Ships Back (up) to the Future!

Have you ever wonder how some of the shipyards move ships? On the Ems river in Germany near the Papenburg shipyard you would see some amazing sites.

Ships in REVERSE!! Ships must back down the river to join with the sea. This is not the design for ships, they are made to move forward or back up for short distances to make a u-turn.

If you stand along the banks of the Ems river in Germany near the Papenburg shipyard you are bound to see an amazing sight.   A giant cruise ship going down the river - backwards!   Is this a prelude to a parallel parking test for the Captain’s driver’s license exam?  No, but it is certainly a huge challenge.  Like cars and trucks, the most efficient direction for a ship to move is forward.  However,  when ships are being built at Meyer Werft yard in Papenburg, the layout of the assembly buildings dictate that they enter the structure head in.  Therefore, when the ship is nearly completed and ready for sea trials it must leave stern first.  And since the Ems River is quite narrow, larger cruise ships can’t execute a  U turn and have to depart for the open sea by traveling in reverse.

The ships successfully transited the narrow river channel and then are at their temporary berth.  There the ships will be provisioned and loaded with additional supplies.  The ships then proceed to sea trials. After a series of trade and press functions the ships set sail on their maiden voyages  The only question left unanswered?  Do ships have back up lights?

Lanai

Why go al the way to Hawaii for a Lanai? If you’ve been researching hotels or condos for a vacation in Hawaii, you may have come across the word lanai and wondered what that means. A lanai is the Hawaiian word for patio or balcony.

Did you know a Lanai is also An island of central Hawaii west of Maui. It developed as a pineapple-growing area after 1922.

But for this blog, it is a patio or veranda and Holland is adding lanai's to there ships. This is the best way to experience a lanai while sailing the seas!

Comedy Onboard

Comedy abounds on baord Carnival's new Dream. The comedy shows tend to be for adults and you definately need to read the onboard newsletter for content. Not everyone likes some of the comedy.

Alaska

WOW! What a great time we had in Alaska. This is a trip everyone should take. Families are loving the Love Boats in Alaska! With great cruisetours, you get the best of both worlds, cruising and seeing Alaska on the iinside!

Oasis - a Refuge

A Refuge, A relief, A plesant Change From What Is Usual! With the interduction of the Oasis cruising will take on a whole new meaning.

This ship will be a BIG change from the norm, will it be for everyone? There will always be those clients who want to stay small, but if you are adventurous and like to try new things this is the ship!

The new facility at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale is innovative. We are looking forward toseeing how they handle the mass number of people.

Dining Dreams

The new Carnival Dream, with great dining options.Check out all there is to offer.

Voyages for Veterans Program

Team up with Cruise Planners and our Voyages for Veterns Program. Cruise Planners has always been a giving company.

With our new program we can give back to those who protect our country. We support our troops and our freedom.

Oasis of The Seas

It is almost here.......drum roll.....will you see the Oasis of The Seas for yourself?

Let Us Work For You!

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Dancing at the Bars?

Royal Caribbean doesn’t want to be left out of the latest reality dance show craze.  First there was “Dancing with the Stars” and then “So You Think You Can Dance?” on TV.  And now,  “Gotta Dance” takes to the high seas aboard Royal Caribbean’s ships.  Based on the documentary film by Dori Bernstein, the program offers passengers of all ages the chance to learn hip hop routines with a shipboard dance team member.  The program is inspired by the film that chronicles the first senior citizen hip hop...

Ever Wonder What Questions Are Asked Onboard Ships?

Can you imagine the funny questions which are asked of the Cruise Directors?

Cruise Line Cabins

All ships have the deck plans that are similar, but all cabins are not alike!

Cruise Line Dining

All ships have the same dining venues, some have more!

Hits and Myths

Is Booking with the cruise line cheaper? Check out the myths below!