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28 INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 1, 2018 INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 1, 2018 29
ALL CHOCOLATE EVERYTHING
What’s better than a chocolate buffet? How about a chocolate parade?
Decadent dessert lines are undoubtedly a highlight of almost every nau-
tical vacation. The only rub is waiting in said line to reach the decadence.
Holland America has alleviated that minor inconvenience with its fleetwide
Chocolate Surprise parade. Instead of going to the treats, servers mean-
der about the Promenade deck’s bars and lounges, carrying platters
stacked with delights including bittersweet chocolate and buttercream
bites, double-chocolate cupcakes, dark chocolate hazelnut pops, milk
chocolate raspberry tarts, and chocolate-dipped marshmallows, all for
passengers to sample while mingling in the social areas.
ON THE HORIZON
It should come as no surprise that the
newest amenities on Carnival’s latest
ship, the Carnival Horizon, are focused
on fun. For starters, the vessel is home
to the line’s only Dr. Seuss–themed
water park, with the Cat’s Hat spiral
slide and plenty of whimsical splash
features. There’s an Imax theater, too,
and for dinner and a show, check out
Bonsai Teppanyaki, Carnival’s very first
teppanyaki restaurant. Enjoy miso soup,
pork belly with asparagus fries, grilled
tofu with vegetables, a filet mignon
and lobster tail combination, and more,
while watching your talented chef make
volcanoes out of onion rings.
AmaWaterways’ themed wine cruises have proven to be some of the line’s most popular. For obvious reasons:
Sailing oenologists will visit European wine regions and charming riverside towns, and have the opportunity to
learn from guest wine hosts — typically career winemakers and vineyard owners — during onboard lectures and
wine tastings. Wine hosts for the 2018 season will represent a variety of North American labels and territories,
including L’Ecole N° 41 fromWalla Walla Valley,Washington; Ceja Vineyards from Napa, California; and Messina
Hof Winery from Bryan, Texas.
SALUTE
CRUISE NEWS BRIEFS IN SYNC
Princess Cruises’ new Ocean Medallion technology
is poised to be the next giant leap forward for cruise
passengers. The quarter-size widget (wearable in a
wristband or pendant, or in your pocket) is your digital room
key and onboard method of payment. But it also syncs to
select ships’ Ocean Compass, which serves as a virtual
concierge. Access it through touchscreens on the vessel
or your own personal device, and you can shop, order
drinks, and make dinner reservations without ever leaving
your lounge chair. The Ocean Medallion even stores travel
preferences so you’ll receive personalized shore excursion
suggestions, and maybe your favorite cocktail before you
even ask.
BON APPÉTIT
It’s hard to know what seasoned passengers
appreciate about Oceania Cruises more: the
onboard culinary experiences or the line’s
unique and far-flung itineraries that call on
some 370 ports around the world. The latest
gastronomic revelation, however, will most
certainly tip the scales in favor of the food.
La Cuisine Bourgeoise is a seven-course
affair highlighted by a Maine lobster and
cheese soufflé, roasted beef tenderloin, and
baked Alaska — all paired with wines care-
fully selected to complement the meal’s
distinct flavors. It’s currently available on
Marina and Riviera sailings. Reservations for
the 24-seat banquet are required.
Western Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Norwegian Breakaway
Price is per person,double occupancy.Price is subject to availability and to change without notice.Taxes,
fees,and port expenses of $136 per person are additional.Airfare,cruise line surcharges,and insurance
are additional.
Interval Gold and Interval Platinum members: You can trade your week or points for
this or any other cruise through Interval Options.
or call 800-622-1540.
7-Night Sailing:
$779 Embarks Nov. 11, 2018
CRUISES
The Norwegian Breakaway will become the biggest
ship ever to sail from the Big Easy when it reposi-
tions to the Port of New Orleans for the 2018 – 2019
winter season — making for a perfect complement
to a Bourbon Street–inspired exchange vacation. The
4,000-passenger vessel will ply Caribbean waters,
with seven-, 10-, and 11-night trips that call on
popular destinations including Cozumel and Costa
Maya, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman,
Cayman Islands; and Roatán, Honduras. And each
itinerary will make a stop at Harvest Caye, Belize,
where travelers can take advantage of an exclusive
7-acre beach, zip lining, various lagoon activities, and
a large pool with a swim-up bar.
LET THE BIG TIMES ROLL
Round-trip from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Cozumel, Mexico; Harvest Caye,
Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico
Enjoy up to five free cruise perks!