By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
One of the big trends in cruising this year is the three and four-night short cruise. Whether it’s because people have less time to spend on vacation or less money to devote to a vacation, it’s big this year. Many first-time cruisers are starting out with the short cruise as an easier commitment.
Most of these cruises leave out of Florida. There are more choices this year, especially with Royal Caribbean’s brand new Utopia of the Seas dedicated solely to short cruises out of Port Canaveral; Celebrity Reflection and Silhouette with short cruises out of Fort Lauderdale; and Virgin Voyages Valient Lady with short cruises out of Miami.
I recently test-drove the Celebrity Reflection four-night cruise to Bimini and Perfect Day at CocoCay – the private island introduced by Royal Caribbean. Since the cost was much less than a seven-night cruise, we were able to reserve a sky suite, which is part of the retreat. It included an upgrade to the premium beverage package and premium Wi-Fi; round-the-clock room service; and a butler who brings you treats and makes reservations for seating in the theater or specialty dining. The exclusive restaurant Luminae is remarkable, and the waitstaff all know your name by day two.
The Corner Aft Sky Suite has the best balcony we have ever experienced for a three-quarter panoramic view of our ports of call, the wake as we sailed away from the port, early morning sunrises and evening sunsets. With many musical duos, soloists and bands onboard, a different show every night, and a rocking casino, you can engage in a lot of different activities, or just relax in the spa and do nothing at all. For a couple’s getaway, Celebrity calls it “A date night all day long,” and that’s a great description.
Utopia of the Seas is the first time Royal Caribbean has built a new ship dedicated to short cruises. You can literally get onboard on Friday and be in the office on Monday. The formula of three and four-night cruises also pairs well with Disney and Universal theme park visits in nearby Orlando (a one-hour drive from Port Canaveral). Utopia is really great for families, including multi-generational families. There is so much to do on this ship that the ship can actually be perceived as the destination itself. Royal calls it “The world’s biggest weekend” and Travel & Leisure refers to it as a “nonstop party” since it has 40 restaurants and bars onboard with multiple shows with an emphasis on music. The beverage package is extra to keep it under control for families.
Last, but not least, is Virgin Voyages offering adults-only cruises out of Miami on the Valient Lady. Their three and four-day cruises to Key West and Bimini or Dominican Republic and Bimini feature 20 dining venues included along with fitness classes to work off all that food. Gratuities are complimentary.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.