Showing posts with label Cruise Man 3000. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cruise Man 3000. Show all posts

Monday, May 23, 2011

Calling all Junior Cruisers!

Carnival Imagination docked at the cruise port in Key West, Florida.
She was the first ship I ever sailed at eleven years old.
Photo Credit: http://www.shipparade.com/az/Carnival_Imagination/Carnival_Imagination_2.htm 
Can you remember when you first begin hitting the high-seas? My first cruise is a lasting memory, and I will never forget what a cruisetastic adventure I had with Carnival Cruise Line! I was eleven years old and my mother took me on Carnival Imagination in the peak of summer vacation before I went to sixth grade--we sailed to Belize City, Belize and Key West, Florida for 6 days and 5 nights! It was my mother's cruise on Carnival Victory, the year before, that got me interested in this vacation style. She wouldn't stop talking about all the amazing things on-board, I got a little jealous I have to admit. I begged her to take me on a cruise... and we know the rest to be history!

When did you start your kids cruising? I know some friends of mine started their youngsters practically out of the womb. @LetsCruiseNow began taking their kids onto cruise-liners at the age of only 18 months! They just added a new bundle of joy to their family and are anticipating another early introduction to the seven seas, with their new baby, as soon as possible! My Canadian friend, Renata Grant (@CruiseDivas), says, "My older daughter has been cruising for 10 years, since age 6, and the younger one started at age 2 and is going to be 10 this year!" As a family, they are getting ready to experience the sights and sounds of Alaska on the beautiful Disney Wonder this week!

You no longer have to ask grandma and grandpa to watch the kids when you're ready to hit the seven seas, because contemporary vessels come equipped with every toy, trinket, and tall water slide your children could only dream of! I remember when I cruised with my mother throughout my teens years, we became very close and our family bond grew to become even stronger! Use a cruise to bond as a family, it will make all the difference! To this day, when an opportunity opens, we will hit the high seas together in a heartbeat!

Do you want to know what ships would be perfect for your kids? Read this article which features and array of ships from Disney Dream, to Norwegian Epic, to Caribbean Princess, and even Celebrity Millennium! Do your research, find a ship that works best for your family, and get ready to set sail for the vacation of a lifetime! Your ship awaits, Bon Voyage!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Why Do You Like To Cruise?

Here I am in the Norwegian Epic's Ice Bar.
Photo Credit: Louise Ford
I was asked by a friend the other day why I loved to cruise so much. I looked at him like he was crazy for even asking me such a question. If you don't know anything about Cruise Man 3000, you should at least know that he loves sailing on the high-seas whenever he can! Well, I thought I'd share with you all the top 10 reasons why I love to cruise below:

  1. The "All-inclusive" value I get!
  2. The awesome people I get to interact with and meet from all over the world!
  3. Trying new delicacies and foods I wouldn't normally eat at home!
  4. Being able to experience pure serenity while at sea!
  5. Having the opportunity to catch-up on reading books I've neglected at home!
  6. Being able to travel to an array of destinations in such a short amount of time!
  7. Trying newer ships and exploring the awesome amenities they have to offer.
  8. Being in non-cell-phone zones (What a peace I receive, haha)!
  9. The endless choices of food and drinks... enough said!
  10. Being able to see crystal-clear waters (not the murky Chesapeake Bay), haha!
So what are the reasons why you love to cruise? Share them here, or on Facebook! Your ship awaits, bon voyage!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Why pick the name, Cruise Man 3000?

Cruise Man 3000 up close with Norwegian Epic in St. Maarten.
Photo Credit: Louise Ford

Hey cruise fans--

Many of you have been asking me a question that seems to be of great interest; so I thought I'd take this time to answer it on my blog. Since June 2010, I begin going by Cruise Man 3000; and since, many of you want to know how I came up with that name, so here is the story:

I wanted to pick a name that was unique and different. I already knew names like "The Cruise Guy," "Cruising Advisor," and "Cruising Expert" were already taken, so I began to think deeper and ponder. Then it hit me, I was going to be "Cruise Man 2010!" But wait, 2010 was already half over, and I knew I would have to pick another name soon. I went back to the drawing board and thought of the "Cruise Man 3000."

I later gave meaning to the number 3000. The "3" stands for the Holy Trinity, and each "0" represents an entity of the Holy Trinity. One for the Father [God], one for the Son [Jesus Christ], and one for the Holy Spirit. Without those three I would not be able to do what I do. So, that's the story behind the name... I hope you like it!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010 was Cruisetastic!

Chillin' in Nassau, Bahamas with Carnival Sensation!
Photo Credit: Cruise Man 3000

Dear Cruise Fans,


I just wanted to thank you for all of the cruising joy that you brought in 2010! I debuted into the online cruise realm in June 2010, and I am so thankful that you allowed me to join in with the cruising conversations as if I were here for decades!

I had a blast giving every #TravelTuesday and #FollowFriday shout out on Twitter, creating my own “cruise lingo” with some interactive cruise tweeps, and sharing my cruise videos with the masses via YouTube! Thanks for participating in my polls and for giving positive feedback and constructive criticism, I loved it all!

I will be sure to bring you greater cruise reviews, news and videos in 2011, so stay posted. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday, and be sure to keep cruising! See you on the high seas in the New Year!

Keep Cruising Y’all,

Cruise Man 3000

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Cruise Lingo 101

Freedom of the Seas docked in St. Thomas
Photo Credit: Cruise Man 3000
So many of you may, or may not, have seen me use an array of cruise terms on Twitter and Facebook this year; and see me hash tag/mark those terms as “Cruise Lingo”. It all started one day when I was on Twitter and a friend of mine was getting ready to embark on a cruise vacation. I was beginning to feel that the usage of Bon Voyage was becoming somewhat cliché, so I began to brainstorm.


I then came up with the first cruise lingo term, cruisestacular. I merged the words cruise and spectacular, and cruisetacualr was birthed.

I wound up saying, “Have a cruisetacular time!”

Then that motivated me to form more words and I began merging positive words with the word cruise. You can do it too; it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Try it today and the next time you catch yourself wanting to say, “Bon Voyage,” try replacing it with a cruise lingo term; it will make you conversations more… cruisetacular!

Other Cruise Lingo terms that I have come up with:

Cruisetastic, Cruisalicious, Cruistiful, Cruiserific, Cruiesmazing, Cruisemendous


I know that it’s not much now, but I promise more words will be sailing your way in 2011! If you come up with some Cruise Lingo be sure to send them my way! Stay posted, I may have a dictionary’s worth soon.

Be sure to check out the #CruisetacularCruiseLingoCrew on Twitter, and follow them today!
@CruiseMan3000, @TravelMediaGuru, @LetsCruiseNow, @WindstarCruises, @SymphonicVoyage, and @A1SuperCruises.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Cruising During a Blizzard?


Here I am enjoying the Caribbean sun in Nassau, Bahamas!
(Atlantis Hotel and Resort in the background)
Photo Credit: Louise Ford

"Now why would I take a cruise in the winter, Cruise Man 3000?"

I would then ask, "Why not?"

Taking a cruise in the winter is the perfect way to escape the brutal cold temperatures that the winter months can bring. Knowing that you can bask in the sun with a martini and lounge around by a pool all day should be enough motivation, right? I think so! Taking a winter cruise, preferably to the Caribbean, is one of the best times to truly enjoy the vivacious and inviting tropics.

The great things about winter cruises is that the hurricane threats, temperatures, and prices are normally lower than in the summer. In recent years, many cruise lines have invested in moving ships to 'home-ports' (ports that are closer to your home). Some examples would be: Baltimore, Maryland; New York City, New York;  Charleston, South Carolina; and Boston, Massachusetts among others.

The great thing about home-port cruising is, you don't have to worry about flying. So the blizzards the northeast is notorious for having won't hinder you from meeting your ship (I would strongly recommend that you purchase the cruise insurance when booking these voyages--you never know, things do happen). Driving to the port of embarkation also alleviates the extra hassles that flying brings.

I have taken many cruises during the winter and have loved them all! Trading a stressful and cold office for a care-free and enjoyable getaway is priceless! Book a cruise vacation this winter and ditch the brisk cold for the soothing and radiant Caribbean sun! Your ship awaits, 'Bon Voyage!'

Bowling on the Norwegian Epic

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Spice H20, The Adult Only Zone on the Norwegian Epic

My Top 10 Moments on the Norwegian Epic!


Norwegian Epic's hull up close in St. Maarten
Photo Credit: Nahshon "Cruise Man 3000" Ford
 #1 Meeting cool people, gaining a little weight, getting a tad darker, and truly realxing the "Freestyle Way!"

#2 Meeting Silas Cook (Epic's Cruise Director). We had great convos the entire week! A great person, cool guy, and awesome addition to the Norwegian Epic!

#3 Seeing the #BlueManGroup live and getting to meet them afterwards! Awesome show, twinkies, jello, toliet paper, and all!

#4 Seeing 2nd City perform live in #HeadlinersComedyClub! They've got "Whose Line..." beat by miles!

#5 Meeting the Captn and having him sign my newly purchased cruise ship model! What a treat!

#6 Catching up with some cool Nick characters at #SlimeTimeLive by the pool (Dora Waved at me)!

#7 Eating Green Tea Ice Cream and Blueberry Crepes in the Garden Cafe' while leaving St. Thomas

#8 Climbing the rock wall and going down the rapelling wall while sailing into #Nassau!

#9 Finding awesome Buffalo Wings in the casino! What a treat!

#10 Having @NCLFreestyle hold the transfer bus for me because my flight was delayed! #WorldClassService

I also enjoyed going into the 17 degree Ice Bar! That was really "cool!"