Beginning in June, Royal Caribbean cruise ships sailing into Hong Kong will dock at the new $1 billion Kai Tak Cruise Terminal that features eco-friendly features and an impressive harbor view from the terminal's interior and rooftop.

The new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal can handle ships of up to 220,000 gross registered tonnage. It can also process 3,000 passengers an hour.

The first ship scheduled to officially utilize the new Kai Tak terminal is Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas on June 12.  Voyager of the Seas will also dock here this year. Royal Caribbean ships will return to dock here in 2014 as well.

Right now, Asia is a hotbed for cruise industry growth. "Total Asian cruise passengers could reach seven million by 2020 based on projected China cruise market growth," said Bill Flora, director – USA, Hong Kong Tourism Board . "Asia could likely represent 20% of the global cruise market by 2020.”

ROyal Caribbean will send three ships to the United Kingdom in 2014 - Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas - with bookings opening on March 20, 2013.

Both Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas will sail out of the Southampton for their second consecutive seasons from May 2014 until late October 2014. Brilliance of the Seas will return to her home port of Harwich after a debut season in summer 2013.

Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President and General Manager for the UK and Ireland, Jo Rzymowska, commented on the news, "We are delighted to announce our 2014 sailings from Southampton and Harwich on our newly revitalised ships. Our guests can continue to enjoy our innovative facilities and activities onboard including rock climbing, ice skating and surfing, plus our great entertainment. We want to continue to give our guests unforgettable experiences that can only be found on Royal Caribbean International.”

Independence of the Seas will feature a range of itineraries in 2014, including shorter sailings such as a three-night and four-night cruise to Le Havre for Paris, and Zeebrugge for Bruges. Independence of the Seas will also showcase a six night cruise to France and Spain, an eight-night cruise to Norway, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, plus 11 and 12-night Canary Islands cruises.

From May 2014, Adventure of the Seas from Southampton will return to a series of seven to 16 night cruises around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus shorter sailings, including a four-night trip to Belgium and France.

Brilliance of the Seas, sailing from Harwich, will visit Northern Europe on 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland cruises and the Baltic Sea on 12-night Scandinavia & Russia cruises.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas returned to Port Everglades, Florida today after 105 guests and 3 crew members contracted norovirus on the cruise ship.

"Vision of the Seas experienced an elevated number of persons with a gastrointestinal illness on its last sailing," Royal Caribbean International said in a statement. 

Royal Caribbean crew members gave out over-the-counter medication to those affected by the virus.

An official statement by Royal Caribbean discussed what steps the cruise line as taken to prevent the problem in the future, "At Royal Caribbean International we have high health standards for all our guests and crew.  During the sailing, we conduct enhanced cleaning onboard the ship, to help prevent the spread of the illness."

When the Vision of the Seas docked in Port Everglades, the company said it conducted an extensive sanitizing onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal, to help prevent any illness from affecting the subsequent sailing.

"Guests received a letter at boarding that asks if they have experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms within the last three days," Royal Caribbean officials said.

Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President of Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Richard Pruitt, talked to a group of reporters during a tour of Explorer of the Seas about the challenges the cruise line is facing in powering their ships in light of new maritime industry emissions regulations.

Explorer of the Seas is powered by  6 V12 diesel engines that are connected to 6 12.6 MW electrical generators. The ship was taking on 1,300 tons of fuel during the tour. The Explorer holds two types of marine fuel because US and international law dictate that low sulfur fuel oil must be burned within 200 nautical miles of member-country shorelines, a boundary known as the Emissions Control Area established by the International Maritime Organization.

New air pollution regulations took effect last August have had a direct impact on cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean "had problems getting compliant fuel in the Pacific Northwest," Pruitt said. Dealing with the emissions issue is currently his greatest challenge, he added.

Compounding the problem is that space aboard a cruise ship is at a premium and the need to carry multiple types of fuel means multiple tanks must compete for precious space.

Pruitt thinks the solution could lie in scrubbers, much like those used by utilities operating coal-fired power plants. He said two ships experimenting with them now "show great promise."

But the regulations are scheduled to tighten even more from less than 1% sulfur fuel now to below 0.1%, which could double fuel costs inside the ECA, according to Pruitt. Scrubbers will likely be required to some extent, he said, because the sulfur content of fuel can only be reduced so much. In order to comply with regulations, some contaminants may need to be scrubbed out after the fuel is burned.
 

On our cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas last week, Hotel Manager Michael Rasmussen discussed briefly the new Quantum of the Seas cruise ship that Royal Caribbean is developing and addressed some of the rumors floating out there.

What features do you think Quantum of the Seas will have and what amenities do you want on the new cruise ship?

The hurricanes of 2017 damaged the beach. We do not recommend going here until it is rebuilt.

The island of St. Martin is known for its beautiful beaches but one of its lesser known beaches is a great choice if you're looking for a very calm ocean experience that is perfect for young children. On our recent cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, we tried Le Galion beach on the French side of St. Martin.

Description

Le Galion beach is a small cove that has a reef/sandbar that breaks any waves well off shore so it's basically a beach that is more like a pond. In addition, the depth of the water barely exceeds a foot or so for a good few yards.  All of this makes for perfect conditions for young children who want to be in the water but cannot swim or are not strong swimmers.

The beach is horseshoe shaped and is free to access, although if you want to use the chairs and/or umbrellas that are set up, it will cost a small fee (2 chairs and an umbrella cost $15).  One half of the beach has soft white sand while the other half has rocks and coral for those that want to do a little snorkeling.  The water tends to be very clear and it's just the perfect environment for kids to play in.  It's also serene enough for adults to enjoy for the quiet ambiance that a beach like this provides.

There's a small restaurant and bar on one end of the beach that has your basic beach bar food as well as a full array of drinks.  There is no waiter service but the beach is small enough that walking to it is not a problem.  Le Galion tends not to be as crowded as other beaches so that usually means no vendors walking up and down the beach trying to sell stuff to you.

Comments

Le Galion beach is perfect for families who have kids that want to play in the water but most beaches have too rough a surf for it to be safe.  Our two year old who cannot swim had no problem playing in the first few feet of water, that barely went up to her thighs when standing up.  

For adults, le Galion is great if you just want a no-frills, calm beach experience.  We saw plenty of adults without kids enjoying the beach on their own.  Given the relative lack of surf, this is not a beach that you will find lots to do in the water but there are 2 floating docks that anyone can swim to.  The first dock is relatively close to shore and a good option for kids but the other dock is further out and best suited for adults.  Otherwise, there are no other water toys available. 

What I love about le Galion is how simple and serene everything is.  For my daughter, it was heaven because of the no waves.  For the adults, we enjoyed sitting on our chairs and enjoying a few adult beverages while taking everything in.  The restaurant/bar is somewhat expensive, depending on what you order.  Drinks are average in price, although it's still cheaper to drink here than your cruise ship.

I do need to mention le Galion is a clothing optional beach, and on our visit we did see about 4 women bathing topless.  During our time, the sunbathers kept to one side of the beach while the families seemed to be on the other.  It was not a big deal for us and unless you're looking for it, the nudity is easy to miss.  

Location: e Galion Beach Rd., Quartier D'Orleans, St-Martin / St Maarten

Cost: Beach access is free. Chairs and umbrellas available for rent.

Royal Caribbean announced its 2014 cruise schedule for Northeast America and European cruises across six ships serving ports in New England and Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, and the Baltic, North, Norwegian and Mediterranean seas, respectively. In total, Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas will embark on 87 sailings with a total of 85 unique ports of call on two continents.

Royal Caribbean put its 2014 Canada and New England cruises open for sale today while its Northern Europe sailings will go on sale on March 20, 2013.

Europe

Independence of the Seas also will sail an eight-night itinerary to the southern fjordlands of Norway on May 17, followed by a shorter six-night cruise to Paris (Le Havre), France, and Bilbao and Gijon, Spain, departing on May 25. Vacationers also can choose a three- and four-night sampler, sailing October 25 and 28 respectively, with calls at Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, and Paris. Furthermore, Independence of the Seas’ 2014 Europe season is bookended with a 13-night eastbound trans-Atlantic voyage from winter-homeport Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a 15-night westbound return crossing departing May 4 and Nov. 1, 2014, respectively.

Also to homeport at Southampton, Adventure of the Seas will offer vacationers a panoply of roundtrip Baltic, Iceland and Norway, and Mediterranean sailings, ranging from 12- to 16-nights. On the Baltic Sea sailings, guests will call at St. Petersburg for two days, enough time to explore the ‘Window to the West’ and a take an excursion to inland Moscow. On the Iceland-bound sailings, guests also enjoy a two-day call at Reykjavik to join in the vibrant ‘nightlife capital of the North.’

For a week-long cruise option, vacationers can chose a seven-night Southern Norway cruise, departing May 23, or a seven-night North Sea cruise to France and Spain, departing Oct. 26. Two short cruises, a four-night Belgium and France itinerary, departing May 4, and a two-night Paris (Le Havre) sailing, departing Aug. 29, will offer vacationers a taste of the Voyager-class ships, the first to introduce the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of restaurants, lounges and boutiques that stretches nearly the ship’s length. Vacationers also can span two continents on 14-night trans-Atlantic crossings, sailing eastbound from Miami on Apr. 20 and westbound to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 2.

In addition to Southampton, vacationers can choose 12- and 13-night Scandinavia and Russia cruises, sailing roundtrip from Harwich, England, aboard Brilliance of the Seas that also features two-day calls at St. Petersburg. A 12-night Fjords & Iceland itinerary, departing July 26, brings guests to southern Norway, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands, as well as calls for two days at Reykjavik. Fourteen-night, Trans-Atlantic crossings also bookend the ship’s Northern Europe season, with the eastbound voyage departing on Apr. 30 from Tampa, Fla., and a westbound voyage departing on Aug. 31 that follows a northerly route to Boston, Mass.

Legend of the Seas heads for the Baltic Sea on April 16 on a 16-night trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Everglades to Copenhagen. Nordic and Baltic enthusiasts then have a choice of Copenhagen or Stockholm, from where they can embark on a seven- or eight-night Norwegian Fjords or Baltic cruise. From Copenhagen, an 11-night Arctic Circle itinerary, departing June 7, calls as far north as Tromsø and Honningsvåg to bring guests into the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun.’ An 11-night Ultimate Scandinavia Russia itinerary, departing Copenhagen on June 18 features a three-day call at St. Petersburg and an overnight at Stockholm for an extensive Baltic adventure.

Canada, Bermuda, New England and Caribbean from Northeast USA

In autumn 2014, vacationers have a choice of four ships, aboard which to catch the infinite range of colors in the grand Northeast U.S. and Canada’s Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. From Quebec City, four cruises aboard Legend of the Seas will sail 10- and 11-night itineraries, calling throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A 12-night Canada and Bermuda cruise, departing Nov. 3, will include an overnight in Bermuda as the ship repositions to its winter homeport of Port Everglades. Brilliance of the Seas alternatively, will offer six autumn sailings to Canada and New England, sailing roundtrip from Boston to Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on seven-night itineraries.

Explorer of the Seas will offer two nine-night fall-foliage cruises, departing Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. on Aug. 28 and Sept. 11. The ship also will alternate a five-night Bermuda and a nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean itinerary for the convenience of vacationers from the New York metropolitan area.

From Baltimore, Md., Grandeur of the Seas will offer mid-Atlantic vacationers four convenient sailings to catch the fall foliage on an eight-night Canada & New England itinerary. These eight-night sailings will alternate with a six-night Bermuda itinerary that uniquely features a three-day call at the British overseas territory.

Royal Caribbean indicated today that half of its cruise ships will now offer the new "Barbie Experience" premium package that it has developed with Mattel's Barbie doll brand.

Royal Caribbean expects the entire fleet of ships to receive the Barbie Experience by the end of May 2013.  Monarch of the Seas will not receive the addition, since it is scheduled to be transferred out of the fleet later this year.

The Barbie Experience costs $349 per child and is available on sailings of five nights or longer.  It was introduced on Oasis and Allure of the Seas in January.

Radiance and Rhapsody of the Seas will be the last two ships to get the package.

One of the oldest specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships is Chops Grille, their steakhouse restaurant and fan favorite

Chops Grille is featured on all of its cruise ships, and it offers patrons a steak lunch or dinner that costs extra.

While the restaurant has a cover charge to dine there, it's a great choice for a special night out.

You might be wondering if it's worth it to eat at Chops Grille, and there's a few factors to consider.

Chops Grill menu

Atmosphere

Being a specialty restaurant, Chops Grille typically has an elegant, steakhouse look to it.  Many ships feature dark woods, with light beige accents throughout the restaurant. 

Given the restaurant's smart casual attire, dining here definitely has the look of an upscale appearance.

The exact look and size of the room will vary from ship to ship, but it's usually one of the larger specialty restaurants.  The Oasis and Icon Class cruise ships have their Chops Grille located in the Central Park neighborhood, with outdoor seating available.

Chops Grille on all other ships feature large windows with a view of the ocean, usually located near the Windjammer marketplace.

Chops is open for dinner on all nights, and lunch on select days.  It's often open for lunch on embarkation day too. You will want to make reservations whenever possible.

Royal Caribbean wants to evoke a classic steakhouse vibe, so there isn't much here to surprise in its aesthetics if you've ever been to a similar restaurant on land.

Many restaurants have a view into the kitchen, where you can see the chef preparing the steaks and of course plenty of tantalizing smells too.

Chops Grille food

Chops Grille offers a fairly simple menu of appetizers, entrees and sides.  The appetizers and entrees are served individually, but the sides are served family style. Given the serving size of the sides, it makes sense to share them although it does require some planning to ensure you don't over order.

After you are seated, a selection of breads and butter will be brought to your table to try. The pretzel bread rolls in particular are really good. 

For our appetizers, we went with the Asian-Inspired tuna tartare and crispy goat cheese salad.  In Chops, you can order more than one appetizer or side if you choose. They do limit you to one entree per person.

The fried goat cheese alone is worth ordering this entree, and it's something we order on every visit.

Equally good was the tuna. I love ahi tuna, and the small cubes along with avocado are a great choice for anyone that enjoys sushi-grade tuna.

Another very popular appetizer is the wild mushroom soup. It has a good flavor to it, and seems to be such a good fit when having a steak dinner.

Of course, the steaks are the star attraction at Chops Grille.

The Chops menu has a few different steaks to choose from, and all are included with your cruise fare. It's really a matter of personal preference as to which cut of steak is best for you: filet mignon, New York strip, or a ribeye.

I generally go with the filet mignon since it's usually regarded as the best cut of steak.  If you prefer a richer flavor, the ribeye is the way to go.

If you're new to steaks or just not sure what to order, it's hard to go wrong with filet mignon because of how soft and flavorful it is. 

Your waiter will ask what temperature you like to have the steak cooked.

In any case, the steaks are usually very consistent in flavor across the fleet.  

Chops Grille also offers for all their steaks various sauces to try including classic bearnaise, chimichurri sauce, green peppercorn sauce and cabernet reduction.  

Personally, I'm of the opinion a steak should taste good on its own, but I did try the chimichurri sauce on the side.  I thought it was a nice change, but I think steak lovers will prefer their steaks to remain au natural.  You can, however, ask for the sauces on the side to try.

If you don't want a steak, you can also order chicken breast, lamb, or even a filet of salmon.

Having sampled each of these alternatives, they're all quite good, but I'm not sure I would book a reservation at Chops just for those dishes. I've found the non-steak dishes are satisfactory, but nothing special.

Sides include cheese tater tots, jumbo asparagus, mashed potatoes, French fries and more.

Sides come in small pots that you can serve yourself with from the table.  Your waiter will give you the choice of ordering individually or sharing with your tablemates.

We just had to try the desserts and I went with the red velvet cake and my wife chose the chocolate mud pie.  These desserts were very rich and very good. I ordered the red velvet cake simply to have a taste but before I knew it, I had eaten half the slice.  Saving room for either of these is a must-do.

Overall

You can expect to pay $69.99 per adult to eat at Chops Grille for dinner on an Oasis Class ship, and $24.99 per adult for lunch. Kids will pay $14. Children under the age of 6 are free.

Dinner at Chops Grille is not cheap, but it's designed to offer an alternative choice for a special night out, or simply somewhere to get steak every day of the cruise.

You can knock down the price by purchasing an unlimited dining package, and if you plan to eat at more than 2 specialty restaurants, this can be a great saving.

Quality wise, their steaks are good, but maybe not the best I've ever had.  Certainly if you want a good steak onboard the ship, this is as good as it gets and when you try for the beef filets they have in the main dining room, Chops' steaks will seem like divine intervention.  The rest of the food (appetizers, desserts and sides) are good choices and all met or exceeded our expectations.

The bottom line is I enjoyed eating at Chops Grille for its good food, but I have reservations about the cost.  For a special night out, Chops is a good choice especially for people that really like steaks.