Big is not so Big after all!

Royal Caribbean started new procedures aimed at improving disembarkation and providing an easier transition for passengers on consecutive cruises.

On day of departure, passengers will have extended access to their staterooms, as well as continued in-room TV entertainment. They also will receive an ‘As You Depart’ notice that communicates the location of departure lounges offering refreshments and light entertainment.

Among the lounges will be a dedicated Family Zone, which will include refreshments, toys and games for younger cruisers. Suite passengers, meanwhile, will get an exclusive continental breakfast.

Additionally, shipwide public announcements will be minimized to make a more relaxing atmosphere, with nearly all departure updates limited to the departure lounges and via in-room TV programming.

Passengers may also choose express departure, a window of time as soon as the ship is cleared when they can hand carry their own luggage.

Clients on consecutive cruises will receive a ‘sneak peek’ Compass (daily program) with an overview of the following sailing. Additional personalized services and attention will be provided.

Regent Seven Seas adds somthing NEW!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises detailed a new alternative dining venue, Prime 7, that will be added to Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner as part of the previously announced refurbishment.

The restaurant will be completed during scheduled drydocks in December for Seven Seas Voyager and January for Seven Seas Mariner.

RSSC says its Prime 7 will be a glamorous, contemporary interpretation of a classic American steakhouse with a menu of prime-aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood and poultry.

Appetizers will include a trio of steak tartares and foie gras sliders along with traditional favorites such as oysters Rockefeller and crab cake.

Among the main courses are eight USDA Prime, dry-aged steaks, ranging from a 32-ounce Porterhouse, carved tableside, to prime rib, filet mignon and surf & turf with Canadian cold water lobster tail or Alaskan king crab. Non-beef specialties include New Zealand double cut lamb chops, double cut Kurobuta Berkshire pork chops, veal chop, oven-roasted organic half chicken, Alaskan king crab legs and Maine lobster.

Desserts include Chicago-style cheesecake with raspberry sauce, a 14-layer Valrhona chocolate cake with pistachio sauce and banana cream pie.

Each meal is accompanied by complimentary pairings of California white and red wines, supplemented by a list of American wines available for purchase by the glass.

Best news to come from this - Reservations are required, but there is no supplemental charge to dine at Prime 7.

Celebrity Solstice - What took them so long?

Celebrity's newest ship - Celebrity Solstice is, in a word, AMAZING! Don't believe me, visit Ambassador Tours' page at www.facebook.com to see firsthand.

Here are some TOP reasons to sail Celebrity Solstice:

1) Unique AquaClass staterooms, premium veranda accommodations with a dedicated specialty restaurant and complimentary use of Persian Garden and AquaSpa relaxation room

2) First ever Hot Glass Show at sea - You have to see it to believe it!

3) First ever Lawn Club at Sea - Real grass and it feels sooo nice on your bare feet...

4) Ten unique dining venues on board - something for everyone, trust me I counted and sampled almost all of them!

5) Expansive retail shops. 18 to be exact. With a feel and look that is second to none.

From the minute I walked aboard and was greeted by a smile and service that ONLY Celebrity can deliver and others try to copy. The ambiance is so relaxing and inviting that it might take more than 7 days to find each different area. The art displayed throughout Celebrity Solstice is like being in a museum, just not stuffy and no opening and closing hours!

Part of my visit allowed me the pleasure to be part of an elite group to witness the naming ceremony. When the ribbon was cut by the GODMOTHER, loud cheers were heard and the celebration began.

President's Cruise a Success!

I have just returned from sailing aboard STAR PRINCESS to Mexico for 10 days. Our group of over 100 who joined my wife and I had a very good time. There is something to be said for sailing in and out of San Francisco. I love to see the world, but sailing under the Golden Gate is awesome.

I highly suggest that sailing aboard a Princess ship is fantastic. I would say it's like your home away from home. Very easy going.

The movies under the stars was a big hit. Saw a few movies and even had POPCORN!

Next time any of you visit Puerto Vallarta, have lunch at Si Senor. One of the best Mexican restaurant's I've been too.