Celebrity Century Diva Cruise

Living in Miami affords many conveniences. One of my favorites being the Port of Miami. It's so easy to hop on a cruise, especially weekend sailings of just 2, 3 or 4 days. And when a girl just needs to get away (from kids, spouse, work), there's not much that can surpass being pampered, massaged, and wine and dined while sailing on the deep blue sea. Lest we forget a little casino action in between?

That's where Celebrity Century comes in. And although she is not one of their newer vessels (inaugurated in 1995), she is definitely a favorite among those who know her. Charming, indeed. And she has been revitalized with 314 new private verandas and new Sky suites, too. Now, for those who've checked pricing on cruises, you know that Celebrity can be a bit pricey (albeit, worth it), but a working girl has to save her hard-earned cash for five-star coddling aboard their world's finest ships.

So when I suggested a weekend Diva Cruise to a few girlfriends, we knew that Celebrity would provide a fantastic experience. And they had a two-night sailing to their private island so we booked it immediately. No travel agent necessary for this, we did it ourselves online (gasp)!

Although I honestly don't consider myself a diva (I'm really a working mom who's lucky to get a shower every day), Celebrity's award-winning service was definitely welcomed. And I always look forward to some much needed spa time. Celebrity's AquaSpa is one of my favorites. Each of us had a signature body treatment (mine was a hot stone massage) and it was s p l e n d i d ! Oh yes...it was.

I do have one more story to share. When we went to dinner, all three of us girls were wearing black dresses (they ARE slimming you know), but there we no black napkins available. Only white. Divas? Or just women worried about lint? You decide. But whatever your answer, we survived...on Peter Lehman shiraz and duck confit. Sigh.

We're already making plans to sail one of the new Solstice Class ships next (I've had the pleasure of sailing Celebrity Solstice, and she was a true stunner, but that's another blog!).

Norwegian Sky: Pampering in the Owner's Suite

My three nieces, Christine, Kaitlyn, and Christine, are all having banner birthdays this year, so being the cruising aunt that I am, I invited them to cruise aboard Norwegian Sky for a two-night cruise. Now, normally, Norwegian Sky offers only 3- and 4-day sailings, but the ship was just privately chartered for five days and had two days to spare until her next Bahamas cruise. Lucky us!

I had booked a Penthouse Suite (since it was only 2-days, it was affordable), and then two days before the sail date, I got a call from NCL asking if I was interested in an upgrade to the Owner's Suite. I couldn't pull my credit card out fast enough. SCORE!

VIP is the name of the game when you book these suites (and you should see these rooms onboard some of their newer ships like Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel - and I can't wait to see them on the brand new Norwegian Epic, debuting this summer).

Ok, back to the goodies - VIP escort to your room. Butler service (ours was Jeffrey and he rocked!). Canapes delivered daily. Two bathrooms. Private hot tub on your private balcony. Liquor bottles. Concierge service to make your dinner and show reservations. VIP tender access. VIP disembarkation. And this is the short list.

The only downfall, I'm spoiled now. I mean, how can I go back to a normal stateroom, whether it's a oceanview or a balcony (forget inside!), after I've seen the light of my own Lavassa Espresso maker glowing in the dark?

I have to tell you, I've sailed NCL many times. At this point, I'm a Silver Latitudes member (their rewards program for past guests) and the reason I sail them is because I love the entire Freestyle Cruising concept. But NCL is no stranger to innovation. After all, they were the first cruise line to start sailing to the Caribbean in the 1960s. I love them.

Our favorite restaurant was Le Bistro, the French-inspired specialty restaurant, where everyone enjoys an oceanview. The cuisine was delightful. My niece, Samantha, the vegetarian, was thrilled with her entrees at each of the restaurants we tried. Kaitlyn was daring and tried escargot for the first time - she thinks it was her favorite dish on the entire cruise.

And of course, we had to do some girl bonding in the Mandara onboard spa. Hot stone massages for everyone! What better way to spend my annual company bonus, right? I agree.

For shorter cruises, long on luxury, get on board Norwegian Sky. Depart Miami for 3 or 4 days - and if you can, get that Owner's Suite! On second thought, don't! I want it all to myself!