Sunday, June 23, 1991 — North Shore News - 39 Cruise aims for carnival atmosphere WHAT’S HOT in the honeymoon travel market? Carnival Cruises! Barbara MicCreadie TRAVELWISE Here’s a first-hand report from my best snoop — my daughter Suzy, who just returned with her new husband, Dan, from a week on the Jubilee, cruising the Mex- ican Riviera out of Los Angeles. First, the cost —- $3,000 for two covered air fare, taxes, transfers and the cruise. They purchased additional insurance. Suzy’s last cruise was aboard the Island Princess so, spoiled as she is, she described their cabin as “no screaming hell,’’ but it was immaculate, large enough for a king-sized bed and had a TV. The ship has an in-board TV crew who video passengers aboard and ashore as well as a movie channel and a satellite. However, the two were so busy with ship- board activities and shore trips that they hardly turned it on. Food? My stick-slim daughter gained eight pounds and is delighted — ‘‘I'm not parting with an ounce of it!"? She read me the meal schedule and to sum it up, it’s non-stop. Two hints: If you travel Car- nival, demand the fate (8 p.m.) sitting and a table for eight. They “asxed’’ but were given the early sitting at a smaller table. Unfor- tunately, one of the others at the table was a 19-year-old bride who “bitched from morning ‘til night.’ Also, enlist the help of your waiter when it comes to choosing the food from the menu. There’s quite a differetice in quality and your \.aiter will make sure you gei the beet. Who travels Carnival? Since the prices are very reasonable, expect a large proportion of younger Join CBC Sports Ted Reyriolds Rio bound on the elegant SS Rotlerdam 20th January - 146 Days We specialize in over 35 cruise lines around the world. 985-SHIP (7447) 1823 Capilano Rd. qvise~ acenters poo Bees Groin ‘Mescmairs Spasccabost s people — or people who just feel young! All age groups are represented and the one thing that prevails is best described as a party at- mosphere — perhaps not ideal for someone who wants a good feet- up rest. The evening shows are top- flight, Vegas-style, with all the costumes, lights and music you would expect in Nevada. Also, the cruise line has a system of rotating entertainers —- exchanging them at ports along the way so you don’t get ured of the same comedians and singers. Suzy advises against taking the shore tours. They tried one and found that they were bored and annoyed — the buses stopped fre- quently at sleazy peddlers, selling junk out of the backs of rat- tletraps. Another warning: There are three prices — the ‘‘local’’ price (although what local would buy trinkets?), the regular ‘‘tourist’’ price and ihe ‘‘cruise ship’’ price. So don't wear name tags or other paraphernalia such as necklaces that identify you as fresh off the ship. By taking your life in your hands and taking a cab into the main part of the town, you'll probably save %4 on purchases. The favorite tourist hangouts such as Senor Frog’s in Mazatlan Start jumping as soon as the ship docks. ‘‘People were dancing on the tables by noon!”’ Suzy was surprised — and a bit disappointed — at Cabo San Lucas (the tip of the Baja). On our previous visit it was a sleepy little town with a number of lovely resorts on the fringes. It’s “‘going touristy’? just as fast as Puerto Vajlarta and Mazatlan did, once they got the wrong idea. There’s a big open-air market instead of the small shops and bootlis that we enjoyed. Carved iron wood was a wonderful buy when we Jast visited, but the qual- ity has eroded and they searched for hours ta find a larger, quality carving. Did they enjoy the trip? ‘‘Al I know is that we're booking again!’’ declared Suzy. However, she added that next time they’d probably prefer to block-book with a group of friends. Large groups were com- mon. ose Have you always wanted to take a cruise but hesitated because you (or your spouse) thought you might not enjoy it? I just found out about an in- novative ‘fone nighter’ sailing from Vancouver on Sept. 28. A local company, Pacific Pro- motions, has chartered the 1,350-passenger Noordam for what it calls ‘‘the ultimate party schmooze'' —- whatever that means. The schedule calls for noon boarding with a barbecue lunch on deck as the ship sails for the San Juan Islands. Then, passen- gers can give all the shipboard amenities a try. At 6 p.m. formal dress is en- couraged — Black and Lee For- mal Wear has a special deal for rentals. The evening begins with two sittings for the gourmet din- ner. Entertainme. ; follows — it will include some well- known bands but I couldn't scrounge any names. If you're still hungry, the famous midnight buffet is on the menu. If you haven’t cruised be- fore, be prepared for an extrava- ganza that often includes ice sculptures and a chance for the chefs to go wild with imaginative food displays. Ticket prices: all double (or four) © $199 — cabin for four * $249 — cabin for two © $299 — cabin for two, deluxe Port charges and taxes are ex- tra. I talked to the organizer, David Frinton, who told me: * Its taken him three years to work out a one-night cruise. * There is no possibility of cancellation as the ship is already paid for. © 520 tickets are already sold — mostly the middle-road, $249 ones, but the super luxury ones are completely gone. * All the amenities of a regular cruise will be available. elf you intend to party all night, the best deal is share the cheapest cabin so you can get out of your tux before the 9 a.m. docking on Sunday morning. Tickets are available from Pio- necr Travel Centre (Granville Square, 200 Granville St.) and vou can call them at 682-1506. Pioneer Promotions is a West Van company. per person, ove One thing I must point out — the mini-cruise is not representa- tive of your usual week or so at sea. The ‘‘mini’’ is far more for- mal. Cruise Holidays’ Fabulous 50’s Cruise Ma featuring THE COASTERS and more MV HORIZON November 2 - 9, 1991 © FREE airfare ¢ Deluxe statewom © 8 delectable meals a day © “Fabulous 5(’s" mune & dancing ¢ Complimentary “Fabulous 50's” parties & events © Special “Etbulous 50's" bon voyage gift © Nonstop daytime activities & fun ® Sizling nightrime entertainment teaturing The Coasters, Chuck Rin & The Champs and Dudie Stevens ® Ports of call in Nassau, Sr. Thomas & Antigua during 7 fabulous Caribbean days & nights! Call TODAY for Reservations or FREE Color Brochure! 926-7245 NAVE See Ope pera, Geubie oxcapeney US. duiters. ‘Ship's regeetry: Liberia AIR FROM SEATTLE & Dy riziaazrr rear Tear 2 ? NO GST! On an ordinary cruise, there is one formal evening per week, but men aren't obliged to visit Black and Lee — a suit is the choice of 95% of the passengers unless they happen to own formal wear. if } were packing for the mini cruise, I’d wear something very casual aboard (and bring a bathing suit), and plan to wear the same casual outfit home. Brian’s tux and my dress would be in a garment bag and we’d have one small satchel with underwear, cosmetics, shoes and sleepwear. Pack only what you need! Since you won't be going ashore except in Vancouver, there’s no Customs to worry about and -you can disembark without fuss. And you'll disembark in style — the Noordam will be at Canada Place, not at our ‘‘local disgrace,”’ Ballantyne. 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