Get Away This Holiday Season

Are you looking to get away this winter, or planning a trip for 2012? Read on for information on cruises from M.J. Bryant, owner of AK2TRVL (Ache-to-Travel Vacations) in Diamond Bar. Bryant is the newest blogger for Diamond Bar Patch, and this is her first post - look for more in the future, in the blogging section. 

Welcome to my first blog – my passion is that I ache to travel and so that’s why I reserved a license plate that reads “AK2TRVL” and my other car shows “AK2TRV1.”  If you see a vehicle with one of these license plates traveling around Diamond Bar, be sure to honk and wave so I know that someone is reading my blog.

Well, travel and food always seemed to be a good place to start, because you would make a travel effort to find good food, right?  Even it means going miles out of your way to scoop up that Double Double at In-N-Out!

But I would like to help you find more intriguing and delicious food in places a little farther from home. Maybe with cruising – when you take a cruise, your meals are included in the cruise fare. This can be all the way from a coffee-on-the-go continental breakfast to a full-on midnight buffet. Just as you choose restaurants at home, you will want to look at the culture and creative influences of the cruise line.

$$ to $$$ - Carnival Cruise Line – the “Fun Ships” – 24 large ships offering a mass market experience and a good option for first-timers and families, with a wide choice of activities and entertainment.

$$ to $$$ - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – the “Nation of Why Not” – is a more contemporary experience but also good for first-timers and families, with an even wider choice of activities such as their unique FlowRider surf simulator or entertainment in the Aqua Theatre, which is pool by day and a spectacular water show at night. Most notable is the groundbreaking Oasis class ships featuring seven incredible neighborhoods, packed with many first-at-sea experiences.

$$ to $$$ - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – “Freestyle Cruising” – also in the contemporary category but innovative in the open seating for dining. Good for families with a variety of dining venues and activities, innovative entertainment (e.g., Blue Man Group), and the only cruise line with a ship sailing around the Islands of Hawaii for seven-day adventures not requiring long passages across the Pacific Ocean.

$$ to $$$$ - Princess Cruises – “Escape Completely” – although originally the Love Boats, moves up to the premium category, with 13 large ships and two small ships, offering great values, extensive choice of balcony accommodations, and diverse choice of cruise/tours for favorites in Alaska and Europe.  Also unique public spaces with Movies Under The Stars and Adult Sanctuary.

$$ to $$$$ - Holland America – “A Signature of Excellence” – premium in the tradition of early Dutch sailing ships, with seven large ships and eight mid-size ships, offering 137 years of leadership in the history of fine cruising showcasing award-winning service, five-star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs, and compelling worldwide itineraries.

$$$ to $$$$ - Celebrity – “Modern Luxury in a Premium Category” – classic, elegant cruising, a part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., 11 large ships offering formal attire evenings for guests still wishing to dress up in elegant surroundings.

$$$ to $$$$ - Oceania – “Your World, Your Way” – Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pepìn - upper premium cruising at its very best on four mid-size ships with country club casual attire welcome in up to six complimentary dining venues, this innovative cruise line has raced ahead of its competition to outshine and outperform every guest expectation. Cuisine, comfort, service and outstanding value are the pillars that define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the line as the cruise company of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.

$$$ to $$$$$ - Cunard – “The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World” – stepping back into the Golden Age of Ocean Travel as the pioneer (since 1840) of transatlantic travel.  A very British atmosphere with high tea daily with white-glove service and freshly-baked scones, along with fencing lessons and performances by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts set the tone for these three iconic ships.

$$$$ to $$$$$ - Regent – “Explore, Indulge, Enjoy - it’s all included” - This is luxury:  including accommodations, meals, drinks, gratuities, air, and shore excursions with award-winning service, ships, and itineraries.

$$$$ to $$$$$ - Crystal – “The world awaits you at the pinnacle of travel” – two exquisite ships with Perfect Choice Dining, plus extraordinary service, abundant space, exceptional quality, and incredible choices.

$$$$ to $$$$$ - Seabourn – “The Yachting Collection” – with six intimate ships accommodating between 208 to 450 guests, like a private club where members share expansive open decks, inviting social spaces, and the personalized attention of an exceptional crew.

$$$$ to $$$$$ - Silversea – “The Ultimate Luxury Cruise Vacation” – six ships offering a luxury cruise line that offers unparalleled service and superlative comfort with 85 percent private verandas.

Next time – a special invitation from Los Angeles!

Feel free to contact the writer with your comments or questions at ak2trvl@gmail.com.