Planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette party? Take a cruise!

Trying to figure out what to do for a bachelor or Bachelorette party? Want it to be a weekend get-a-way?  Definitely consider bringing the party on a cruise ship! It’s a great way to celebrate the bride or groom.

Wondering why you’d have a Bachelor or Bachelorette party on a cruise?

For starters, there are a lot of great 3-4 day cruises over a weekend, which work for most people’s schedules and you don’t have to commit to taking a week off of work. The best part is that you pay for food and your room all upfront. That way, you will have a good idea of how much it will cost per person. You will never have to worry about having a frustrating dinner of trying to split up the check and tracking who ordered what. Go ahead and order that second dessert without worrying about the bill.  You’ll have access to included food 24/7, which makes it easy if you’re the only one hungry.

Additional purchases including drinks, tips, photos, and other items are all placed on your ship card. This helps for people who may be on a budget vs. those who want to order drinks for everyone! 

Also, when you’re on a cruise, no one has to drive home after a night out and when you’re tired, you’re only a short walk to your cabin. 

During the day, if you’re at port, you can all plan a fun excursion to go on. How about ocean kayaking, zip lining, bar hopping, or wine tasting?  Or if you’re at sea? Enjoy hanging out on the lido deck. There’s typically a dance club, karaoke, live music, and many other activities at night to do.

A fun way to honor the bride or groom and to let people know around the ship, is to wear matching t-shirts on embarkation day. On a 3-day cruise that I was on recently, a group of girls had different themes for every night to get dressed up and it was so much fun to see them around the ship.

FreshCruiser Tip: Never gone on a cruise?  Going with a group of friends is the perfect way to try it!  A 3 or 4 day cruise is a great way to start as you don’t have the commitment of a full week if you’re skeptical.

Quick tips for eating healthy at the buffet on a cruise

Trying to eat healthy on a cruise buffet?  Is it possible?  Definitely!  You just need some willpower and to stick to a few rules and you’ll be able to enjoy trying new foods while keeping off the extra pounds.  I know it can be tough when you are surrounded by temptations.  Below are some of my tips that I follow when I’m eating at a buffet while on a cruise.

Make a plan and stick to it

If you want to eat healthy at the buffet, decide what you’re going to have ahead of time and stick to it.  However, have you ever decided that you want to eat healthy but by the time you walk around the buffet, your mind has completely changed?  I always start by “scouting” out the food before I’m ready to eat lunch or dinner while sailing.  It gives me time to process the information and make the right choices when I’m ready to eat. 

Go before you’re starving

Don't go into the buffet starving.  If you’re hungry and it’s not time for lunch or dinner yet, have a small snack like a piece of fruit before it’s time to head over to the buffet. It will help avoid taking too much food and overeating. 

Start with Small Portions

As I wrote in an earlier blog, one of my favorite parts of cruising is trying all the new foods.  If there are a lot of things that you want to try on the buffet, take sample sizes and if you find something that you like, then, go back for more.

Keep it healthy

Having a salad or a sandwich for lunch and think you’re eating healthy?  When at the buffet, be careful not to fall into what I call the “salad dressing trap”.  If you’re truly looking to have a healthy sandwich, stay away from the different mayo’s and oils. Stick with mustard as a spread.  For salads, be careful of which salad dressing you pick.  Take a moment to look at your salad to make sure you’re adding veggies to the salad and not toppings (croutons, fried wontons, peanuts, etc.)

Cooked to order? Speak Up!
Many cruise ships have "cook to order" stations where you can get food such as stir fry, omelets, and pasta made with the ingredients you pick.  I love these stations as it gives me the opportunity to know exactly what’s going into my dish.   Since most of these start with a little fry pan with oil in it, I always ask for less oil which saves me some calories. 

Just ask! 

Beware of hidden cream, butter, and salts in prepared dishes.  Don’t be afraid to ask what’s in it as you may be thinking you’re eating healthy by grabbing the Summer Succotash dish but it could be drenched in butter.  This happened to me recently as I went to grab a bowl of gazpacho but asked if there was any cream in it.  It turned out there was and the waiter pointed out a healthier option for me to get.  I was glad I asked as I would have had a whole bowl of it thinking that I was having a healthy lunch.  

Stay away from Sauce

On the buffet, stay far away from items drenched in sauce, it adds extra calories, fat, and sodium.  Look for grilled, steamed or poached items. 

Ice cream vs. Frozen Yogurt
Check out what’s offered on the ship as there might be an option to get frozen yogurt or sorbet, both are better options than ice cream.  If you’re still craving ice cream, ask for a kid’s size and stay away from the toppings.  Want it in a cone? Don’t feel bad having it in a cone, only adds about 30 extra calories.

Take a taste

If that chocolate mousse is staring you down, try it but just eat half and share the rest! 

Move it

Finished eating? Move the plate away from you.  With the plate out of your reach, you won’t fall into the trap of unconsciously eating the rest of your plate because it’s in front of you. When you’re done, remove the temptations. This works really well for desserts if you were just planning to “taste it”.

My favorite lunch on a cruise ship is a grilled chicken sandwich with a big salad on the side that I made myself with frozen yogurt for dessert. 

FreshCruiser Tip:  Try eating a healthy lunch and then allow yourself to splurge a little at dinner!

Thinking of going on a Theme Cruise? Check these out!

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

 
Recently, I wrote about my excitement for the Biggest Loser Cruise coming up this November.  I wanted to take some time to showcase some other themed cruises that are approaching.  There are themed cruises for all ages, hobbies, and some great ones on wellness and living healthy.  Don’t forget, along with the benefits below you will get all that comes along with your normal cruise vacation!

Carnival
Richard Simmons' Hooray for Hollywood Cruise to Lose 2011: Carnival Splendor - October 23 to October 30
A week of healthy, motivating fun with Richard Simmons’

Backstreet Boys Cruise: Carnival Imagination - December 2–5 2011
Backstreet Boysl!  I would love to be there to sing-a-long to all their songs! 
Find more theme cruises on Carnival here.

Celebrity
Savor Your Destination – Multiple Sailings  
A renowned guest chef or wine maker is invited aboard select cruises. 

Crystal
Crystal Wine & Food Festival – Multiple Sailings
These cruises will offer insight into the tastes and cultures of the region.

MSC Cruises
Wellness Cruise:  MSC Magnifica – December 2011
This cruise is an opportunity to get in great shape including using the onboard fitness equipment, attending informal talks on health and wellness, sports activities, nutritional tips and health consultations at sea.
Find more theme cruises here including Chess, Hobby, and Card Game Cruises.

Royal Caribbean
Ante Up Poker Cruise: Monarch of the Seas - August 29 - September 2, 2011
This cruise showcases a variety of multi-table tournaments with contestants playing “poker no limit hold'em, limit hold'em, pot-limit Omaha, HORSE or HORSE limit.”  

Dancing with the Stars: Freedom of the Seas -  January 15 – 22, 2012
Chelsie Hightower, Tony Dovolani, and Elena Grinenko will be onboard for a week of dance classes, parties, photos, autograph sessions, Q & A sessions, and activities.

  
Check back on frequently on the news section of my website to see the latest announcements.

FreshCruiser Tip: Always ask if there are any events or themed cruises to the travel agent or cruiseline when booking your travel - as you may not want to be on a SuperBowl themed cruise if you are looking to escape it for the weekend !

Final Countdown for Princess Cruises' Bucket List, what’s on yours?

 
Princess Cruises recently posted the 41th experience on its blog, “50 Essential Experiences: The Travel Bucket List.”  The 41th article is titled “In Step with the Dutch Life,” written by District Sales Manager, Megan O'Toole, who describes a trip she took to find out more about her heritage, as she tells us the story of meeting with a side of her family that she’s never met while on a trip to the Netherlands.

 “We think our blog has resonated with so many because it inspires readers to consider their own travel bucket lists, and what experiences they dream of having. Hundreds of people have commented that our blog has given them ideas about their next travel destinations, and now we’re only 10 away from completing the full list of experiences that our Princess experts consider to be essential,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

According to Princess Cruises, since the debut of the blog last October, it has received over two million page views and over 4,000 comments from readers. As the posts near the end, the final nine posts will be revealed each week with the last one on October 4, 2011.

Do you have a travel bucket list?  This past October, while cruising on the Celebrity Equinox, I was able to cross a few things off my bucket list which included seeing the Acropolis and having a delicious gyro in Athens!  Seeing the Parthenon and walking around the Acropolis was breathtaking, and it was something I had always wanted to see after taking a class on Ancient Greece in school.  

Photo Credit: Princess Cruises

After reading the experiences on Princess Cruises' bucket list, I’ve added dog sledding in Alaska to mine. Royal Princess’s Cruise Director, Peter Roberts, recounts his experience of “Dog Mushing on a Sunlit Glacier” in Skagway, Alaska.  On my next Alaskan cruise, it’s something I’d love to do.  The excitement of the helicopter ride to meeting the dogs to being surrounded by such nature, it sounds like a great adventure! 

Click here to visit the Princess Cruises - 50 Essential Experiences: The Travel Bucket List blog. 

 FreshCruiser Tip:  Don’t know where to start with your own travel bucket list? Or, where to take your next trip? Read through the posts to see if anything inspires you.

Want a cheap cruise? How to get the best deal on your next cruise!

Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

If you’re like me, you wish you were always cruising. Or, maybe you’ve never been on a cruise before. Whatever your circumstances may be, it’s always good to look for a deal before you cruise.

Here are my tips for finding a cheap cruise:

-    Don’t be picky about your cabin type or location
Ask for what’s called a “Category Guarantee" for your date of sailing. By doing this, you are guaranteed the category you booked; however, there is a good chance you will receive an upgrade to a better category cabin.  Even though you have the option to select your actual cabin number, as long you’re not picky, you could end up paying less for a better cabin. 

-    Just ask! Cruise Discounts are out there especially for you!
Tell the agent some quick information about yourself and who you are traveling with as there are all types of discounts offered by cruises. You can receive discounts for where you reside, your age (55+), and if you are a past-guest.  Also, there are discounts for different professions including military, firefighters, EMTs, police, and teachers.

-    Travel at the beginning or end of a season
Take one of the first or last cruises to Alaska, normally a little cooler temperature which means a less in demand time to cruise

-    Be willing to embark and disembark from different ports
If a cruise ship is transitioning to a new location, commonly known as a repositioning cruise, many times you can get a good price on the cruise because it’s not always the most desirable ports or involves a lot of days at sea.

-    Be ready to go last minute
Cruise lines want to sail with a full ship every time, so if you can be flexible, you can get some great last minute deals

-    Be flexible with when you want to go, have a few weeks in mind
If your dates aren’t set, it will give you more flexibility to finding a deal

-    Go during off times – hurricane season, colder weather, holidays, etc
Try to avoid cruising during peak times like Christmas, New Years, and Spring break.

-    Check with different travel agents and online resources
By checking a few sources, you can see what’s being offered as they might be offering different incentives including on board ship credit, cash back, and hotel credits

-    Sign up to receive special offers from cruise lines
Keep updated on offers from cruise lines by subscribing to receive promotion e-mails.  It’s a great way learn first about discounts.

Freshcruiser Tip: A little time and research will save you money!

Fun and healthy summer salad from on board the Disney Dream

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Looking for a new salad to make this summer?  Why not make one that’s served on the Disney Dream!

I love salad but sometimes I get a little bored and need a new twist.  The recipe below is for an Avocado-Citrus Salad which is served at the Royal Palace restaurant on the Disney Dream. The restaurant is inspired by the classic Disney films “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.”

The citrus dressing is fresh, super healthy and easy to make with ingredients that are available at any grocery store.  My favorite part of the salad is the avocados as they not only taste good but include over 20 essential nutrients. Jazz the salad up a little more by adding slivered almonds to give it a little crunch and protein.

According to the Disney Cruise Line website, “At Royal Palace, guests feast on world-class continental cuisine. The menu includes dishes fit for a monarch, including lobster and jumbo shrimp, escargot, Dijon-roasted rack of lamb and beef tenderloin with lobster medallions. The wine list features an excellent selection of Old World wines. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at this restaurant.”

Click here and click on the Menu tab to see a sample menu from the Royal Palace restaurant.


Avocado-Citrus Salad from the Disney Dream
Serves 4

Citrus Dressing
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 lime, juiced
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Avocado-Citrus Salad
4 navel oranges
3 ripe Hass avocados, halved and pitted
6 cups mixed baby lettuce

For the citrus dressing:
1.    Combine orange juice and lime juice in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in oil, salt and pepper, whisking vigorously until combined. If making in advance, re-whisk before serving.
For the avocado-citrus salad:
1.    Cut peel, including the white pith, from the oranges with a small knife. Cut segments free from membranes; set segments aside and discard membranes.
2.    Cut avocadoes into 3/4-inch-thick slices.
3.    Divide mixed greens among 4 salad bowls. Top with 5 avocado slices and 5 to 8 orange segments; drizzle lightly with dressing. Serve immediately.
---

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Looking for a little indulgence?
Click here for the Strawberry Cheesecake recipe, served at the Enchanted Garden on Disney Dream. The Enchanted Garden is described as a “casual restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles. It features a dining environment that magically transforms from day to night.”

To make the cheesecake a little healthier, switch to low fat or fat-free cream cheese which will reduce fat and carbohydrates and shouldn’t affect the taste that much. And, try to find a low-fat version of graham crackers for the crust.

FreshCruiser Tip: Have a dish that you absolutely loved while cruising?  Write it down and search online for the recipe when you get back.

Bon Voyage Gifts! Surprise someone on their next cruise with a gift delivered to their stateroom

 
Need help on how to purchase a gift for someone who is going on a cruise?
Is someone you know taking a cruise for birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon and you want to surprise them?

Often called Bon Voyage gifts, you can purchase an on-board credit that can be used for anything or purchase the credit for something more specific like to the spa, photography, casino, or for excursions.  Other gift ideas include logo clothing, flowers, and a bottle of wine.   Offerings depend on the cruise line but most offer a variety of options, even chocolate covered strawberries!  It's a great way to surprise someone! 
 
You can contact the cruise line directly, giving them the name of the person and the sail date and the reservation number would help but usually isn't necessary.  The gifts are normally delivered on embarkation day to the stateroom. 

Click on the links below to go directly to a specific cruise company's gift page:

Azamara Club Cruises
Carnival Cruises
Celebrity Cruises 
Costa Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Cunard
 Disney Cruise Line
Holland America
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
P&O Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Seabourn
Silversea
  Uniworld River Cruises 

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

I surprised my parents with an onboard credit on their first cruise, as I knew my mom would want to buy a lot of pictures and would be a constant battle with my dad who would try to limit her to 1-2 total. For my good friends who are going on their honeymoon in October on the Carnival Glory, we gave them an onboard credit as part of their wedding gift.  I hope they will use it for something fun able to splurge a little!  The picture above are flowers that my parents sent my husband and I on our honeymoon, it was a total surprise and a fun way to start off the cruise!

FreshCruiser Tip: Cruise lines have gifts for any budget, so make sure to search thoroughly through the website to find the perfect fit!

Ever wonder how much you’re walking on a cruise ship?

I’ve often wondering how much I walk in a day on a cruise ship, and on my next cruise I plan on bringing a pedometer to really find out if it’s as much as I think it is. But in the meantime, I did some quick research of the cruise ships out there.

Most of the newer ships average around 1050 feet which equals .2 miles if you were to walk from end-to-end of the ship. Depending on where your cabin is or what locations on the ship you like, that mileage could add up.  Two of the longest cruise ships, are Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, both at 1181 feet long.  It depends on where your cabin is located but in general, by going to from your cabin to breakfast, lunch, dinner and maybe a show, you’re already over a mile!

Of course, most ships have a track to walk around the deck, which is a nice way to be outside while adding some additional miles.

Definitely pack a good pair of walking shoes!

FreshCruiser Tip:  Walk each floor of the ship, you’ll gain your bearings of where things are located and also burn some calories walking from end-to-end!