Since February 2009, I have had the most exciting part-time job in the world. I have been on the New York area shore staff doing passenger-check-in. My other responsibilities have included assisting passengers with locating their luggage, ground transportation, tending to passengers with special needs, and carrying out an array of cruise line policies. Aside …
Royal Caribbean dining: A “Dynamic” change finally in place
For those who have sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of The Seas, the reaction to the Dynamic Dining concept has been negative beyond one’s imagination. Dynamic Dining is the brand new dining concept introduced on the Quantum class. Instead of a main dining room, passengers get to eat in one of four themed dining rooms. …
“Where should I sit?”: Every Amtrak traveler’s quest
Traveling by train is the most exciting experience anyone could have. Who needs to deal with being tied up in traffic jams every step of the journey? Who needs to find a road stop when someone in your party has to “go”? Who needs to juggle all of those rest stop refreshments in the car, …
Quantum thinking: My critique of the Quantum of The Seas
On December 20th, 2014, my family and I sailed aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand new Quantum of The Seas. Two years of anticipation had finally come to pass. My brother and I worked in the terminal the same day we sailed. Mom and dad boarded a few hours earlier. Finally the end of the day had …
Carnival’s gift cards have arrived at Lowe’s!
A few days before Thanksgiving, I decided to go to the Lowe’s in East Rutherford, NJ. I was going to case out a few gift ideas for my family. It was just another day in the life of being a Christmas shopper. All of a sudden, Lowe’s became my favorite store in the world. Boy …
Quantum cruising: Royal Caribbean’s greatest leap yet
For more than 40 years, Royal Caribbean International has had the pleasure of WOWing millions of cruise passengers. From its top-notch on board service, to its world class on board cuisine, Royal Caribbean has provided that unforgettable experience for all to treasure. From belly-flop competitions, to on board ice rinks, to having an aqua show …
4th of July on board Queen Mary 2: A cruise with plenty of fireworks!
It was Christmas of 2005. My parents presented to my brother and me the most exciting present ever. All four of us were going on a cruise on the extravagant Queen Mary 2. My parents had already sailed on the Queen Mary 2 twice. Our sailing day finally arrived. It was Saturday, July 3rd, …
Mansion mania: Newport, a living symbol of New England history
If you could think of all of the historic towns you could visit, many come to mind. There’s Colonial Williamsburg,VA, Old Sturbridge Village, MA, Saratoga Springs, NY, and Hershey, PA. Every one of these towns share a great assortment of historic techniques, traditions, customs, and depict the old style way of life which we as …
Avoiding pick pockets: European travelers could use a “lift”
There are thousands who have traveled to Europe. Also, there are some who enjoy traveling to European countries on a yearly basis. I have been to Europe five times. In 1994, I traveled on a twelve-day high school bus tour through five countries, including a two and a half hour ferry ride across the English …
Christmas 2013, Aboard The Explorer of The Seas
December 2013 couldn’t have come any faster. A rough 2013 was finally drawing to a close. There was no better way to close out the year than sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s beautiful Explorer of The Seas for Christmas. We were once again sailing to Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Coco Cay. Having experienced Christmas and my …