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Best Cruise Ships For COUPLES
Excerpts from an MSNBC Article.
Princess Cruises
Best Ships: Crown Princess, Emerald Princess
Why: While we like any of Princess' Grand Class
vessels for their blend of big ship options and
small ship cozy, Crown Princess and Emerald
Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some
first-time-ever features.
Stay here: Both boast the line's traditionally high
percentage of suites and mini-suites (which means
booking a bigger cabin may not be too much of a
splurge). The "piece de resistance" is the Grand
Suite, which features separate sitting area, balcony
that stretches between living room and bedroom, and
a fabulous whirlpool tub. But even the standard
mini-suite is charming and comfortable.
Out on deck: What could be more romantic than a
night at "Movies Under the Stars," a retro drive-in
where you recline on padded loungers (you can
snuggle under the wool tartan blankets)? During the
day we love The Sanctuary. A completely new
invention, The Sanctuary is a (mostly) shaded
Zen-like retreat, complete with waiter service, spa
menu and massage services (a couples' massage is
available).
Indoor romance: Check out the spa's couple's Rasul
room (it's a mud room with steam — and it's more fun
than it sounds!). Adagio, a new concept lounge
featuring a cabaret singer, is lovely and private —
way up on one of the top decks.
Dining: Open-seating (as well as traditional) dining
is available. But the most romantic option — and
unique to cruising — is the Ultimate Balcony Dining
dinner experience. For $100 per couple, cruisers are
treated to a lobster dinner with champagne and
course-by-course service. Only caveat: Your cabin
must have a balcony. We also love the ship's two
specialty restaurants. Request a banquette at Crown
Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant with an open
grill; Sabatini's, the line's Italian eatery, should
not be missed. Another favorite is Vines, the ship's
wine and sushi bar.
Downside? While the ship's deluxe mini-suites are
lovely and comfortable, the all-open-air balconies
(applies to any cabin on Dolphin deck) are anything
but private.
Special events: All of the Grand class ships are
premier options for onboard weddings. Both have
dedicated wedding chapels and captains empowered to
perform ceremonies — and friends at home can watch
live via Web cams!.
Crystal Cruises
Best ship: Crystal Serenity
Why: In general, Crystal is the best choice for
folks who want big-ship features and small-ship
luxury. In particular, while this newer ship offers
many of the same features as Crystal Symphony does,
the penthouse suites, the most romantic
accommodations, are more plentiful.
Stay here: The aforementioned penthouse suites,
which come in three categories. All have verandahs,
butler service and marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs
(not to mention state-of-the-art tech toys), and are
roomy enough for in-room massages. Another plus?
Passengers in these staterooms can order off the
menu from Crystal Serenity's fabulous specialty
restaurants.
Out on deck: Head for any of the terraced decks on
the back of the ship.
Indoor romance: Head for a private corner of the
Sunset Bar (at the forward end of the Palm Court) —
it's a great spot for sunset-watching. We also love
the clubby-pubby Avenue Saloon.
Dining: Try any (or all) of Crystal Serenity's
specialty restaurants, such as the Northern Italian
Prego and the Asian Silk Road. Or indulge in
course-by-course room service on your verandah.
Downside: Crystal still maintains a set-time,
assigned-tablemates scheme in its main dining rooms.
Special events: No weddings but the ship does offer
vow renewals.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best ships: Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel,
Norwegian Pearl
Why: First and foremost, NCL's "Freestyle Dining"
philosophy (passengers can dine without the hassle
of assigned times and tablemates at a variety of
restaurants) is perfectly suited to table-for-two
travelers. A close second are the ships' Courtyard
Villas. The relatively new concept (and, as such,
only found on NCL's newest ships) is aimed at
creating a small, boutique-style hotel within the
framework of a larger resort. The villas are located
away from the so-called fray — and offer a host of
special perks, from access to a fabulous
Asian-inspired pool area (complete with Balinese bed
and hot tub) to suite-holders-only breakfast and
lunch at Cagney's.
Stay here: The aforementioned Courtyard Villas
feature separate living and sleeping rooms (there's
the master bedroom and also a smaller, window-less
room with bunks), flat-screen television, butler
service and, the best part: a swishy bathroom whose
whirlpool tub is set into a picture window alcove.
Indoor romance: Try dinner at Cagney's, the ship's
steakhouse and Le Bistro, a French eatery; for
drinks, the Star Bar (Norwegian Jade) and the
Plantation Club (Norwegian Jewel) are tops.
Onshore: Itinerary-wise, Norwegian Pearl, with its
romantic spring and summer Alaska sailings, wins by
a nose over its fleetmates' Europe and Caribbean
routes.
Carnival Cruise Line
Best ships: Spirit-class vessels, including Carnival
Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle
Why: At 88,500 tons and with 2,124 passenger
capacities, these ships are big enough to offer
plenty of onboard variety — but not so huge that
they feel impersonal. Plus, because these ships have
a high balcony ratio, it's easy — and not at all
expensive — to nab a cabin with your own verandah.
The ships are, for the exuberantly-designed
Carnival, the fleet's most elegant, featuring an Art
Deco scheme.
Stay here: If you're splurging, the "penthouse
suite" comes with a huge balcony and elaborate
bathroom. The more affordable standard verandah
cabins are pleasant, though.
Out on deck: Go forward on Atlantic deck to the
enclosed portion of the ship's exterior promenade.
Indoor romance: Try a couples' massage at Spa
Carnival. The foyer lounge and the cigar bar are the
most intimate drink spots.
Dining: Bypass Carnival's assigned dining scheme at
its main restaurants and head to the Spirit-class
ships' reservations-only supper clubs.
Special events: Spirit-class ships have wedding
chapels (though captains are not allowed to perform
ceremonies), and staffers will help arrange weddings
and vow renewals.
Read the entire Article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24935337/page/1/
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