My Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Luna: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In March 2026, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees went on an inaugural cruise onboard the brand-new Norwegian Luna! Read her incredible experience below:

Norwegian Luna

Q: With Norwegian Luna being the newest Prima Plus class ship, was this your first time sailing with NCL or have you experienced their other classes? – A: This was not my first time cruising with Norwegian. My NCL journey actually started about 12 years ago when I sailed to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Breakaway with my husband’s extended family—a group ranging from an 11-month-old to 65+. More recently, in April 2025, I enjoyed a two-night preview of the Norwegian Aqua (the Luna’s sister ship), where the ship stayed docked for the event.

 Q: Where did you sail from and where did you go? – A: We sailed from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On my last cruise, we actually had to skip this stop because rough seas made tendering impossible. This time, however, we finally got to experience the island thanks to the new pier—no more tendering required!

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Q: The Luna features some upgraded stateroom designs, which category did you stay in and how was the space? – A: We stayed in a forward-facing balcony cabin and it was very spacious and well equipped. There is nice space under the bed to store your luggage and three closets (two with sliding doors and one open) to store your clothing and personal belongings. Truthfully, the bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: I absolutely loved the decor and layout of the ship. In my opinion, the Prima Plus class is the perfect size—neither too big nor too small. Because this series was built in Italy, you can see many luxurious touches in the finishes. The dining experiences were equally impressive; the food was truly phenomenal.

Q: If you had to describe the “personality” of the Luna in just three words, what would they be? – A: Glamorous, Playful and Immersive.

Norwegian Luna Hull Art: “La Luna“

Q: The hull art is stunning! Did you learn anything about the artist, ELLE, or the meaning behind the “La Luna” mural on the bow? – A: The story behind the Norwegian Luna’s hull art is fascinating. NCL commissioned world-renowned street artist ELLE to create the bow mural, titled “La Luna.” She designed the piece to represent the magnetic pull of the moon—a symbol of curiosity, emotion, and adventure. By blending dreamlike imagery with flowing cosmic shapes, the art perfectly captures the romance of the sea. If you look closely, you’ll even find intricate constellations woven into the design, serving as a beautiful tribute to the wonder of a starlit night at sea.

Hasuki

Q: Which restaurant on the Luna is a “must-visit” for future cruisers? – A: I especially loved the atmosphere at Hasuki—and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, too. The chef provides such fun, playful entertainment, all while preparing your dinner right before your eyes.

 Indulge Food Hall

Q: The Luna introduced new dining concepts like Sukhothai (Thai) and the Indulge Food Hall. Did you get a chance to try these new additions? – A: I was able to experience the Indulge Food Hall. Personally, the logistics of getting your food aren’t my favorite, but I loved the idea of trying dishes from different parts of the world. The food really was great.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: From the Observation Lounge to the Metropolitan Bar, where was your favorite spot to grab a signature cocktail? – A: My favorite spot for a cocktail was the Vibe Beach Club. Imagine an adults-only outdoor oasis with comfortable loungers and the sun on your face—add a Mango Meltdown in your hand, and you have the perfect, relaxing atmosphere.

Aqua Slidecoaster

Q: Let’s talk thrills! Did you brave the new Aqua Slidecoaster or The Drop dry-slide? – A: ’m always up for a little thrill, so I absolutely tried the Aqua Slidecoaster and The Drop. On the Luna, the Aqua Slidecoaster felt faster through the tunnels than the one on the Aqua, which I thought was a nice update. The Drop was also super fun—I love it when adults can feel like kids again!

ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™

Q: Between the Broadway-style theater and the interactive venues, what was your absolute favorite entertainment experience? – A: The high-energy Elton John tribute was my favorite entertainment experience, with the Eagles tribute coming in a close second. It was really neat to see how they incorporated real footage of Elton into the show; the talent of the performers was truly exceptional.

Tee Time

Q: Was there a specific “Luna Exclusive” feature or technology you’ve never seen on any other ship before? – A: Although I didn’t get to try it myself, the Swirl Wine Bar offers a virtual reality wine tour that several people onboard raved about. I also really enjoyed the interactive mini-golf course, Tee Time, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf balls to automatically track your strokes. Another cool find: some of the bars, like the Whiskey Bar, are experimenting with ‘clear cocktails.’ They use the exact flavors of traditional drinks—so your Bloody Mary tastes authentic, but looks crystal clear!

 Q: Is there any “insider secret” about the ship that passengers might miss if they don’t know where to look? – A: I really appreciated the water bottle filling stations in the buffet—the water is actually chilled and refreshing. They’ve also upgraded the traditional buffet pizza with a wood-fire oven, which makes a huge difference in quality. One quick insider tip: the bathroom waste cans are tucked inside the cabinet doors to save space, so don’t be confused if you don’t see one on the floor!

Great Stirrup Cay Pier

Q: You mentioned you visited Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. How has the island experience evolved with the new pier and amenities? – A: Being able to walk straight onto the island without tendering is a huge upgrade for Great Stirrup Cay, making the transition on and off the ship a total breeze. My favorite spot was the 28,000-square-foot heated pool, which features a swim-up bar and plenty of room to either swim or lounge the day away.

Pool at Great Stirrup Cay

Q: We know there’s a new tram system on the island. How easy was it to get around to places like Silver Cove or the Vibe Shore Club? – A: The tram is a great addition for getting around the island. From the welcome center, you can hop on a tram that takes you to several key locations. It’s worth noting that to reach Silver Cove or Vibe Shore Club, you currently need to transfer to a second tram. After a full day onshore, using the tram to avoid the steep incline of the bridge on the way back is a total lifesaver!

 Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: Based on feedback from previous Prima-class ships, NCL made some brilliant design updates to the Norwegian Luna. They added a new exterior staircase that connects the pool deck to the top decks—a smart move that means you no longer have to cut through the buffet. They also increased the number of interior staircases to improve guest flow and accessibility. Best of all, the beloved ‘fish’ are back on the stateroom hallway carpets to help you easily find which direction is forward!

Norwegian Luna Inaugural Sailing Welcome Sign

Q: Would you sail on the Luna again? – A: Yes! I have always been a fan of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. They consistently provide an excellent cruise vacation and a fantastic overall value.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Luna? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

 

Our Personal Experience Onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Brand-New Star of the Seas: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In August 2025, members of our team went on an inaugural cruise onboard Royal Caribbean International’s brand-new Star of the Seas! Read their incredible experience below:

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Q: Was this your first time sailing on Royal Caribbean? – A: All of us have sailed on Royal Caribbean before, but we were all very excited to experience the Star of the Seas – one of the largest cruise ships in the world – for ourselves.

Q: Where did you sail to and from? – A: We sailed roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas.

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: We each had Balcony staterooms, and they were great! The room felt very spacious and well-appointed, giving us plenty of room to move around comfortably throughout the entire sailing. A nice bonus was the bathroom’s shower which was large enough to be comfortable and even featured a built-in seat! 

Balcony Stateroom

Q: How did you feel about the Star of the Seas being one of the biggest cruise ships in the world? Could you tell? – A: This was our first time sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship of this magnitude. Some of us were not sure how we would like a ship as large as the Icon Class, but we were actually extremely impressed! Although the ship is so big, it is truly one of the most well-designed ships we’ve sailed on. We all agreed that even though the ship holds many passengers, we never felt crowded. It was a great experience!

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: This may seem like a small detail, but we really loved the amount of deck space compared to other ships. Whether we wanted to unwind by the pool, enjoy a quiet drink, or simply relax – the ship offered endless places to choose from.

Chill Island

Q: What surprised you most about the ship? – A: The ship’s elevator system and technology were simply incredible – we can’t praise it enough! A key feature is the central hub of twelve elevators, which was never overcrowded. The secret? When you need a ride, you use a touch screen to select your desired floor. The screen then directs you to a specific elevator with a letter prompt, and once inside, your work is done! There are no buttons to press, you just wait for your floor to be announced. This technology sets a new standard and makes the cruise ship elevator experience effortless and efficient.

Q: What was your favorite dining onboard? – A: Dining onboard was a massive hit! Everyone raved about the Main Dining Room’s food and service. For a more casual bite, we found “the best Smashburger ever” at Basecamp, located in Thrill Island. And don’t forget the Windjammer Café (buffet), which offers incredible choices for every meal and snack, including luxurious options like lobster and steak!

Food from Windjammer Café

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? – A: The Pub was a favorite for its atmosphere – the decor genuinely felt like an authentic Irish pub. We appreciated the live music and cold Guinness on draft. The Lime & Coconut was also unmatched. It’s conveniently located by the pool, serves delicious cocktails, and hosts live DJs and musicians who keep the energy high throughout the day.

The Lime & Coconut

Q: What was your favorite entertainment onboard? – A: The general consensus is the onboard entertainment was truly spectacular! We all thoroughly enjoyed Back to the Future: the Musical, which was nothing short of amazing. The cast was very talented and the set was incredible (topped with a flying DeLorean)! A true blast from the past.

Back to the Future: the Musical

Q: What other shows did you attend? – A: We attended two other shows. The ice show, SOL, was a highly immersive and captivating experience. Then, switching gears to water, Torque at the AquaTheater was pure adrenaline and filled with breathtaking stunts by exceptionally skilled divers. Make sure you get to shows early even if you have a reservation to guarantee seats with your group.

SOL (Ice Show)

Q: What other activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – A: The ship provided endless ways to spend the day. For a wholesome highlight, we were excited to meet Sailor, the ship’s adorable canine mascot. Thrill-seekers will love the immense collection of waterslides (major thrills guaranteed!). If gaming is your style, the Casino was huge, offering plenty of machines and tables.

Sailor, the ship’s canine mascot

Waterslides

Q: You mentioned you sailed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. What do you want to share about the port? – A: Perfect Day at CocoCay was absolutely amazing, offering diverse experiences we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We loved exploring the differences between the beach areas, particularly the exclusive Hideaway Beach Club. This adults-only oasis features beautiful white sand and clear, calm ocean water. Please know that the club has continuous, loud party music, so if you are looking for a quieter experience, we’d recommend other parts of the island.

The island’s public spaces were just as incredible as the beaches, offering amazing atmosphere and convenience. We also really enjoyed the Oasis Lagoon Bar. It had a beautifully thatched roof and spectacular Polynesian-style furnishings, creating an atmosphere that felt like an exotic escape. This bar is especially convenient as it serves guests both as a swim-up bar and an on-land bar. The design details made all the common areas very fun and appealing.

We got our adrenaline fix at the Thrill Waterpark. The waterslides are amazing, delivering major thrills. We highly recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and enjoy the fun without long lines.

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Hideaway Beach Club

Hideaway Beach Club

Hideaway Beach Club

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: Yes!

– Getting on and off the ship was an absolute breeze. The process was incredibly smooth, thanks to two dedicated escalators from the main promenade that took guests directly to the disembarkation level. The fact that moving thousands of guests is easier on the world’s largest ship than on most others we’ve sailed on is a true testament to the ship’s design.

– Even the public restrooms onboard were high-tech! They featured touchless entry and exit. You just waved your hand by the door, and it opened – a brilliant feature for hygiene and convenience.

Q: Would you sail on the Star of the Seas again? – A: One hundred times – yes! The ship is perfect for singles, multigenerational families, couples – everyone! There’s truly something for all onboard.

Star of the Seas

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/royal-caribbean/index.html to learn more.

 

Our Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Aqua: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In April 2025, some of our Boscov’s Travel employees stayed onboard the brand-new Norwegian Aqua! Read their incredible experience below:

Norwegian Aqua

Q: Was this your first time on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? – A: We had a variety of travelers with us ranging from first time cruisers – even first-time cruisers with Norwegian Cruise Line – all the way up to seasoned pros. It was really fun to watch how everyone interacted with one another. We were able to gain and give advice where needed, and of course, learn all there was to know to bring information back to our clients.

Q: What was the first thing that wowed you when you stepped onboard? – A: When stepping onto the Norwegian Aqua, we were floored/awed/taken back by the elegance and refined style of the ship, truly giving the ship a ‘modern relaxed feel.’ We noticed the lighting on the ship – even from one deck to another – really aided to the atmosphere, whether it be relaxing with a cocktail at the Belvedere Bar or bright lights shining your way around the shops. We couldn’t help but also notice how spacious and clean the ship was too. Great first impression!
Insider information: the Prima class was built in Italy, compared to the Breakaway class in Germany. We think this was smart and will aid in the ship feeling modern for years and years to come.

Penrose Atrium

Q: Describe the atmosphere and vibe of the ship in three words. – A: 1. Upscale 2. Luxurious 3. Serene

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: As mentioned, we had a variety of travelers with us for this trip staying in a variety of staterooms ranging from Oceanview all the way up to a 2-Bedroom Family Villa in The Haven. Even with the variety, everyone had similar feedback that they could not believe how spacious the cabins and the bathrooms felt (a huge plus in our books)! There is ample amount of room to fit all your belongings and for them to stay organized as well.

Balcony Stateroom

Q: What was your favorite onboard entertainment? – We absolutely love the Broadway-styled shows onboard! Our top favorites were Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and Elements: The World Expanded. The latter show had incredible dancing, magic and acrobatics. The show incorporated the different elements: wind, water, fire, and even snow! Both shows had such great energy and we highly recommend them.

Aqua Theater

Q: What was your favorite restaurant onboard? What dish did you enjoy the most? – We all have our own favorite restaurant from the cruise including:

– Hasuki was a great hibachi-styled restaurant. The food was flavorful, colorful and fresh, but the headliner had to be the great entertainment from the staff preparing the food.

Hasuki

– Hudson’s Dining Room is one of the main dining rooms onboard. One of our travelers raved about the amazing menu with ‘the best braised short ribs I’ve ever had!’ And of course, crème brulee to top it off.

Hudson’s Dining Room

– Sukhothai is the new Thai restaurant onboard. We were told this restaurant was developed from a fan favorite, the Thai Cashew Chicken dish, and offers a range of authentic Thai cuisines. A lot of our group dined here one evening and had mixed reviews on whether it was worth the specialty dining cover charge or not.

Sukhothai

– Palomar is the Mediterranean restaurant onboard focusing on fresh fish and seafood. One employee dined here and had rave reviews. The floor to ceiling windows added a beautiful backdrop to the meal, service was excellent, and food was out of this world. Our recommendations are the Grilled Prawns and Greek Village Salad for appetizers, and the Filet Mignon for an entrée (the Lemon-Herb Maître d’ Butter ::drool::). We also recommend trying one of every dessert for the table with the Galaktoboureko being a surprise favorite of the table.

Palomar

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? Was there a go to drink? – Our group had samplings from each bar onboard and tended to hop around between the Belvedere Bar, the Penrose Bar and the Local Bar & Grill. We liked the atmosphere/vibes at these bars and had plenty of space to hangout and sit. The Local Bar & Grill will be your go-to late-night spot and we recommend the cheese fries (don’t feel silly asking for 3 or 4 orders, they are on the smaller side and go fast). The weather wasn’t the best, otherwise, we would have enjoyed the multiple outdoor bars. Our go to drinks onboard – and some new fan favorites – included gin and tonics with a lime and a lemon, dark ‘n’ stormy, the classic Aperol spritz, whiskey on the rocks, etc.

Belvedere Bar

Q: What activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – It seemed like our group was able to cover the whole ship collectively, which was nice because for being onboard for just a day and a half, a single person wouldn’t be able to see all the offerings. Our favorite activities included the:

– Sail Away Party

– 90s Party

– Miniature Golf – Tee Time

– Pickleball

– Shooting hoops on the Glow Court

– The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Tee Time

Pickleball Court

Glow Court

The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Q: Was there anything on the ship you’ve never seen before? Tell us about everything new! – Mentioned above was the new Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and Norwegian also introduced another restaurant to their Indulge Food Hall concept, Planterie, as well as Swirl. Planterie is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated plant-based venue and offers bowls and other healthy options like the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl with spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots, and the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh. Swirl is a wine lounge onboard the Aqua and offers a wine-by-the-glass menu and a selection of rare and premium vintages. This is a perfect place to cozy up to your partner and enjoy some wine together.


Indulge Food Hall

Q: How was the all-new Aqua Slidecoaster? – The Aqua Slidecoaster was so very fun and such a cool experience! The Aqua Slidecoaster is a new addition to Norwegian and is the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide! We had a few brave souls within our group try this new activity in chilly weather (some went in clothing, some were extra brave and did it in their bathing suits). We are a thrill type of group so we collectively agreed the best part was the sendoff with the mechanical arm. After the sendoff, you then get to enjoy the standard leisure waterslide. Even if you aren’t a rollercoaster person, we still recommend trying the Aqua Slidecoaster out as it wasn’t overly intense.

Aqua Slidecoaster

View of the Aqua Slidecoaster from Vibe Beach Club

Q: What was your favorite spot to relax and unwind on the ship? –  A great place to kick back and relax is the Observation Lounge. It’s a beautiful enclosed lounge with comfortable seating to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views. And of course, the Penrose Atrium is the prime spot to be while enjoying a cocktail and people watching. If the weather was nicer, we would have enjoyed the Vibe Beach Club (the adults-only section onboard; admission fees apply). And if you are lucky enjoy to stay in The Haven, absolutely take advantage of the sauna and hot tubs on the sundeck.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: How was the service from the crew throughout your time onboard? – Outstanding! The crew onboard was very friendly and above and beyond accommodating. Through our trade training onboard, we learned that they select the crew based on having previous experience onboard that type of ship class. No matter what the question or request, the crew was available and eager to help.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – It sounds cliché, but we truly loved it all. The layout, style and finishes of the ship, the spacious accommodations, the dining venues, the outdoor areas (including the infinity pools and hot tubs), the accommodating staff. We are excited to share this ship with our clients knowing they will have an enjoyable vacation on an incredible product.

Q: Would you sail on the Aqua again? – Absolutely.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Aqua? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

My Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Viva: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In November 2023, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees went on an inaugural cruise onboard the brand-new Norwegian Viva! Read her incredible experience below:

Norwegian Viva

Q: Was this your first time sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line? – A: No, this was not my first time sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line. I have sailed about six times with them!

Q: Where did you sail to and from? – A: The ship sailed round trip from Miami, Florida to Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

View of Miami from Norwegian Viva

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: I had a wonderful and cozy balcony stateroom.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: What I loved most about the ship was actually the décor! From the colors and all – it was extremely warm and welcoming.

Q: What surprised you most about the ship? – A: The layout of the ship surprised me the most! It was very different than any other class of Norwegian ships that I’ve been on. The new design is a ‘smart design’ allowing for all the fun to be right in the middle of the ship.

The Atrium

Q: What was your favorite entertainment onboard? – A: My favorite entertainment was definitely the Improv at Sea shows. They were hilarious and I laughed all night. I also played a game in the comedy club with other passengers one day and we all had a great time!

Q: What was your favorite restaurant onboard? – A: I enjoyed Hudson’s Dining Room the most. The design was stunning with floor to ceiling windows and great food. One of the times I ate there, I had the Beef Wellington and it was so tasty and savory. I did not have a meal I didn’t like!

Q: Did you enjoy the Indulge Food Hall concept? – A: I really liked the concept of Indulge Food Hall and have never eaten somewhere like it before. Indulge is an eat around the world concept all in one place. I tried a good bit of the food there and it was delicious! Another neat thing about Indulge is there is not much of a wait time. It felt as if my food was fresh and on the table right after I ordered it!

Indulge Food Hall

Indulge Food Hall Outdoor Dining

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? – A: My absolute favorite bar onboard was the Observation Lounge. I loved the décor there especially and the views! Plus, the drinks were fantastic.

Q: What activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – A: I tried out the Viva Speedway (sooo fun!), spent time at the pools and bars, and also played the game at the Improv at Sea as I mentioned. If I have to pick a favorite onboard activity, it would definitely be the Viva Speedway. There were beautiful views of the ocean and it was so fun to zip around three levels of track!

Pool Deck

Infinity Pool

Waves Pool Bar

Q: What did you think of the Oceanwalk? – A: The Oceanwalk was pretty neat with how you are able to walk on the glass above the ocean!

Q: Was there anything on the ship you’ve never seen before? – A: There was much on the ship I have never seen before from the Indulge Food Hall, the Viva Speedway and the layout. This ship was so neat and fun!

Q: You mentioned you sailed to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. What do you want to share about the port? – A: Great Stirrup Cay is a port where the ship tenders. So once on the island, I had a great time and the weather was beautiful. I was able to take a behind the scenes tour, spend time at the beach, ate and explored the island. The beaches were extremely beautiful, and there were many activities/excursions including ziplining, wave runner tours, shopping, eating, relaxing and more. As the island is private, there were no locals haggling at the beaches which was very nice. Great Stirrup Cay is truly a relaxing port to visit!

Great Stirrup Cay Beach Entrance

Great Stirrup Cay Beach

Jumbey Beach Grill

Great Stirrup Cay Ziplining

Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse

Q: Did you go on any excursions? – A: Yes! I was fortunate enough to go on a behind the scenes tour of Great Stirrup Cay which showed us where the employees (who actually live on the island) stay, what they can do when they’re off work, where they shop, and more!

Great Stirrup Cay Behind the Scenes Tour Entrance

Great Stirrup Cay Behind the Scenes Tour Employee Housing

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: The staff onboard the Viva and at Great Stirrup Cay were all very friendly and helpful. They made the cruise even more enjoyable than it already was!

Q: What do you recommend to anyone sailing on the Viva? – A: Definitely, it’s a nice ship whether you’re going for the ship itself or the itinerary.

Q: Would you sail on the Viva again? – A: Yes! Of course.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Viva? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

 

My Personal Experience on Boscov’s Travel Exclusive Private Non-Stop Charter Flights to Orlando & sailing on an MSC Cruises’ cruise

Posted on by boscovstravel

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took our Boscov’s Travel exclusive private non-stop charter flight to Orlando. Read her incredible experience below.

MSC Cruises’ Seaside

My husband and I went on the Boscov’s Travel exclusive private non-stop Orlando charter the week of October 22, 2023. We weren’t traveling with family this trip so we decided to forego the theme parks in the Orlando area and instead take a relaxing 4-night cruise to the Bahamas along with 2-days in St. Augustine after the cruise.

As a Boscov’s Travel employee, I have taken our charter several times before and it’s always been such a pleasurable experience compared to flying out of the other airports where there’s lots of traffic congestion and extra costs.  The Reading Regional Airport is easy to get to, easy to park (we were right in front of the terminal, mere steps away), and the Boscov’s Travel check-in and TSA security were fast and efficient (all done within a few minutes).  We did not have to pay to park, pay for our seats, or pay for luggage! When you add up all of these costs, these are big savings, plus driving time to the airport is a breeze!

The Southwest Airlines flight crew was friendly and welcoming and our plane ride was very fast and smooth (we arrived early). We were booked on the MSC Cruises’ Seaside sailing to Nassau and Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas. We met an MSC Cruises representative shortly after our arrival at the Orlando International Airport and were effortlessly transferred to Port Canaveral (less than an hour ride) where we boarded the ship.

MSC Cruises’ Seaside

We had a cabin in the Yacht Club which is an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience with excellent service from the ship’s staff (special praise to Jordan, our waiter and Glen, our butler). As part of the Yacht Club experience, a private butler meets you at the pier and escorts you onto the ship bypassing the long lines. We were checked in promptly at their Concierge Desk and were eating a delicious lunch within minutes at their private dining room. Our Yacht Club experience included the Premium Beverage package, unlimited Wi-Fi and complimentary access to the Thermal Spa area.

Nassau Port Terminal

Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas which has a very nice and new Port Terminal & Shops.  If you traveled to Nassau in the past, you may remember the old straw market and vendors.  This was not a pleasant experience… very claustrophobic and chaotic with lots of pressure from the vendors to buy their wares.  This new Port Terminal & Shops is very clean, bright and organized with lots of open space, beautiful landscaping and friendly vendors. Such a great improvement! After our shopping jaunt, we returned to the ship where I decided to take advantage of the Thermal Spa (my husband went off to explore the ship). I spent two hours experiencing all the features which included a steam room, two saunas (a dry and a European), a snow room, a salt room, a Vitality pool with oxygen-intensified water, an aromatherapy shower and a heated stone lounge chair. I absolutely loved these last four options!

Our next stop was Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve, their private island.  This island was a former industrial site where sand was excavated that MSC reclaimed and restored to its natural beauty. What was nice about this stop was we were here overnight so we didn’t feel rushed and could enjoy a leisurely day and a half at the beach using the ship as our hotel. As part of the Yacht Club, we were escorted off the ship by our private butler (again bypassing the lines) and taken by a dedicated tram to the Ocean House Beach & Restaurant.  The Restaurant was very nice and served several options for lunch including local fish, lobster and tropical drinks.

Bimini Beach

The beach here is pretty, but we decided to walk a short distance to the North Beach which was located on the lagoon and had beautiful calm clear water with a palm tree-lined beach. On our walk we passed Bimini Beach which has a spectacular lighthouse and views. In the evening, the beach is filled with night-life including a beach party and light show!

Casa Monica Resort

Dinner at Forgotten Tonic

We disembarked the ship on Thursday morning and picked up the car rental shuttle at the pier for the next part of our adventure. We got our car then drove to St. Augustine! Our drive took a little over two hours as we took the scenic route rather than major toll-ways. We checked into the Casa Monica Resort (part of the Marriott Autograph Collection), which is a beautiful hotel built in 1888 nestled in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District. We spent the afternoon exploring this area which was all within walking distance of our hotel. Later, we had dinner at a quaint little restaurant called Forgotten Tonic. The restaurant reminded us of dining in a cafe on a Mediterranean street.

St. Augustine Historic District

Flagler College Hall

Alcazar Hotel/City

Spanish Moss – Fountain of Youth

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the U.S.A.

The next day we took a narrated sightseeing tour of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks on Ripley’s Red Train tour. A special perk is they offer military and senior discounts, but you must ask for it.  Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining as he told us about the history of America’s oldest city.  After this tour, we went back to the Orlando area for our overnight stay at the Embassy Suites-Orlando International Airport. The next day check-in at the airport was easy with the help of the dedicated Southwest staff at the North East Flight Departures ticket counter. We did check in three hours ahead of our flight departure time because security lines at Orlando International Airport can be very long. Our flight back to Reading Regional Airport was again enjoyable with a colorful fall aerial view of Berks County as we arrived back in Reading.

We had a wonderful vacation and the charter was truly the best way to get to Orlando! I highly recommend trying Boscov’s Travel’s exclusive private non-stop charter flights to Orlando at least once (and when you fly once with us, you’ll agree it’s the best way to get to central Florida)! Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning your Orlando vacation whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/exclusives/orlando-charter/default.aspx to learn more.

Families, unite for Marvel Day At Sea!

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Families, unite! In 2017, Disney Cruise Line will be introducing the all-new Marvel Day At Sea. Guests will be able to meet Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, and other Marvel superheroes to participate in all-day entertainment aboard the Disney Magic.

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Beginning in the fall of 2017, Marvel Day at Sea will be on seven and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises departing from New York on Oct. 6, 14, 28; Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 2017. These sailings will include one day of action-packed activities in which guests will be able to enjoy exclusive opportunities to interact with Marvel heroes and villains, a special Marvel deck party, youth activities as part of the Marvel’s Avengers Academy, exclusive merchandise, and unique food and beverage options.

Kids and adults alike, will enjoy special screenings of their favorite Marvel films and TV shows known to mankind, including the newest releases and Disney XD shows such as Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Some of the highlights on this fantastic voyage include:

  • Meet-and-greet and photos with Marvel Universe Super Heroes.
  • A spectacular Upper Deck Party with music, dancing and games.
  • The Upper Deck Party culminates in a stunning display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship.
  • Kids and families summon their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competition during trivia games, covering courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel Universe.
  • For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in the Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.

All will include a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Fla., with a day at the Walt Disney World Resort. Don’t miss these cruises sailing from NYC. Plus, Boscov’s Travel makes it easy with direct roundtrip transfers to the pier. Let us pick you up so you can start your vacation the moment you leave your house.

If you’re interested in learning more how you can set sail with your favorite superhero, contact your Boscov’s Travel Specialist today.

If you’re ready to book your cruise adventure, email [email protected], call 800-755-8020 or direct message us.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury).  View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.

Rediscovering my love of cruising aboard the Norwegian Breakaway

Posted on by boscovstravel

The following post is written by Wendy, a member of the Boscov’s Travel Corporate Team.  Wendy recently sailed on the Breakaway, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, as part of a FAM. In the travel industry, FAM trips – better known as familiarization trips – help travel agents learn what’s available for their clients in destinations across the globe. Wendy traveled on the FAM in October 2016. 

Norwegian Cruise Line had invited myself and other members of the Boscov’s Travel family on a 7-Day FAM trip aboard Norwegian Breakaway. For me these trips are a real joy and it had been a number of years since my last cruise, so needless to say I was excited. One of the beautiful things about a familiarization trip on a cruise ship is that travel specialists can experience, well, everything!

img_3715For our Bermuda cruise, we departed from the New York City pier. Boscov’s Travel offers transfers for select cruises to this pier from local Boscov’s in Reading, Camp Hill, Lancaster, and Easton. Our group took one of these transfers aboard a luxury bus from Reading, PA to the cruise terminal. Having cruised before I was quite familiar with the procedures of boarding a cruise ship. I’ll admit, I was blown away by how much more smoothly and streamlined Norwegian has made the boarding process. We were moved along quickly, porters took our luggage, and the staff was polite and friendly. All in all the experience was hassle and headache free.

Unfortunately, the weather was not going to cooperate. Hurricane Matthew threw a wrench in the works. Instead of sailing to Bermuda as planned, our itinerary was changed to Port Canaveral, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. Seeing as we were on a FAM trip to learn about the ship, this didn’t deter us at all from enjoying everything the Norwegian Breakaway had to offer.

Our first stop was Port Canaveral, Florida. Despite being a little overcast, we decided to check out Cocoa beach. After an enjoyable bus trip to the beach, we felt like we had the beach to ourselves. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought and the weather helped play a small part in that. There are surf shops in the area and made for a nice break in between relaxation sessions on the beach.

The second port we experienced was Nassau, Bahamas. We spent two hours in Nassau at the Straw Market. It was great experience to be able to see hand-made art and local delicacies. According to the locals, the sunset in Nassau is a must-see and we decided to catch it from the Breakaway. And to be honest, the locals were right… was breathtaking.

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The food on the Breakaway was something to behold. We had the chance to experience the Brazilian style Moderno and the Italian style La Cucina specialty dining restaurants during our trip. And if you have the chance, I highly recommend eating at both. At Moderno, your mouth will water as different grilled and slow-roasted meats are carved tableside. At La Cucina, they take classic Italian dishes and put a fresh twist to create something unbelievable.

The rest of the time, we enjoyed the Garden Café Buffet. The buffet style of cooking on a cruise ship has come a long way since the last time I experienced it. Everything tasted as if it had been cooked especially for us. The taste, freshness, and options available were delicious. They also incorporated themes everyday with options ranging from Chinese one day to Western the next, then seafood after that. There were also made-to-order dishes available upon request.

One of our Boscov’s Travel team members is gluten intolerant. One of the best great things about Norwegian’s food options is that they can make anything gluten-free. The staff was very accommodating and understanding of any and all dietary restrictions. During the day, you can go to any of the restaurants and place an order for your dinner that night with your restrictions. When you arrive later that night, your food will be made to your specifications.

The nightlife experiences aboard the Breakaway transformed the ship into the hottest spot at sea. At H2O, every night was a different theme. One night it was a 70’s disco night and the next was an 80’s new wave night. During the day, cruisers could attend a flash mob class and that night everyone would perform the routine they learned that day. We had the chance to experience a flash mob and see everyone perform the dance routine from Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video.

img_3492Entertainment rocked the ship throughout our 7-days. Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor are two of the on board shows you shouldn’t miss. The cast of Rock the Ages was friendly and entertaining and managed to really involve the audience in the show. Even though the 45-minute dance routines from the foxtrot to the salsa of Burn the Floor is not my cup of tea, it was an amazing performance to watch.

Despite Hurricane Matthew changing our entire itinerary, it did not stop us from enjoying everything Norwegian Cruise Line had to offer! If you have the chance to get aboard this floating palace of entertainment, food, and fun; I would highly recommend that you do so. Norwegian’s really taken things to a whole new level with this ship and it shows; from the accommodating staff to every minor detail on the ship. The Breakaway is truly a cruisers dream ship.

If you’re ready to learn more about cruising, email [email protected], DM Boscov’s Travel on Facebook, or call 800-755-8020. Be sure to ask about specials!

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury).  View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.