Famed marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey laid eyes upon his largest canvas to date for the first time this week – the hull artwork on the new Norwegian Escape, debuting this November in Miami. 

Currently being built in Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Escape is Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the largest in the company’s history. Norwegian Escape represents an evolution of the line’s innovative history of providing guests with the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their ideal cruise holiday. The ship yard visit took place as Harvey’s artwork is now beginning to take shape, bringing to life his perspective of the spectacular Caribbean marine life on the expansive canvas of Norwegian Escape’s hull. 

Spanning more than 300 metres in length from bow to stern, the custom-designed artwork features a scene of marine wildlife which blends two underwater seas seamlessly together. Featuring Harvey’s signature sailfish, the design also showcases key Caribbean sea life including sting rays, sea turtles, whale sharks and a variety of tropical fish.

Some adventure travel types may scoff at the idea of getting on a cruise ship, thinking of it as being too conventional. They should get over that. There are places in the world that are best seen and experienced on water, including little-visited emerging destinations. Check out our picks for the 10 best adventure cruises.

Yesterday we wrote about MSC Cruises new Voyager Club that’s intended to reward repeat passengers with attractive perks. The Miami, Florida-based line is just one of many that are ramping up bonuses for loyalty and early bookings in a recent wave of rewards war at sea. Princess Cruises has always been a leader of the perks pack providing returning passengers with lots of benefits with each new booking.

Now Holland America is fueling the competition with its Explore 4 Club paybacks that gives guests who book any category stateroom a free Signature Beverage Package valued at up to $1,400, free Pinnacle Grill dinner for two, reduced cruise fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits when booked by Oct. 31, 2015.

"We know that many travelers like to plan in advance, so we're offering some great incentives to entice them to book a cruise with us sooner," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "By making their reservations now, guests can also ensure a better selection of the itinerary and type of stateroom they prefer and receive a great value with all that's included."

Have you ever been on a cruise?  As part of our European trip, we booked a Western Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas.

A couple of months ago I was thinking about back packing through Europe. Then I got turned off by the idea of staying in hostels and traveling for weeks with all my stuff. Booking hotels in various cities was looking expensive and that’s when I thought about the cruise.

I chose Royal Caribbean’s  7-Night Western Mediterranean cruise because it made stops in the same cities I wanted to visit.

Here is a very nice write-up of a couple that sailed on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas to the Western Mediterranean. Some very nice picture of the ship and ports. I have been on this ship when it was sailing in the Caribbean and it is one of my favorites.

Also see Cruiseable writer Carrie Finley-Bajak's take on this fantastic ship 

https://cruiseable.com/cruise-line/royal-caribbean-international/allure-of-the-seas

Even vacations have goals: On a Caribbean cruise, you want to see beaches. On a European cruise, you want to see museums and historic sites.

Those are easy goals to achieve. But many travelers booking their first Alaskan cruise want to see wildlife, and they wonder how hard it is to ensure they will. After all, beaches, museums and ruins stay put, but whales and bears tend to move around.

So how hard is it? According to cruise experts, it isn’t hard at all.

Hurtigruten will be adding one more ship to its current fleet of 13 with the purchase of a new expedition ship that will temporarily be named MS Norway Explorer.

“The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size will bring Hurtigruten’s guests even closer to nature,” says CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “We invest in our fleet to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a world leader in sustainable explorer travels along the Norwegian coast and polar destinations as well as enrich our guests’ unique experiences by expanding our service at destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica.”

The ship was built in Portugal in 2009 at the Viana do Castelo shipyard and is now making its way to Scandinavia. The ship will undergo a total reconstruction including adapting for polar waters; upgrading the cabins, suites and public spaces for the 320 passengers; and adjusting the power plants and emissions so as to meet Hurtigruten’s high standards, the ship will then join the fleet along the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route. The new ship will replace the Midnatsol, which will join the MS Fram in Antarctica for the 2016/17 season.

Royal Caribbean has announced that Majesty of the Seas will stay in their fleet after all and will add a host of upgrades including fast, free internet.  This reverses a decision last fall that had the cruise ship leaving Royal Caribbean in 2016.

Instead of removing Majesty of the Sea from their fleet, Royal Caribbean, will dry dock and upgrade the ship.  Homeport in 2016 will be Port Canaveral and sail 3-4 night cruises to the Bahamas.  Upgrades to include Free Wi-Fi, water slides, DreamWorks Experience, and a host of new dining experiences.

He’s the swami of sweets. The master of meringue. The guru of ganache. He is Hans Kiendl, pastry chef of Crystal Symphony. And his delectable creations are served at every meal, daring even the staunchest dieter to have just one bite.

The Germany-born chef, who has been with Crystal almost since the luxury cruise line launched its first ship 25 years ago, is serious about his work. And it shows in his beautifully presented desserts, using the freshest, purest ingredients. “It only tastes good when you use good ingredients,” he says, adding that he doesn’t use alternatives, like corn syrup. And everything is made from scratch.

 That’s quite a feat for Kiendl and his staff, who start preparing early in the morning for the day’s meals, which start with the Early Risers Continental Buffet in the Lido Café at 6:30 a.m. Pastries and other baked goods are also served at the full buffet breakfast, as well as in the Crystal Dining Room and The Bistro. After breakfast, his staff supplies sweets for lunch, afternoon tea in the Palm Court, dinner, and late-night snacks in The Bistro. And then, there’s 24-hour room service. “The food operation is the biggest entertainer on board,” he says.

Enjoy a 7-day Caribbean Cruise to escape the winter blues in January 2016 aboard the classy Holland America Line ship Nieuw Amsterdam.

Why this cruise is special: We're fans of Holland America's Dancing With the Stars at Sea feature, and these voyages combine nights of fun-filled dance entertainment with days of carefree frolicking on sun-kissed beaches, at a great price, starting at $699. 

Details of this sailing

If you're new to cruising, now's the time to book a cruise for winter 2016 (these sailings fill up fast!). Enjoy a weeklong voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam, rated 4½ stars by Cruiseable.

Courtesy of Holland America LineIn the mood for refined, romantic and intimate dining? Head to the Pinnacle Grill on Niew Amsterdam.

This cruise features guest performances from the professional dancers and celebrities who dazzle the audience with routines from TV's “Dancing with the Stars.” Events include dance lessons with the ship's professional dancers, a special fashion show and a chance to meet the dance pros and celebrities. The events are included in your base fare.