Cruise Control

Posted on 5/5/08

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If the thought of flying to a cruise port doesn’t float your boat, we have news for you: Beginning this spring, three cruise lines will present 32 chances to sail right out of Philadelphia. CBS 3-On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan (above) checked out the new ships — and trips — being launched from the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. Prices were provided by the cruise lines at press time and are per person, double occupancy.

Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruise ship: Norwegian Crown
Itinerary: April, May and September: Bermuda (6-7 nights); October: Bermuda (7 nights) and the Caribbean (14 nights).
Capacity: 1,052 passengers
The skinny: NCL caters to a diverse crowd, from young families to retired couples. It’s also known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which allows guests to dine when and where they want.
Cost: $779-$4,900
The 411: Visit ncl.com, or call 800-327-7030.

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Cruise ship: Enchantment of the Seas, which will undergo an overhaul this spring with 151 new staterooms.
Itinerary: July and August: New England and Canada (7 nights).
Capacity: 2,446 passengers
The skinny: This line is geared toward active travelers and families, offering rock-climbing walls and solarium pools.
Cost: $600-$3,700
The 411: Visit rccl.com, or call 800-327-6700.

Cruise line: Celebrity
Cruise ship: Horizon
Itinerary: July through October: Bermuda (7 nights).
Capacity: 1,354 passengers
The skinny: Celebrity offers refined service to a more mature crowd, and is known for its award-winning cuisine.
Cost: $700-$3,400
The 411: Visit celebrity.com, or call 800-437-3111.

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, March 2005