The 411 on ALL Things Bermuda: Tips, Tricks and More!

Video Credit: The Ocean Escape YouTube Channel

Let's chat about my new favorite place on earth: Bermuda! In fact, I love it so much, I went twice in one summer (both on cruises of course). Did you catch that? I went AND came back twice (so go ahead and throw that Bermuda Triangle hype down the drain)! Bermuda has a few staple cities--three I'll highlight in this post--that you should make MUST visit when you go to this beautiful, pink island! Below you'll see a small blurb about each city and a link embedded in the title - please click it for an in-depth exploration of each city! :)

The Royal Naval Dockyard [Heritage and Kings Wharf]: <<< Click for more information!

Unless you're cruising a smaller vessel, this is where your ship will most likely dock. In this area, there is the Bermuda Glass Blowing and Rum Cake Factory (where you can taste the best rum cakes on the planet AND watch glass blowing for absolutely FREE). The Clock Tower Mall which is home to some amazing places to shop! The National Maritime Museum of Bermuda is on this side of the island--adjacent to the cruise ship dock. There, you can tour a beautiful fort used for wars, AND even visit a host of bars serving up the Bermudian favorites, Dark and Stormy as as well as "The Swizzle!"

There I am outside the Clock Tower Mall after
a little shopping. You'll LOVE it!

Hamilton:  <<< Click for more information!

This is the island's capital. It's the hustling and bustling city you'd expect with sights ready to take your breath away. From here, you can hop a bus to one of the iconic pink-sand beaches in Bermuda. A few popular ones are Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Bay and Warwick Long Beaches. You'll also spot the island's only franchise, KFC, amazing shops on Front Street and even a movie theater! If you're looking for a little less hustle and a little more peace and quiet, be sure to pop a squat (or at least walk through) the beautiful QE2 Park - which was recently dedicated in honor of Her Majesty for her Diamond Jubilee!

I took this pic at Horseshoe Bay Beach - the most popular pink sand beach in Bermuda.
I guess the triangle myth is true... it turned my 'B' upside-down!

St. George's: <<< Click for more information!

This is the city I call Bermuda's hidden gem! Once you visit, you exactly why I call it such. St. George's is rich in immense history - housing a 400 year old church, historic downtown and so much more! There, they have underground caves you can tour, super cool reenactments, and even a real salve ship. Speaking of ships, this is where the cruise ships used to dock... then they started building bigger boats, haha. Tobacco Bay and Turtle Bay are also favorite beach areas in this region of the island (both of these beaches DO NOT have the pink sand). This area is also close to St. David's and there you go to the Zoo and Aquarium.

Holding a Bible that's probably older than any cruise ship still sailing today.
St Peter's Church is a MUST visit - it's the oldest operational church in the Western
Hemisphere with 400 solid years under her belt!

And here's a island map for ya to kind of see where these cities are. You can also see where some of the beaches and other highlights are. All the pink sand beaches are on the southwest portion of the island.

Photo Credit: Word Atlas

And if you're trying to figure out how you're going to get around on this island, I have a cheap, fun and cruisetacular answer for ya... PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION! <<< Click for more information! Well, I think that's about all I have to share with Bermuda. I know it's A LOT of information, but I hope it helps you and your family to have the best of times when you cruise to Bermuda! Enjoy and soak it all in! Until we talk ship again, keep cruisin' and groovin'! Always nothing but love--Shon!

Happy Mother's Day from CM3K to CM3K!

Happy Mother's DAY!

Hey, cruise friends! I just want to wish ALL the mother's all around the world a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Today is the day we thank, honor and cherish your love and support for all these years! WE, your children, are and will forever be eternally grateful! You all rock the world, always are the biggest heros we know and do it all without breaking a sweat! I love it!

Meet my mother, I call her CM3K - Cruise MOM 3000! ;)

Yup, that's mi madre... and I ain't saying her age
(but don't she look good?)

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM, 

I love you so much! Truly, YOU'RE THE REASON why Cruise Man 3000 is even here! Wow! We've been on so many great cruises together and I LOVE your stories from the high seas! I LOVE how we have different favorite ships, too! I know Cunard Line and Celebrity Cruises are your favorites (even though you also have love for NCL... which you know I appreciate)! 

Thank you for investing the art of cruise vacations into my life. Honestly, I never would have thought I'd go from a Camp Carnival kid to a blogger... with a cruise consultant on top. This here is truly no mistake and I am so blessed to have had you see my passion for cruises and push me to share it with all those who would listen. Thanks for always being my biggest fan and I can't wait to get back on the high seas with you again (I know you're well ahead of me in numbers, but don't worry, I'm gonna catch up soon)!

Also, thanks for modeling the way with healthy living! You inspire me to stay healthy and if the 50's look like you, then I'm surely excited to see those years come my way - Lord willing. I love you. I honor you. I love you!

Queen Mary 2 is my mom's favorite ship.
Which ship does your mom love the most?

Give your mom a hug. Tell her you love her. Always be patient with her and lend a ear when she needs it. Just remember all the times she helped you fix your clothes when you were younger, waited with you at the table to eat all your veggies and help you perfect small things like writing your numbers and letters correctly. Happy Mother's Day MOM and to all the cruising moms, keep sailing with your kids - it impacts us kids for a lifetime!

"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!' Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." - Proverbs 31:28, 29, 31

Grandeur of the Seas is Back in Charm City, Folks!

Never have I been more proud to be a resident of the great state of Maryland! We're home to the Superbowl Champions, the best crabs in the world and the recently refurbished Grandeur of the Seas! On Friday, May 03, 2013, Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley (D) proclaimed the day to be state-wide Royal Caribbean Cruise Day! How cool is that? It was with great enthusiasm I accepted an invitation from Royal Caribbean International to join in for the festivities that would be taking place at the Port of Baltimore (which is conveniently only 15 minutes from my driveway)! Here in Baltimore, we have seen tremendous growth in our annual cruise passenger numbers! We began with seasonal service back in 2004 with about 30 cruises a year that took 60,000 passengers on high seas adventures.

Grandeur of the Seas' return has truly captivated
my heart! Welcome back, girl!

Today, the Port of Baltimore sees approximately 100 cruises a year (96 slated for 2013) with 240,000 passengers sailing through the number one cruise port in the Mid-Atlantic and excluding Florida, it's the second biggest cruise port on the East Coast! The Port of Baltimore is the 11th biggest cruise port in the United States and 20th in the world! In addition to that, the Port generates about 90 million dollars in revenue for the State of Maryland and 200 direct jobs. And if any of you have been here, you know the port literally sits right on I-95 - making it the best free advertisement around! Now that's what I call cruisetacular!

CM3K chilling by the revitalized pool onboard.

In her 48 million dollar face-lift, Grandeur of the Seas was given new dining options to bring her food offering to eight - something unheard of for a ship her size (which is great)! She also was given a new pool-side big screen for your viewing pleasure as well as upgraded areas for toddlers, kids and teens! The Solarium onboard, which is adult only and also saw an enhancement, truly helps the mature cruisers find the perfect escape while on the ship.The highlight of the improved Grandeur of the Seas is the Centrum Wow show which takes place in the ships centrum (some of you may call it the atrium). Oh, and did I mention RCI have her all new carpet and furniture? She's truly a new ship with enhancements that'll truly fit everyone who sails aboard - including YOU! She looks better today than when she first set sail in 1996!

Grandeur of the Seas sailed from the Port of Baltimore seasonally from 2004-2009 prior to her return in 2013. Friday, May 3rd marked her first cruise from Baltimore in about four years - the voyage was a seven night cruise to Bermuda; featuring 3 days and 2 nights docked at Kings Wharf. Today, she currently offers the most diverse list of sailings from the Mid-Atlantic with a port of call line-up to include Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida, the Eastern Caribbean, Canada and New England. With new features, amazing voyages and plenty of room for you and your family, this ship has enough splendor and charm to share with all those who walk up her gangway.

Just a photo finish of RCI Day here in MD.
You see even CM3K gave a few words (literally just a hello)!

For more information on Grandeur of the Seas or the itineraries she will sail, cruise on over to her very own webpage on Royal Caribbean's website. And if you want to see more pictures I captured from RCI Day here in MD, I've posted them all to Cruise Man 3000's Facebook Fan Page! I've also added exclusive behind the scenes videos on my YouTube Channel, too! Until we talk ship again, keep cruisin' and groovin'! You're cruisetacular for reading (as you already know)! 

Just a Few of My Favorite Cruising Thangs...

Fresh off hiatus, Cruise Man 3000 is ready to get
back to taking ship with ya!

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! Hey, cruise friends, hey! I missed you all so much, seriously! How has everyone been? Cruising and grooving I hope! So a question from The Ocean Escape's forum on Cruise Hive (a UK-based cruise site) inspired this post! I was asked what my favorite thing was to do while cruising, so I figured I'd share with all of you, too! These are just a few of my favorite things...

Meeting New Friends!

I LOVE meeting and making new friends! You know walking around a cruise ship
with a video camera, note pad and sometimes props tends to bring attention to me
and some folks just walk right up to me and strike a conversation... and I love it! Despite what your mom says, talking to strangers can sometimes build some great friendships!
Lately, I've been finding a lot of people like when I interview them... so if you see me on a cruise and want to be on my YouTube channel... just let me know! We'll make it happen! :)

Doing THIS Pose!

                                           

                                           I do it on at least every cruise!
What can I say, it has become my digital signature? Yes?

Taking Pictures!

Taking pictures. Believe it or not, I get in those photo lines and
sport my smile! I may not buy them all, but I do get most of 'em!

Karaoke... DUH!

Need there be anything else said? There's truly something magical that happens

when I get behind a mic... it's a dancing good time!

"Twancing" at Sailaway Deck Parties!

There's nothing more fun than trying to bust a move at the deck party while
tweeting some of y'all! People always have to do a double-take and thus far,
I have no injuries to report from this new style of cruise dancing!

The video below shows you the madness in action!

Having a Drink on the Deck!

Even though I'm in long sleeves here, I love just relaxing on the deck with
a tropical drink. I'm already a turned up guy so one is all I need. ;)

 Getting My Grub On!

Well, those are just a few of MY favorite things to do while cruising! What are yours? Feel free to share them below in a comment, post them on Facebook or even tweet them to me! Stay tuned, cruise friends, my full review of Norwegian Jewel is on the way next! Until we talk ship again, keep cruising and grooving! Much love--Shon!

Join Me for a Cruisetacular Time!

On May 03, 2013
You'll see what CM3K and RCI have in common!

Hey, everyone! How have you all been? I have missed you guys IMMENSELY! Wow, it's been nearly 2 months of no blogging... can you believe it? So much has happened in the industry and I've missed a few highlights, but no worries, I'll be around for many on the horizon!
 
I'll have new content for you all next weekend here on The Ocean Escape! BUT if you're on Twitter, I invite you to follow along with me (@CruiseMan3000) tomorrow, Friday, May 03, 2013! I have a HUGE surprise to share with you all! 
 
No spoilers. No secrets. Just join me for a cruisetacular time! See ya then!
 
-CM3K

CM3K's Away on Hiatus

Cruise Man 3000 at Sea.

Hey, everyone! I hope you all are doing well and have been enjoying life! I haven't blogged in about a month and I want to just get on and give a cruisetacular hello! I am okay and all is well - I promise!

I'm currently on a personal break from all things cruise, but promise to return hopefully sometime in late May. Be sure to enjoy all the content that's currently out there and I'll be back with more new cruisetastic stuff FYA (for your amusement)!

Keep smiling, let your laughter erupt the sky and always do things BIGG! Much love--Shon.

Extreme Makeover Cruise Ship Edition w/CM3K Part 2

I've got my demolition face on!
Ya ready? Here's part 2!

Just in case you missed it last week, here is Part 1 to this segmented blog post. Okay, now that everyone is caught up, let me share what else I'd like to see on a cruise ship! Y'all ready? Here we go...

#5: A Skydiving Simulator!

Nothing like flying while sailing 15 knots, right?
Photo Credit: The Sims Zone, UK

Now this would be freaking cool, right? Why can I see Royal Caribbean hoping all over this one? But I give Disney and NCL room for this as well because a character could easily go with this - Buzz Lightyear (Disney Cruise Line), Fairy Odd Parents (Norwegian Cruise Line) or even The Penguins of Madagascar (Royal Caribbean). Anyway, I think a neat feature would be to have the simulator area totally encompassed with glass so you can get great sea views and even see the sun above (whenever he likes to peek his head out for a visit). This one by far I think would be the one thing I'd do all cruise long. And if you're not into this one, just stand on the uppermost deck of your ship and try not getting blown away... same thrills! :)

#6: A Comic Book Revolution!

Talk about high seas action - these comic book characters
would DEFINITELY know how to bring it!
Photo Credit: Comic Book Movie

This one has Carnival written all over it and let me tell you why. Royal Caribbean, you've got Dreamworks on lock with Shrek and Donkey; NCL, you're swimming in slime with Dora and Diego with Nick at Sea; and Disney well... you've got all the favorites in the world. But which cruise line isn't known for a character agreement? BINGO! Carnival, y'all should try bringing some comic book characters to your ships. Don't get me wrong, we love Fun Ship Freddy, but we think this would be an awesome addition to your brand and Freddy... well at least I think so. :)

I remember growing up I wanted to be Spiderman... then I wanted to me Cyclops... then I was Green Lantern... then I was married Wonder Woman. Oh wait... that was just a dream. Anyway I think with y'all having that IMAX-like 4-D theater on Carnival Breeze and the other new ships, movies of these characters would be a huge hit! How about even designing themed rooms for eager comic book fans? Wouldn't that be cool? Having a Green Lantern room where everything glows in green? Plus I think Captain America and Fun Ship Freddy would be the best of friends, don't you?

#7: Inflatables Galore - Inside and Out!

Remember these from the '90s?
Oh yeah, let's get 'em on a ship!
Photo Credit: Children of the 90s

Am I the only one who remembers the Sock'em Boppers commercial and went out and bought a pair so I could knock out... I mean gently tag people? Wouldn't this be loads of fun for the family? And I'm not saying just have inflatable TKO gear, but also an indoor inflatable course - like a moon bounce or something. Who's in? P.S. If you wear Vaseline on your face, it'll help the dings smooth off your face and your won't feel the impact as much. :) Not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything...

#8: Indoor Paintball!

Ever dream of getting that
person back for stealing your deck chair?
Two words: Paint Ball!
Photo Credit: War Pig

Now this would be taking cruise ship revenge to a whole new level. You know that person that walked in front of the stage while you were singing at karaoke, stole your deck chair when they knew you eyed it from the upper deck or even to that person who grabbed the last cinnamon bun in the serving dish... you could get 'em back with some paint ball! I'd even take a few shots at the people who do nothing but complained about everything the whole cruise (only inside the area of course)! What about even getting your younger siblings on the family reunion cruise? I know paintball isn't everyone's fancy, but I think it would be a draw for many... CMK included! 

So that's it. My 8 amenities I'd add to a cruise ship! Which one is your favorite? Do you have something you'd like to see on the high seas I didn't mention? Be sure to tell me! Tweet me, post it on Facebook or simply comment below! I've gotten a few suggestions already and I'm going to post them all in a "Cruise Fans Edition" post next week! The deadline to share your cruising amenity wish-list is Saturday, March 16, 2013 to be considered for next week's post, but feel free to still share your thoughts beyond them - I'd love to hear! Until we talk ship again--Shon!

Cruise Ship of the Month Highlight: March 2013 (m/s Amsterdam)

m/s Amsterdam off the coast of Fremantle, Australia in 2011
Photo Credit: Ship Parade

Welcome to March, cruisers! How has 2013 been for ya so far? We're nearly a quarter into the year and I can say I'm seriously trying to catch my breath because I've got some cruisetacular exhales to make onto March's cruise ship of the month, m/s Amsterdam of Holland America Line!

Smoothing out waves since October 2000, m/s Amsterdam is no stranger to any cruise vacation lover - especially the seasoned HAL fans. Her size is more than ideal; speaking of, she is just over 62,000 gross tons, 780 feet long and has room for the perfect passenger size of about 1,400 people. And to make the experience on her even more thrilling, she sails with a max speed of about 23 knots! She's a mid-sized cruise ship with an intimate feel and many have come to love this theme many of the HAL ships have and once you sail her, you'll see just why!

m/s Amsterdam off the coast of Portugal in 2008.
Photo Credit: Ship Parade

Want to see the world from one of the most intimate vessels around? Then this ship the perfect for you! She is currently on her world cruise and actually a new segment leaves March 11th (so there's still time to book)! From Capetown, to San Diego and all ports in between m/s Amsterdam is taking berths by storm form bow to stern. Interested in a less sea-extensive adventure? Then be sure book one of her Alaskan cruises this summer leaving from Vancouver, Canada round-trip.

m/s Amsterdam is a ship ready to dazzle and wow ya. Have you heard what she's packin'? For starters, she has a three-story atrium that will definitely give your neck and jaw a great exercise! She has the Digital Workshop powered by Windows which helps satisfy your social networking fix, some of the best culinary arts demonstrations sailing at twenty knots and eating options galore - any cruiser's secret lover... food! Don't worry, she's even kid friendly with programs like Club HAL, The Loft and The Oasis for your junior cruisers ages three to seventeen.

Be sure to check out more of the features and voyages unique to this month's cruise ship of the month over at m/s Amsterdam's very own website! Tell me what you think and don't forget to book your next high seas adventure aboard this intimate and cozy ship - she's all the world's delight and certain to be yours, too! Until we talk ship again--Shon!

Extreme Makeover: Cruise Ship Edition w/CM3K Part 1

Cruise Man 3000 is ready for some cruise ship demolition...
well, kinda...

In a recent interview I did with CruiseLine.com, I was asked if there were some features I'd like to put on a cruise ship in the near future. Not only did I have one or two things, but four came to mind. Since my interview with them last month a few others have come to mind and I thought I'd share them with ya to see if you'd like to join my demand team in hopes that one cruise line out there will hear our cry and supply the innovative goods! I mean it seems 'impossible' is no longer a word for cruise lines these days. Let's see, we have Imax/4D theaters, ropes courses (Carnival Cruise Line); decks that walk over the water (Princess Cruises); bowling allies, rappelling walls, salt rooms and ice bars (Norwegian Cruise Line); rock walls, surfing simulators, zip lines and skating rinks (Royal Caribbean International); and even water slides that go off the sides of cruise ships (Disney Cruise Line)! So what's next? I think a few of my suggestions! Now to all the cruise lines in the world, grab your pens and paper! On your mark, get set, call your designers!

My Cruise Ship Amenity Wish List

#1: A Non-Water Based Roller Coaster

Roller Coasters are the perfect fit for a cruise ship!

Photo Credit: Six Flags America

I have the biggest passion for heights, speed and a good shake along the way. So what better combination could there be to satisfy these loves than having a roller coaster on a cruise ship. If a cruise line were able to configure a way to do this, I would easily sail them with no questions asked. Now here's my 2 cents on this: I think it should be taken to a whole new level on a cruise ship! They should make it an indoor roller coaster with black lights everywhere making it a glowing, thrilling time! This way, it could still run should the weather not permit for it to function outside; plus it would be another cool thing for passengers to experience while at sea!

                                     #2: Laser Tag

Now how fun would this be while sailing
at 20 knots?
Photo Credit: Carlisles Sports Emporium             

Speaking of things glowing in the dark, lets get a laser tag facility aboard a cruise ship. My question is, why hasn't this already happened? Don't y'all think this would have been birthed on a ship around the bowling alley and rock wall era? I think this would be cool to be on two decks or so that may or may not have some kind of character theme (hint hint, NCL, RCI and DCL). Also, I think having some sort of inflatable, portable scene could also be to the cruise line's advantage. That way, you can play laser tag under the stars! This would be super cool  on ships that have nice open-air deck space like Norwegian Epic or Oasis and Allure of the Seas! I'd really think Disney Cruise Line could capitalize on this with Toy Story characters Zurg and Buzz Lightyear. But for some reason, idk why...I could definitely see Royal Caribbean hop all over this one! What do y'all think?

                                   #3: Bumper Cars

Bring the bumping action to the high seas!
Photo Credit: Gratuitous Geek

Keeping with things that could be enjoyed regardless of the weather... BUMPER CARS! Doesn't everyone love these things? If you don't, I'm sorry... you just weren't raised right. Don't be caught in front of me while driving one of these bad boys -- Bump Man 3000 will getcha LOL! Again, a character affiliated cruise line such as Disney, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian (hint hint) could really run with this idea. And with RCI running this new "Built for Wow" campaign, I again wouldn't put this pass them for one of the Sunshine class vessels coming to us in 2014 and 2015, respectively. BUT who knows, NCL may get dibs first? And to my cruise lines who already have vessels with ice rinks on them (RCI, hint hint), y'all can take this to a whole new level. BUMPER CARS ON ICE! Now that's really a "WOW" moment! 

Take the bumper cars experience to new, icy heights!
Photo Credit: Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce

#4: Bungee Jumping...off the Ship

Talk about thrilling, let's jump OFF the boat!
Photo Credit: 9 Lives Adventures

Now take a deep breath. I know what you're thinking. Some of you may think I'm a little crazy for this suggestion, but I think it would be super cool! In fact, this would be a cool shore excursion for those who aren't interested in doing something in port or for those who've been to their ship's current call before. I think they--whichever cruise line(s) do this--should somehow build a ledge that would go off the ship, sort of like a retractable portion of the deck that is sturdy and can withstand strong winds the top of the vessel experiences and have bungee jumping available for passengers only while the ship is in port, on the side of the vessel opposite to the dock. So who's with me? Huh? Huh? Huh? Any takers willing to sign "those papers" should a cruise line yield a vessel with the human rubber bands? For some reason, my gut says NCL would so be into this one!

So those are my suggestions for now. I've got 4 more cool ones coming your way next week in part 2's post! Be sure to tell me what you think of my suggestions and check back for more things I'd like to see on the high seas! You're cruisetacular for reading! Until we talk ship again--Shon!                                                                                               

My Video Diaries from Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel docked in Manhattan.
Photo Credit: Shon "Cruise Man 3000" Ford

I thought I'd show you some videos that may help you see what really goes down when I hop a ship now-a-days. From jumping in a hot tub when it was 36 degrees, to giving waiters the run-around in my favorite NCL grub stop-overs, to getting the crowd hyped again for Michael Jackson's top hits, a cruise with me never has a dull moment... and no two minutes are ever the same...ever! Oh, and I took The Ellen Show's Dance Dare to a new cruisemazing level by dancing behind people without them even knowing. Be sure to enjoy the video links below and don't hold back the laughs! Feel free to comment and tell me which videos are your faves!

Dancing Behind People on A Cruise Ship (Ellen's Dance Dare) 

Freestyle Dining with Cruise Man 3000 

"Beat It" live from Norwegian Jewel   

Freezing Aboard Norwegian Jewel 

CM3K's Hot Tub Plunge @ 36 Degrees 

You're cruisetacular for reading, watching and following along! Until we talk ship again--Shon!