two
Exotic dining
spaces set the scene for personal evenings and special occasions.
The M/s Paul
Gauguin offers private gourmet dining on the watersports marina at a table set
with white linen, fine china and crystal glasses along with Polynesian
entertainment.
Oceania Cruises’
Riviera and Marina have the Privee dining room with plush decor while Crystal
Cruises’ Vintage Room offers multi-course wine and food pairings at a private
tasting table.
 |
| Constantin is preparing to serve wine on the Caribbean Princess at a Chef’s Table private tasting dinner. (Jim Fox photo) |
Princess Cruises’ Chef’s
Table is a multi-course private tasting dinner paired with selected wines for
up to 10 people.
Go clubbing
After-dinner
lounges and piano bars are often a tranquil oasis or lively spots such as the B.B.
King Blues Club on Holland America ships.
Cunard’s Queen Mary
2 has Churchill’s, a 12-seat salon for cigar and pipe smokers.
Pulse on the Crystal
Serenity and Luxe on the Crystal Symphony are for quiet dancing, karaoke and
relaxed conversation.
Disney Fantasy’s
Ooh La La is a French boudoir-style club while Disney Dream’s Pink is a small,
upscale cocktail lounge.
Read a good book, lately?
Many cruisers enjoy
passing the time by getting caught up on a few good books.
Ship libraries
offer quiet yet sociable spots for reading, writing and board games.
Holland America’s
Explorations Cafe looking out over the sea combines a library, Internet centre and
bistro for lattes and pastries.
Azamara Club
Cruises’ Drawing Room has a collection of lifestyle and travel books while Cunard’s
Queen Mary 2’s library has about 10,000 books, audio books and publications.
The find out more about cruising, go to CLIA’s website: cruising.org
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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca
www.canoe.ca/Travel/Activities/ResortsCruises/2013/12/10/21327291.html
Vancouver 24 Hours:
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/12/10/finding-a-private-escape-on-a-cruise-ship
Toronto Sun:
www.torontosun.com/2013/12/10/finding-a-private-escape-on-a-cruise-ship
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