tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39272486970350039812011-05-03T02:35:58.607-07:00Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-32022726427893660342009-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:10:22.377-08:00

What’s New at Carnival?Todd Satterlee of Carnival Cruise Lines lunched with us yesterday to bring us up to date on the latest developments at CCL. We talked for 2 hours, but we include just the highlights. If you want more info, call us at 802-372-6321.General items of interest:Carnival’s executive chef is France’s highly decorated George Blanc. It’s not your father’s Carnival!While many other

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-30497712943341460792008-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:002008-12-12T10:39:13.488-08:00

With the advent of Netbook computers (1 inch thick, 9-10 inch screen, Less than 3 pounds, long battery life, built-in camera and microphone, less than $400 cost), taking your computer on a cruise is effortless.Unfortunately net access and telephony on-board ships are priced quite high. Phone calls can be $7.50 per minute, and web time can be 75 cents per minute. Here are some ideas that I will be

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-9528326017282737172008-11-06T10:00:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:39:37.808-08:00

On-board expenses are the life-line of the cruise industry during this recession/depression. While secret coolers to carry your booze on-board have been successful. (Cruise Packngo), cruising becomes a lifestyle. You want to be sure not to bite too hard at the hand that you look forward to literally feeding you again in the future. Use some of these tricks, but only to the extent that you keep

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-52121148420630617812008-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:002008-11-06T09:59:17.111-08:00

With the election past us, it's time to look at the probable effect on the cruise industry.Obama's promises to curb outsourcing.Although staffing of cruise ships serving Americans with foreigners could be misconstrued as outsourcing of jobs, NCL's experience in Hawaii showed that forcing the use of U.S. crews did not work. CLIA has done a great job of showing that cruise lines are international

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-91652304782911597662008-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:002008-09-11T14:13:25.670-07:00

Let's face the facts- In order to avoid bankruptcy, airlines have had to take drastic measures. One of these measures is to cut flights from their schedule. With a shortage of flights for an itinerary, the flights will be full, and the price will inevitably rise.Fallout from this situation includes much more difficulty in booking "sweet" connections with layovers between 1.5 to 3 hrs. These

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-24711497487226888382008-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:002008-07-08T09:56:18.232-07:00

Here's my latest understanding of how the Oasis of the seas will begin operation:Bookings:Bookings are planned to open on September 3, 2008, for sailings beginning 12/12/2009.Some sources say shipyard delays could jeopardize that date, but a contact inside RCCL says that the ship may even be early!Itineraries:Because of major port renovations in the Western Caribbean, the first 19 sailings will

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-27305459623216474632008-06-25T11:53:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:20:16.846-07:00

MyNextCruise OASIS OF THE SEAS UPDATEThe new $1.2 billion Royal Caribbean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas will be about 4 football fields long, and 154 feet wide. 5400 passengers will have the run of her 16 decks. She’ll be about 5 times the size of the Titanic, Royal Caribbean has broken her up into 7 “neighborhoods” with distinctive features that will be hubs for different types of passengers.

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-53290063827581973202008-06-05T11:15:00.000-07:002008-07-08T10:05:05.763-07:00

When we lived in Germany in the eighties, we quickly realized that hand gestures did not mean the same thing as they do at home. In a logical teutonic way, the auto club (ADAC) had an article in its monthly magazine that helped visitors and guest workers like myself determine just how strong their road rage was. They published a series of hand signs in order of the amount of fine levied if you

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-72929257959416221312008-06-05T08:41:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:41:35.012-08:00

While Patti often spends some time in spas when we cruise, I do not. I have to do research to know which lines to make recommendations for spa enthusiasts.I noticed that Conde Nast Traveler showed cruise line spas to be equivalent to land based spa/resorts. Then I looked at cruise line comparisons, and found Cunard's Canyon Ranch (90.4) to be alone at the top of the list. SilverSeas, Regent, and

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-39746676857646046662008-05-29T16:16:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:41:35.154-08:00

Luxury Cruising OverviewLuxury cruising is not just about being pampered in paradise; it’s about unique, once in a lifetime experiences that will completely wow you. Many luxury cruise lines offer their own special “wow” factor, and Dick and Patti can help you to choose what meets your fancy. Is it watching nature unfold on the plains of Africa or savoring vintage wines in the hills of Tuscany?

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-78723729180015874422008-05-15T14:15:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:41:35.274-08:00

Patti and I have covered the globe from Antarctica to Alaska, and lived in Europe for 3 years. We thought that we were prepared and would never have a problem with street theft. But, pick pockets finally got us in Madrid. Because of good preparation, we lost only $100 cash and 4 hours of police and credit card reporting. The next day, we were out touring with smiles on our faces.Everywhere in

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-88573093156895694272008-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:002008-04-22T09:54:43.105-07:00

Sea Dream makes it's position clear in it's brand name - Sea Dream Yacht club. It's not a cruise, but a yachting experience with people who would be on their own yacht except for the pressures and costs of modern day life. I remember that when I sailed a day sailer out of the Tarrytown Yacht Club on the Hudson River, that our boat was one of the few that ever left the dock. Lawrence Rockefeller

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-33792770556875847862008-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:41:35.525-08:00

Hello to all you Bloggers. This writer and Blog have been inactive for a month due to serious illness. I just want to assure you that we're back on the air, and that you can keep up to date with the latest cruise developments on this Blog. Additional cruise news is always available on our website at http://www.MyNextCruise.com/The Departments of Homeland Security and of State has issued the "

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-33820546054203236302008-03-03T10:30:00.000-08:002008-03-03T12:47:11.241-08:00

While at the Travel Show in Boston, we learned about changes planned for the on-board experience of the monumental cruise ship now just identified a Genesis. Here are the highlights from my notes about the 2009 delivery:A new Teen Advisory board was created to find out first-hand what teens wanted:Staff will be casually dressed, with no uniforms to indicate that the kids are being "babysat".

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-53535764382947364152008-02-29T16:35:00.000-08:002008-04-05T09:48:58.496-07:00

Patti and I had a chance to meet Andy Stewart and Terri Burke of Norwegian Cruise Lines again in Boston at the travel show last weekend. I've attached some notes from personal and group discussions that will update you on the cruise industry outlook form NCL's perspective:Industry Outlook:Latest CLIA data shows 12.6 million passengers sailed in 2007. There are now 177 CLIA affilliated ships, with

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-3331873464004381312008-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:35.731-08:00

Patti and I met with one of her groups at the Lincoln Inn in Essex Junction, Vermont, on Saturday, Feb 2. We answered questions, gave away some door prizes, and had lots of fun and fellowship. We even answered a few questions that the group forgot to ask. It was a great pre Superbowl party, without the surprises of the big game. They put on a great feed, and we made sure that the friends and

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-84392057233837486682008-01-18T12:11:00.000-08:002008-01-18T12:29:38.332-08:00

I see from our www.mynextcruise.com news that the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas has donned a set of massive horns, and started sailing from Galveston. This could lead to some good values for our New England cruisers until the demand catches up with the size of this great ship. Galveston airfare is often not very different in cost than Miami or Ft Lauderdale.I am concerned that the port

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-25603625224666217642008-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:002008-01-17T14:40:12.144-08:00

Beginning in May, Crystal Cruises will prohibit smoking on verandas of all staterooms and suites aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. In keeping with lifestyle trends, most areas of Crystal ships have been non-smoking for several years, including restaurants and the main entertainment lounges. Non-smoking areas dominate most bars and lounges, although there are some tables that permit

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-72170439747020775872008-01-08T09:26:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:47:46.215-08:00

We Vermonters can keep up to date on the progress of friends or family as they cruise. Webcams, or Bridgecams constantly broadcast pictures from the ship. Here are links to paste into your Favorites to keep up to date on their experience.Princess CruisesJust log into www.princess.com/bridgecams/Crystal Cruiseswww.crystalcruises.com/liveviews.aspxNorwegian Cruiseswww.ncl.com/ Select ship, and use

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-91583399426261412202008-01-03T12:48:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:35.927-08:00

Smart people - That's who!Even though the temperature is plummeting to -7 degrees F tonight here in Vermont, this is the time to think of that unforgettable Alaska Vacation. Alaska in season is like May/June in Vermont - The best.Reason 1: Balcony cabins sell out first. With 20 hours of daylight, you really need a balcony to see it all. When wildlife or a spectacular view comes up while you're

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-70838945053276921282007-12-28T08:38:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:53:42.303-08:00

While we know that the purpose is to protect us, the 3 ounce limit on toothpaste, etc. can be a pain. Now we've got something else to do to avoid a bad experience at the x-ray machine.The new concern is Lithium Batteries. As of 1/1/2008, no loose Lithium batteries can be in your check-in baggage. The batteries allowed overall (Carry-on plus Checked) are limited based on grams of Lithium. Since

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-76794442295864680992007-12-24T06:32:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:36.089-08:00

We’ve made it – The end of our adventure. Sorry about the delay, but we had to concentrate on our business for a few days.Huatulco, MexicoHuatalco is a government planned resort area that has not made it to the big time yet. The mountains and water are wonderful, and the crowds haven’t found it yet. We moored on a modern concrete dock in the center of this beautiful harbor that looks like it has

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-17079010717932497672007-12-14T14:12:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:36.184-08:00

During the last 2 days, we have visited 2 cities that looked very similar in the itinerary description. Our experience was very different:San Juan Del Sur, NicaraguaThere is very little to do on this sandy peninsula where we docked, so we took a tour to the Spanish colonial city of Grenada.A recent hurricane had created so many potholes that the oncoming traffic looked like watching skiers slalom

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-56036974722960826942007-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:36.362-08:00

A relaxing day at sea:I used this sea day as a "battery charger" for my body. Reading books on the balcony while watching passing dolphins and seabirds flying 20 feet away is a wonderful way to catch up on sleep and energy.I did take time to attend a cooking demonstration by the ship's chef and maitre d'. They showed us how simple it can be to prepare several gourmet meals from scratch. After the

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-54413173124682136462007-12-10T12:19:00.000-08:002007-12-10T13:03:26.685-08:00

We're finally through the Canal, and here's the longest palandrome that I ever encountered:A Man A Plan A Canal Panama - Try it forwards or backwards.The Canal Passage:This is a special passage for me. My father was an officer on the SS Colombia and MS Panama during the 1920's and 30's before he got swept into WWII. I'm finally going to the places that I have only seen in my dreams.When the 6AM

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-14707882766126039742007-12-09T07:44:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:36.708-08:00

Hello to all,Today's posting comes to you direct from the center of the Panama Canal. We'll talk about the canal after we exit it.The beautiful Colombian city of Cartagena was our port yesterday. After the exciting passage through a fleet of fishermen in canoes at Boca Chica, we were greeted by a vision of the world class skyscrapers of Cartagena. Once, when I was a child, we had visitors from

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-72602374415128678082007-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:36.933-08:00

Yesterday in Willemstad, Curacao, when faced with a $10 cab fare to town, we opted to take the pleasant 10 minute walk to town across the floating swing bridge (Good decision).Although originally home to peaceful natives, this island was conquered by the Caribs, the Spanish, and finally the Dutch. The tall brightly painted buildings reminded us of a picture of Amsterdam with the color saturation

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-59542625468799217392007-12-05T08:19:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:37.117-08:00

We left BTV at 7 am yesterday, and arrived in San Juan at 2PM yesterday. The contrast between 13 degrees and 87 degrees was quite a shock. We had no delays or problems. But if you are slow on your feet, pre order one of those Beep Beep transporters from the airline when you make connections.If you haven't cruised from San Juan recently, it's important to know that there are 2 cruiseports there.

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-14301733151012733702007-11-29T15:19:00.000-08:002007-11-29T17:37:15.520-08:00

On 11/24 we all lost a piece of maritime history as the 38 year old Explorer slipped beneath the waves 20 hours after striking "Submerged ice". The ice strengthened hull was specifically designed for the Northwest passage, and the Explorer was the first ship to carry passengers on this route north of the Americas. On this 19 day cruise, she was carrying passengers from 12 countries. She was the

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-41218959303948305952007-11-29T14:34:00.000-08:002007-11-29T17:41:25.339-08:00

Patti and I will be cruising from San Juan to Acapulco via the Panama Canal stopping at Curacao, Aruba, Cartagena, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Huatalco.This will be our first "live" blogging experience, and we welcome you to check in each day to share our experience. We plan on letting you know what activities we actually engaged in each day, with a picture to get your heart

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-73183393387288070322007-11-13T07:50:00.000-08:002007-11-13T08:00:38.571-08:00

As part of their anniversary celebration, Costa is giving away diamond necklace from Diamonds International on every sailing departing from Fort Lauderdale during its 2007-08 Caribbean season. Each week, a winner will be randomly selected and presented with a necklace from the captain on the last night of the cruise during the "Roman Bacchanal" festivities. A diamond necklace winner will be

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-67996787043083132272007-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:41:37.231-08:00

You knew it had to happen, and it has! Fuel surcharges have hit the cruise industry. The Carnival family announced a $5 per person surcharge recently, and was quickly followed by Regent Seven Seas $7.50 announcement. At last week's meeting with our Royal Caribbean district sales manager Mike Francis, no mention of a hike on their products was made. But, I'm sure that they will or already have

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-65012786870286377382007-10-30T14:10:00.001-07:002007-10-30T14:29:01.563-07:00

Those of you who are not veteran cruisers need to know how psychology affects cruising. During the week after the New Years holiday, people think that they'll be monetarily and physically spent from the holiday season. They don't plan to vacation that week. The resulting low pricing creates a "secret season" for the first week in January.An example is a cabin that Patti just sold on the new

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927248697035003981.post-68296902267609569362007-10-22T17:01:00.000-07:002007-10-23T17:13:07.545-07:00

NCL Senior Vice President Andy Stewart talks about the future of cruising.On our recent cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl, Patti and I had the good fortune to meet NCL's Andy Stewart, Senior VP of Sales and Onboard Operations, at a cocktail party. When asked about where the industry can go next in cruise ship design after rock climbing walls, gyroscopically stabilized sports venues, and Free

Dick and Patti Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038231434000185610noreply@blogger.com0