Weiss Report Blog

Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a leadership role in the cruise industry. From the contemporary elegance of Horizon to the stylish and high-tech Century, to the latest epoch, Constellation, Infinity, Millennium and Summit, all are five-star vessels of incomparable allure. In true Celebrity style every conceivable luxury awaits you. Every stateroom is a sanctuary; culinary standards are impeccable, entertainment a masterpiece! There’s poetry to be found in the perfect symmetry of grace and strength, which is the hallmark of Celebrity’s trim, powerful ships. The ships are designed for your complete fulfillment and beauty is in every detail. In every painting and sculpture, in foyers so grand they resemble Venetian courtyards, in the exotic fabrics tinted to rich jewel tone colors, in the handsome accommodation, and in the sophisticated restaurants and stylish lounges and bars. Polished mahogany, etched glass, soft leather and crisp linen harmonize with immaculately maintained public areas and perfectly prepared
staterooms.

Celebrity’s Fleet

No matter which ship you choose, on every Celebrity cruise you will visit enchanting destinations- starting with your ship itself. Ranging in size from approximately 47,000 tons (Horizon, Zenith) right up to 91,000 tons (Millennium, Constellation, Infinity, and Summit) Celebrity offers greater facilities and more accommodation with verandas than ever before. In fact, we’d say the facilities are nothing short of dazzling. For example, the ethereal Olympic Restaurant on Millennium has the intricate, original walnut paneling from White Star Line’s ship, the RMS Olympic, covering the walls.

The Atmosphere

La dolce vita. Park Avenue elegance. Softly glowing chandeliers. Soothing music. The art of flambé, Aromatic stones, and exotic jasmine flower baths in the spa. A world where all that you wish for is anticipated and all that you expect is exceeded. Imagine one of the most romantic nights of your life, and then multiply it by the length of your Celebrity cruise.

The Service

Grace and civility are not entirely of the past. Expect seamless, professional, sensitive care from ultra-accommodating
staff whose adept handling of the minuscule details are the very definition of unobtrusive blue ribbon service. European-trained dining room personnel are to be particularly admired and you can count on the sommelier to provide the perfect cabernet to accompany your chateaubriand.

Accommodations

Suites, Celebrity Suites, Sky Suites with veranda, Premium and Deluxe Ocean-view staterooms with veranda, Ocean-view staterooms, Family Ocean-view staterooms, (last year Ocean-view Celebrity Concierge Class was introduced), and Inside Staterooms. Penthouse suites have both a rotunda and vestibule entrances and is among the largest suites at sea (with a baby grand piano if you can imagine)!

Naturally bedding varies dependent upon category, although all staterooms have two lower twin beds or a queen-size bed, TV, direct-dial phone and voice mail; individual safe, hair dryer, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, 100% cotton towels, complimentary use of bathrobes, complimentary 24-hour room service, a mini-bar (contents not included). The suites, of course, are unsurpassed 5-star quality, some arriving with the luxury of 24-hour butler service to anticipate your needs from afternoon tea to evening hors d’oeuvres to full in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service in some categories.

Dependent upon which suite you select, additional amenities can include priority check-in and departure, express luggage delivery on boarding, welcome champagne, dining room seating preference, opportunity to book massages in-suite, a personal computer, printer and internet access, personalized stationery, Celebrity tote bag, oversized bath towels, complimentary use of robes. The Celebrity Network offers an advanced in-room entertainment and information centre where a two-way, user-friendly communications link allows you to view and select shore excursions, order room service and indulge in casino gambling from the comfort of your stateroom.

The Dining

In an environment of consummate charm graced with the very best in china, silver, newly pressed white linens and crystal, delicious repasts from world-renowned chef, Michel Roux are exquisitely presented in fetching main dining rooms. Celebrity’s pre-eminent cuisine reflects their dedication to providing all guests, including those with particularly educated and discriminating palates, with the finest food that land and sea has to offer.

Cuisine is as wholesome as it is imaginative. Every dish is prepared using only the freshest herbs and ingredients, and even breads and sorbets are made from scratch. In addition there’s a wonderful variety of lean and light, vegetarian and special children’s selections. On occasion, perhaps you’d enjoy a more casual dining experience, in which case you would have the choice of a specialty restaurant, grill or café where the selection is every bit as tempting as that served in the posh restaurants.

The artistry and culinary talents of Celebrity’s chefs are also shown to great advantage at theme buffets. On special nights, you can look forward to “Gourmet Bites” a roving late night tour-de-force of succulent treats such as empanadas, mini-Beef Wellington and crispy fish tempura which is hand carried throughout the ship by tuxedoed, white-gloved wait staff. Just-baked scones and tea sandwiches are offered during an elegant afternoon tea service and you simply must have an espresso and warm, buttery croissant in the Cova Café Milano after your brisk morning walk on deck. The simple joy of a fresh gourmet pizza served in the privacy of your stateroom is another tasty option.

It is a source of pride to Celebrity that Michel Roux not only serves as culinary consultant to the line, he also selects the award-winning vintages that transform each meal into a not-to-be-forgotten event.

The Entertainment

As the sun melts into the sea, and the ship is in the spotlight of the moon, the night ignites with fun and frolic of all expressions to be had! Why not start with pre-dinner cocktails, caviar and pate at the Champagne Bar or Martini Bar. Over 20 variations on the martini theme include divine concoctions such as James Bond’s “shaken not stirred”, Caipirinha and chocolate kiss versions. Then on to dinner, followed by a plush seat in the theatre to enjoy a lavish Broadway-style production.

The rustle of cards at the blackjack tables and the ringing of slot machines paying off in Fortunes Casino will be hard to ignore, so pop in for a while (you never know). Then whisk off to one of the nightclubs for some all-night dancing, ending the evening with a nightcap at Michael’s Club, or a moonlight serenade for two on the upper deck! Entertainment can also take the form of art auctions, wine tasting and shopping in the smart boutiques for designer labels to mention just a few possibilities.

Programs for Kids and youth

Activities for children aged 3 to 17 are tiered into four age groups. ShipMates for ages 3-6; Celebrity Cadets for ages 7 to 10; Ensigns for ages 11-13; Admiral T’s for teens 14 to 17. This program is available during summer and seasonal sailing periods. On other sailing’s, a limited program is offered if 12 or more children are on board.

Elemis Spa

An oasis for the mind and body with the most luxurious spa imaginable! We have long recognized the power of water to revive the spirit, and so it is to the Elemis Spa guests’ head to visit the state of relaxation and enjoy the latest restorative therapies. Re-nourish with a soothing massage where heated aromatic stones are used to banish tension, or be transported to another time and place through the Egyptian ceremony of milk and ginger, the Tahitian ceremony of flowers, the legendary Hawaiian four hands massage. Spa services can be booked prior to departure.

Celebrity Escapes

Celebrity Escape cruises is adult only. All guests must be over the age of 21. It is for parents who need a vacation from parenting and for guests who do not like to travel with children on board. There are special events and benefits found only on a Celebrity Escape cruise such as extended hours for the pool and AquaSpa - 11 PM every night, late-night comedy acts including an adult-theme show, dance instruction featuring salsa, merengue, and ballroom dancing, special theme nights in the disco, poolside deck parties, enhanced Golf program using state of the art video and computers and much more.

Captains Club

Captain’s Club is Celebrity’s past guest program whereby members receive exclusive savings and benefits. The more you cruise, the more you receive. The three levels are Classic Level (1 to 5 cruises), Select Level (6 to 10cruises) and Elite Level (11 or more cruises). You’ll automatically receive a new membership card to reflect your status, and you can enjoy your new membership benefits on your next Celebrity cruise. (Please note: Your membership number will remain the same.)

Benefits include: category upgrades, pre-sailing reservations at specialty restaurants on Millennium-class ships (priority embarkation (where available). Exclusive Captain’s Club party, welcome amenity, gift with purchase at the Aqua Spa(SM) by Elemis, certificates for the casino, golf clinics (where available) and Classic member rates for golf simulator, complimentary wine tasting, reunion cruises, newsletter with exclusive offers, e-newsletters and much more.

Celebrity Network

The Celebrity Network is the most advanced, in-room entertainment and information center at sea. It is a two-way, user-friendly communications link between the ship and its guests. In addition, guests can view and select shore excursions, order room service and indulge in casino gambling, from the comfort of their stateroom.

In the lovely Cova Café Milano, an evocation of the renowned original near Milan’s La Scala Opera House, you can enjoy the signature coffees, teas and chocolates of the historic Pasticceria Confetteria Cova. On Constellation and Millennium
you can visit The Conservatory, a lovely garden environment inspired by the Emilio Robba flower boutiques in Paris. Always in the avant garde, Celebrity introduced the first cigar bar at sea, and in the warm, intimate milieu of Michael’s Club you can sink into a leather chair and contemplate life while enjoying a fine hand-rolled cigar and a warm cognac. On Galaxy and Mercury, the Navigator Club offers a blend of celebration and elegance with opportunities for late night dancing and gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Inclusions, Savings and Promotions

It is not uncommon for Celebrity to have a selection of money saving promotional offers available to their clientele. Please check for the latest information on the savings offers currently available. Shipboard accommodation, On Board Entertainment, On Board Activities, On Board dining, Port Charges, Local presentation/Transfers, Personnel assist in port except when independent pre/post land packages, air & land deviations or any other deviation is involved. Transfers are not included for cruise only guests (they may be purchased by cruise only guests or those requiring air deviations).

About the author:
William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor, and Certified Travel Counsellor) - http://discount-caribbean-vacations.com/product%20pages/caribbean-cruises.htm.

William is a professional in the Travel Industry and the author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at: http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm

Voice Over Training

EdgeStudio.com is one of the busiest production studios around. EdgeStudio.com also runs one of the country’s best voice over training programs and are renowned for employing their own voice over training students. This gives anyone trained in the EdgeStudio.com voice over training program a distinctive leg up in the voice over talent industry. EdgeStudio.com is a VoiceSTA certified voiceover studio that has accumulated over 1,000 clients and completed over 8,000 voice over jobs in it’s over 20 years of experience. Edge Studio has offices in New York City, Washington, DC and Connecticut, but also features an innovation method of voice over training: tele-training. In a day and age where more and more people telecommute in order to affectively preform their jobs, voice over work does not stray from the telecommuter pack, with most jobs being produced via telephone.

Some voice over actors are quick to give advice to anyone concerned in taking on voiceover acting as a career. One rule of thumb, and overall act of courtesy, is that a voice over professional obtain the proper pronunciations for common and seldom used words before the first take. Certain names can be pronounced more than one way, depending on where the emphasis is placed. You must be mindful of the intended pronunciation beforehand. Assuming that you know the pronunciation is not advocated. This is something that should be up to the discretion of the client and reviewed in short before the clock starts running on the studio meter. Making sure that you annunciate intelligibly and correctly, and that you rewrite any words that give you trouble in the original read through are the first steps to a job well done in the production studio.

It is important when cleaning a dock that you use these steps as to not cause wood damage or hardship. If you do not follow these steps, we told you so. So here is how it is done by the professionals who would rather get it right the first time, get it over with and get back out on the water where we belong.

Remove any furniture, grills, etc. Watch for damage to the wood, scout out where you will clean before you start, sometimes once wet you cannot see the flaws in the wood as easy. If you are doing this as a contractor you may wish to point out these areas to the Marina management. You may want to bring this to the attention of the boss as a good P.R. move. Wet the deck, dock or pier with low pressure if you plan on using any chemicals; we do not recommend chemicals if you can help it. You may not be able to use chemicals due to environmental laws but if you can use soap and chemicals try to find ones that do not contain sodium hypochlorite, bleach or acids. After the chemical has had proper dwell time, use a Hydro-twister or a 40-degree nozzle tip. You must use the 40-degree tip with an extension wand for railings and stairs. Either way 1500 PSI is fine for this type of in-close detail work. Remember the sensitivity of the wood fibers while keeping in mind how delicate the wood is.

Cleaning the rails and pickets first is a good idea and is recommended. Always pressure clean with the grain in the wood. If using a wand try to use a ‘pendulum’ or ’sweeping motion’ at the end of your strokes. Follow through with your strokes as you would with a golf club. This technique helps eliminate streaking, damaging wood fibers and cuts down on carpal tunnel repetitive motion. Be careful on dwell time because chemicals will dry faster. Large jobs should be done in 10′ by 10′ sections or 20′ by 20′ foot sections. Always clean any patio furniture, umbrellas or grills before you leave.

Follow these procedures to save time and keep the cleaning as efficient as possible. Remember every hour you save can be better spent on the boat.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Are you looking for fabulous luxury cruise line vacations? Look no further! Radisson Seven Seas Cruises® offer customers six star cruising luxury. To emphasize this statement, you must know that Radisson Cruises has been named the prestigious World’s Best Small Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure and in 2003 by Conde Nast Traveler. The fleet of luxury ships afforded Radisson to earn a leadership role in the six star cruise industry.

Radisson Cruises is part of the Carlson Companies Inc. group, one of the largest privately held corporations in the United States. This corporation includes world renown brand names like Radisson® Hotels and Resorts, Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, Carlson Liesure Travel Services®, Cruise Holidays®, SeaMaster Cruises® and even T.G.I. Friday’s®. With that kind of name dropping, one can better understand how Radisson can provide such fantastic service and luxury.

The Radisson Commitment

Radisson Seven Seas strives as one of their objectives to provide “an ultra-luxury cruise experience” for their cruise passengers. Their cruises offer and feature additional benefits and enhancements providing their customers true and added value. Radisson offers more imaginative itineraries and unique shore excursions making for luxurious “voyages of exploration and discovery”. The Radisson staff will even custom design a special tour to accommodate your desires.

The Radisson Fleet

Next to the company’s commitment to you their valued customer, you will want to ensure that the actual venue - the cruise ships themselves - offer the “style” of pleasure or vacation cruise you desire. These luxury vessels are designed for fewer passengers than many of the other “big names” in the cruise industry. Numbering in the hundreds instead of the thousands, these cruise ships are more like large luxury yachts. At Radisson, they strive for a more personal and accommodating luxury cruise experience. The elegant ships offer beautifully designed “common” spaces as well as spacious and comfortable staterooms. Radisson has added new all-suite, all-balcony ships to their armada of luxury liners to ensure that every cruise passenger has the opportunity to travel the upscale manner they deserve. Their fleet has capacities from 320 passengers to about 700 passengers as well as an exploration vessel on which only 198 privileged passengers will experience Antarctica!

Dining with Radisson

Luxury travel of any description requires exquisite dining options. Radisson has addressed this need with chefs from Le Cordon Bleu of Paris dining options on their newest luxury ships. All of the “luxury yachts” in the Radisson stable offer excellent ding in the most elegant of dining rooms. And the intimate size of the vessels make for a comfortably luxurious dining experience.

Radisson On-board Service

Radisson Cruises prides themselves on providing their luxury cruise guests with their renowned “Above and Beyond” level of service. With a 1 to 1.5 ratio of passenger to staff, you are assured of personal, pampering service befitting a six star cruise. 24 room service is of course available and during the dining hours, you may wish to enjoy your meal in your suite. Depending on the level of your suite, butler service is available. Concierge service is even available on Seven Seas Mariner. All of this makes for a comfortable and pampered cruise experience. In Radisson’s words, “upscale, but not uptight”.

Activities Aboard Radisson

Each Radisson Voyage has a guest lecturer providing insights into the unique cultures and places you’ll be visiting. On all but the Paul Gaugan, Classes and workshops are available. Depending on the individual ship, art auctions, a well stocked library, duty free shops,dance classes and table tennis offer cruise guests a variety of diverse activities. Again, individual ships offer golf cages, shuffleboard, jogging track, and paddle tennis present cruise passengers with sports activities. Paul Gaugan has a watersports platform offering kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, and scuba diving. On selected voyages only, the Club Mariner Youth Program is offered with a variety of activities for children ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 17. Of course, all have the mandatory swimming pool for exercise and relaxation. The spa and fitness area amenities vary depending on the actual ship.

No matter what a luxury cruise line vacation means to you, you’ll surely be enraptured with a luxurious cruise with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises®!

If you have questions on how to quickly and easily compare cruise lines, send us an Email at info@a1-discount-cruises.com with the subject line “questions” and let us know. If you have any specific questions regarding which cruise line to choose, let us know that as well and we will try to answer them.

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous cruise vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.