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Published: January 28th 2012
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Cruise Guru Party
Cruise Guru Party Still to come 😊 (can't publish anything until after I've submitted my report to Cruise Guru)
** UPDATE! So the competition is now done and dusted and guess what... I WON!
Here's the link to the website with my photos, report and video:
https://www.facebook.com/CruiseGuruAU#!/CruiseGuruAU/app_162383900546472 Here is a copy of my report: I’ll tell you why - it’s simple: luxury, all-inclusive meals, entertainment and easy travel all rolled up into a boat worthy of Mordor. Cruising really is for all ages: at 16, I cruised the Pacific on P&O’s Pacific Sun.At 21, I circumnavigated New Zealand on the Sun Princess. Now, at 26, I’ve cruised the Hawaiian Islands, ventured across the Pacific Ocean to Ensenada and then up to San Diego on the ‘Carnival Spirit’ as a Cruise Guru Reporter.
Getting there Hawaiian Airlines, despite being aesthetically pleasing with its purple and pink scheme, offers little more than any Australian domestic flight would in terms of inclusive onboard entertainment and comfort. I found the food and service commendable and certainly culturally reflective but three hours into the flight you really start to daydream about the luxury of business class.
Things to do onboard ‘Spirit’
Eat:Try casualdining at La Playa Grille with buffet style meals for all palettes, the Empire Dining Room for full table service and delicious three course meals; the Nouveau Steakhouse for a generous $30 meal; not to mention the Sushi Bar, Sundae Bar and 24 hour drinks and ice-cream machines.For the exhausted partier, have breakfast in bed – room service is FANTASTIC (thanks Florin).
Be entertained:We were some of the first ever cruisers to be launched down the Green Thunder which, at speeds of 65km/h, is the fastest and steepest water slide at sea. I dare you to give it ago. If my 60-year-oldmum can do it, so can you! We also enjoyed comedy acts, musicals and a range of live bands for different tastes and occasions. We really appreciated the sounds of Guy Kahokulani Moto, who produced great vibes, had a very pleasant personality and has promised me that he’s working on his Aussie repertoire (Vasectomy Song by John Williamson? I think so!).
Relax:The Serenity area is for over 21 year olds. I spent many daylight hours bathing in the sun, away from the wind at the back of the ship on the spacious black
pod lounges, reading my book or listening to music. This deck area includes a heated pool, spa and deckchair drinks service.
Another luxury for me was going to the gym, heading to the sauna, then steam room before a shower that blasts five jets in the Roman Spa (anunder-utilised retreat that is a MUST!). Be sure to try the hot stone massage; I think I was closest to heaven on that massage table.
Things to do onshore Visit Pearl Harbor, surf at Waikiki Beach on a long-board, go to a Luau, join the Hollywood Movies Tour with flamboyant guide Wendy, swimand snorkeland then shop till you drop!
My 7 Spirit Tips: Try the Roman Spa and have a shower up there!
High Tea at 3 in the Empire Dining Room – soposh!
Book your onshore excursions early; the good ones fill up really quickly.
Hit the Green Thunder, you’ll be super scared but it’s flamin’ worth it!
Dance the night away at least twice whilst onboard – start at the Karaoke Bar, then head to dinner and boogie with the waiters, shuffle in your seat at a musical, go to
Lido Deck for some funky music and then hit the Dance Club until early in the morning.
Have a chill out session at Serenity – take a good book or iPod and watch the world and the dolphins pass you by at the back of the boat.
Go onshore at Mexico – loved it!
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