Luxury Home Design & Construction in Southern, CA

Table Of Content

• Construction starts on America’s first true high-speed passenger train, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas
• Inside LACMA’s plans to share its collection with a new Las Vegas museum: ‘I’m a West Coast booster’
• Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in Los Angeles, California
• California’s Premier Design & Build Firm
• Nix the oven? A skinny fridge? Tips on designing a tiny kitchen in your ADU
• These architecture firms are leading the way in Los Angeles and beyond.

The firm works nationally and internationally with an emphasis on cultural and educational projects for both public and private clients. Its projects marry smart planning with unusually effective client and team engagement for imaginative architectural solutions. Mega Builders is a Los Angeles general contractor that extends its services to most of Southern California.

Construction starts on America’s first true high-speed passenger train, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Healthcare designers need to consider privacy, separate areas for practitioners, natural light, outdoor spaces, and thoughtful selection of materials for medical office buildings. The design and construction contract for what is envisioned to be “the premier private academic health center in Mexico and Latin America” was recently awarded to The Beck Group. The TecSalud Health Sciences Campus will be located at Tec De Monterrey’s flagship healthcare facility, Zambrano Hellion Hospital, in Monterrey, Mexico. Jacobs, Salas O'Brien, KPFF Consulting Engineers, IMEG, and Kimley-Horn head BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest medical office building engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Inside LACMA’s plans to share its collection with a new Las Vegas museum: ‘I’m a West Coast booster’

These living units, referred to as Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs, are becoming more popular as they benefit property owners while simultaneously adding to the state’s housing stock. These new laws have led to a boom in the construction of such structures, and there are a number of specialized professionals who work on this particular project type. Working with our project partners and the State of California, we are in the process of designing and delivering a series of net zero energy state office buildings in Sacramento, California. Among its notable projects is this mid-century modern home featuring timeless hardwood floors, skylights, and minimalist decor. This project required structural modifications and a full-house renovation to achieve an open floor plan.

Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in Los Angeles, California

It offers 16 round-trips per day, with one-way tickets for the 235-mile (378-kilometer) distance costing about $80. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to take part in Monday’s groundbreaking. Brightline received $6.5 billion in backing from the Biden administration, including a $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds and approval to sell another $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds. Brightline West will connect Southern California and Las Vegas in two hours or almost half the time as driving. The Las Vegas Station will be located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip, on a 110-acre property north of Blue Diamond Road between I-15 and Las Vegas Boulevard.

More From the Los Angeles Times

They can quickly assess what a project’s parameters are, and provide their clients with a clear picture of the result. The firm has appeared in several publications, including California Home & Design, HGTV Front Door, and Yahoo! Homes. Which explains a recent announcement that LACMA is partnering with the upcoming Las Vegas Museum of Art to share both expertise and, eventually, its collection.

California’s Premier Design & Build Firm

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core. Being an in-demand California construction company also means getting to collaborate with some of the most exciting architects and companies in the world. We’ve partnered with Michael Maltzan on multiple phases of the Hammer Museum’s extensive renovations. We oversaw all of Rios Clementi Hale’s updates to the iconic Hollywood Bowl during the tight hiatus between seasons. Alongside Renzo Piano Building Workshop, we upgraded several large sections at LACMA and built the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Expectations vs reality: The truth about architecture as a career - Building Design

Expectations vs reality: The truth about architecture as a career.

Posted: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

One of the firm’s unforgettable projects was an extensive remodeling work for a mid-century modern home in Studio City. Built on a 9,600-square-foot lot with around 3,000-square-feet of interior space, the project is a perfect example of Ester’s design prowess and Avi’s expert building techniques. The home features an open concept floor plan, a great room with vaulted ceilings, a spacious kitchen, and high-tech smart home technology. Established in 1987, C&C Partners has proven its expertise in designing and building various home styles throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Manhattan Beach, and its surrounding areas. In its many years of being in the business, the company has been one of the most preferred design and construction firms for LA’s exclusive neighborhoods. Co-founder Patrick Cunningham focuses on the design phase; his brother Michael leads the company’s team of construction experts.

These architecture firms are leading the way in Los Angeles and beyond.

Sustainable building championed by Kirksey Architecture's David Dalton - Austin Business Journal - The Business Journals

Sustainable building championed by Kirksey Architecture's David Dalton - Austin Business Journal.

Posted: Mon, 29 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on the development of a high-speed rail between two major West coast cities. “I believe we’ll look back at today and say, ’This was the birth of an industry of high-speed rail,’” Brightline Holdings founder Wes Edens said Monday. Company officials say the goal is to have trains exceeding speeds of 186 mph (300 kph) — comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains — operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Buttigieg cited Biden administration support for the project that he said will bring thousands of union jobs, boost local economies and cut traffic and air pollution. A $12 billion high-speed passenger train line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. Snow Construction is regularly lauded for ensuring meticulous attention to detail and communications, precisely addressing client needs from start to finish.

BUSINESS SERVICES

In the creation of Cover homes, the team handles zoning research, design, permitting, manufacturing, project management, and installation. In fact, its fixed-price guarantee is all-inclusive, encompassing fees for design, permitting, unit, foundation and utility hookups, plumbing, electrical, Wolf Sub-Zero appliances, and all fixtures and finishes. For instance, Cover’s team designed an energy-efficient hydronic heating and cooling system to comfortably regulate a home’s climate with minimal energy usage. The team also designed all of the cabinetry and built-in storage out of bamboo, an incredibly sustainable material that is also more durable than most hardwoods. We combine expertise, process innovation and technology into services that proactively identify and address challenges — saving time and money on every project. In the coastal town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., an abandoned rock quarry will be transformed into a new research and innovation campus designed by HGA.

Architects, engineers, and contractors are coming up with creative senior housing solutions to better serve this burgeoning cohort. Learning more about the scientific work being done in the lab gives designers of those spaces an edge, according to Adrian Walters, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal and Director of SMMA's Science & Technology team. We match the owner’s intention and the architect’s vision to the best people for the job. In 2017, Custom Design & Construction remodeled a stylish transitional home in Los Angeles. The two-phase project featured a remodeled master suite, a kitchen, a laundry room, and an office space. Since its founding, Assembledge+ has been pursuing an architecture driven by a commitment to collaboration and craftsmanship to create enduring environments that are user-focused, innovative, and sustainable.

Since its establishment, the firm has developed a core business philosophy of high-quality work and customer satisfaction. Combining this philosophy and expertise in a variety of trades — such as carpentry, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work — allow the All American Builders team to provide synergy and professional management to every project. Additionally, the firm offers affordable solutions, from its diverse decorating options to its myriad new home plans.

Bird House Plans 20+ Free, DIY Birdhouse Designs DIY Projects, Patterns, Monograms, Designs, Templates

Table Of Content

• DIY Birdhouse Plans: Sizing for Certain Birds
• Cut List:
• Step-by-Step Bluebird House Plans and Instructions
• PVC Pipe
• 12 Raised Garden Bed Plans for Building Your Ideal Plot
• How to Build a Desk for $20 (Bonus: 5 Cheap DIY Desk Plans & Ideas)

Building a birdhouse is a great beginner project but more details can make it a great project for a more advanced woodworker. Even children can handle a simple birdhouse plan with a little adult assistance. Other methods for attaching roofs are just as good. However, most nest boxes are mounted out of reach for most people.

DIY Birdhouse Plans: Sizing for Certain Birds

You can find the most suitable option and then include that in the ensemble to deter any abuse from predators. Attract the birds using their favorite foods like worm meal, and hence increase the prospects of them using your birdhouse. Just place the birdhouse 5 to 10 feet off the ground, preferably hanging off the branch of a tree.

Cut List:

Owls, on the other hand, require homes to be placed between 10 and 15 feet in the air. Before you choose a tree or installation location, be sure to consider this height challenge. If you live in an area that gets plenty of snow, ice, and cool weather throughout the year, you’ll want to outfit your bird house with plenty of insulation. But if you live in a warm or subtropical region, you could get away with a thinner, cooler bird house. Your answer will guide you the specific birdhouse or nestboxes you need.

Napan makes hundreds of free bird houses - Napa Valley Register

Napan makes hundreds of free bird houses.

Posted: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Step-by-Step Bluebird House Plans and Instructions

Everyone has scrap wood lying around the shop or garage. Building a birdhouse is a simple woodworking project that parents can include their young children in. Follow these steps to learn how to build a birdhouse with everyday materials.

The small 16 square inch cavity required for bluebirds could be met with logs as small as 6 1/2inches if the thickness of the wall was cut down to 1 inch. If you are considering making a nest log, I calculated thesize log needed to create the minimum cavity area required for several cavitynesting bird species. According to the TreeSwallow Projects website, a Tree Swallow nest box should have a minimumfloor space of 5x5 inches and a depth from the hole to the floor of 7 inches.

He was able to design a bird house that was taller in order to use up more of his leftovers. A free PDF and video are provided to help you along step-by-step. This is a very cool (and free) log home plan for a wren bird house. This could be perfect to go next to a cabin or your own log home. The plan comes complete with pictures and a video tutorial.

12 Raised Garden Bed Plans for Building Your Ideal Plot

The USGS Free Bluebird House Plan is for Western, Eastern, and Mountain Bluebirds. Building a bluebird nest box is a good way to help in the conservation of bluebirds at the local level. A nest box helps in maintaining bluebird populations declining at 90%. You can also create your very own bluebird nest box.

The Log Cabin Birdhouse

To become a master of any talent or skill, you must start from square one with little (or zero) knowledge. This bird house plan is ideal for those who have never practiced carpentry before. It’s simple enough for anyone to grasp, and you’ll only need three tools to complete this bird house. Alternatively, large entrance holes may allow squirrels, raccoons, or other mammals to find their way inside. As such, you’ll want to ensure that your finished size and entrance threshold are ideally-sized for native birds. Bird houses vary in size depending on the species they were meant to house.

How to Build a Desk for $20 (Bonus: 5 Cheap DIY Desk Plans & Ideas)

The beautiful birdhouse has a mid-century touch without any enclosure for letting birds come and go without any hassle. Imagine how wonderful it would be to enjoy the first sip of coffee in the backyard while watching cherubic birds playing around their newly built home. Attracting your feathered buddies with this well-built wooden house would be a cakewalk.

That’s why today I’m bringing you lots of different birdhouse plans and ideas that you can build for your feathered friends. Most of these can be built in one day with less than $30. You'll find everything from simple birdhouses to more advanced homes.

Bird houses need to be be cleaned and disinfected after the brooding season to be certain that parasites, their eggs and larvae are completely eliminated. If you are using wood, stick with redwood or cedar. Other non-porous materials might be good too like PVC, plastic, or metal.

Normally, a 1.125 inches wide entrance hole is enough for some varieties like winter wrens, house wrens, and Bewick’s wrens. However, for bigger variants like the Carolina Wrens, the hole size should be around 1.25 inches. You can easily make a birdhouse for bluebirds out of a 1" x 6" x 4.5' (four and a half feet long, six inches wide, and one inch thick) wooden board. These feathery guests like houses with small holes, around 1.5 inches in general, although the specifics vary among subpopulations. You can expect other visitors like sparrows, wrens, swallows, and chickadees in these houses too. Note that a bluebird’s entrance hole, which is 1.5 inches across, is slightly smaller than that of the house sparrow.

The new aspen nest log was going to be mounted in the back yard, wherethere was more open space. They had successfully nested for several years in a nest box attached tothe down spout on our front porch. Nest boxes can also be built by using exterior slabs (slab lumber) that stillhave the outside tree bark when the tree is sawn up to make lumber. Nest boxes can also be made from PVC pipe or plastic buckets, but those aredifferent plans to be covered later. The building materials don't necessarily have to be wood.

Choose a plan with an entrance hole size that makes sense and a size that allows the birds plenty of room to nest. A unique take on the mounted box-shape bird house, this triangle one is great for birds wanting to nest in or next to a tree. An added hinge on the top plank makes cleaning out the nest a cinch. All of these bird house plans explain what materials and tools you will need before you start. Best of all, the swing-open side will give you a chance to peek in on the nestlings for whom you’ve provided a sturdy and safe home.

an architect-led design build studio

Table Of Content

• Officials Hammer the First Spike Commemorating the Groundbreaking for Brightline West
• Delta plane's emergency slide falls off during flight
• The Best Custom Home Builders in Los Angeles, California
• Allen Construction
• An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York
• New Construction
• Student Quarters selected to manage 502-bed student housing community
• McCarthy - Construction for Superior, Lasting Results

The company has plans to expand its system with future stops in Tampa, Florida’s Space Coast in Cocoa and the Treasure Coast in Stuart. The Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) is a 200,000-square-foot building located on 238 acres in Sloan, Nev., and will be the base for daily maintenance and staging of trains. This site will also serve as one of two hubs for the maintenance of way operations and the operations control center. More than 100 permanent employees will report on a daily basis once operations begin and will serve as train crews, corridor maintenance crews, or operations control center teammates. A second maintenance of way facility will be located adjacent to the Apple Valley station.

Officials Hammer the First Spike Commemorating the Groundbreaking for Brightline West

The firm is led by Billy Snow, who began working in construction and home building in 1999 while he was in high school. After moving to California, he became the head of the Kitchen and Bath department at Home Depot in Los Angeles and stayed in that position for several years. This exposure and Snow’s passion for construction spurred him to establish his own company; Snow Construction started out with a single crew member and performed mainly kitchen and bath remodels. The firm has since built its way to constructing and remodeling in Hollywood Hills, usually in the $5M to $7M range.

Delta plane's emergency slide falls off during flight

All over California, we’ve tackled countless private estates, centers for higher education, hospitality destinations, office and creative spaces, data centers and cultural spaces. As general contractors, we’ve nurtured a deep pool of subcontractor relationships over decades. Every crew represents a well-oiled collection of the right skill set and talent to see our clients’ visions come to life. This luxurious property features a light wood flooring, a unique black front door, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a two-sided plaster fireplace, a minimalist modern kitchen, and a modern pool. We will guide you from start to finish walking you through the nuances of your exquisite new home and how everything works. You’ll receive documentation in a nice clean package for future references which include warranties, permits, and plans ensuring a painless renovation or new build.

The Best Custom Home Builders in Los Angeles, California

The firm’s remarkable ability to deal with difficulties before they arise will continue to benefit its clients well into its second century. CO Architects is nationally recognized for architectural planning, programming and design in the higher education, science and technology, civic and healthcare sectors, and works with leading institutions from coast to coast. In over 35 years of practice, CO Architects has led innovative and successful projects in 30 states, Canada and the UK. The firm has been nationally and internationally recognized with over 205 design awards.

Allen Construction

Throughout the years, the company has received numerous recognitions from many publications including Dwell, Arc CA, Los Angeles Times, and Architectural Digest. Among the most impressive projects of the company is this extensive home remodel in Los Feliz. As the architect and general contractor of the project, the company used a gray concrete finish exterior with a wood plank accent wall and black trim. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors surround one side of the home, which opens up to the pool area. The home features an exterior wood accent wall and beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the home.

Chick-fil-A unveils futuristic elevated restaurant design with four drive-thru lanes running through the MIDDL - Daily Mail

Chick-fil-A unveils futuristic elevated restaurant design with four drive-thru lanes running through the MIDDL.

Posted: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York

The firm primarily provides detached, attached, and internal ADUs as well as garage conversions. Prior to starting an ADU project, the Levi Design Build team offers clients a free consultation and help to navigate through permits and regulations. If a client decides to hire the firm for the design and planning stage, the team will then design floor plans and 3D renderings followed by architectural and structural plans, and it takes care of submitting the plans for city approval. The firm also offers ADU construction consulting and supervision services, including demolition, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, finish installation, and more. Cover has been designing and building quality custom homes since its establishment in 2014.

New Construction

The company was founded on the mission of blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces and transcending architecture norms. Abeer Sweis, design partner, received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Woodbury University. In 2006 she partnered with her husband Jeff Kloss—a licensed general contractor and also a Bachelor of Architecture graduate from Woodbury University, creating the construction side of the company. The company employs a holistic approach in order to provide clients with a creative and collaborative process from conception through completion. The firm is one of the leading general contractors in Southern California and it offers high-quality artistry and dependability.

Supreme Remodeling proves to be a cut above the rest by being an expert in a variety of trades, particularly hillside construction, complete home remodeling, new construction, and room additions. The firm also offers interior and exterior painting, kitchen and bath remodeling, roofing, landscaping, windows and doors, concrete, pavers, and more. With over two decades of experience in general construction and remodeling, the family-run business has formed strong working relationships with the most professional, licensed craftspeople and contractors in the industry.

McCarthy - Construction for Superior, Lasting Results

We offer best-in-class preconstruction analytical and communication tools, including constructability reviews, BIM technology and physical mock-ups. Our talented leadership team has honed construction services for every phase of the process, from design to completion. Among the company’s collection of impressive projects is the Padua Residence—a 1931 Old English home renovated into a rustic contemporary space. Upon completion, HartmanBaldwin was able to preserve the architectural integrity of the home while seamlessly blending the rustic and contemporary details. With thousands of completed projects, we’ve been California’s premier design and build firm for over 30 years.

More than 600 people, including union representatives, project supporters and other state and local officials from California and Nevada, attended the event. The idea of a bullet train to Los Angeles dates back decades under various names including DesertXpress. Brightline West acquired the project in 2019, and company and public officials say it has all required right-of-way and environmental approvals, along with labor agreements. The ENR California Top Design Firms list, ranks the largest U.S.-based designs firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue. Glumac is driving sustainable building design through Building Information Modeling, and pioneering new levels of project team collaboration using Revit’s BIM360 platform. We’ve been longtime collaborators with CO Architects on Caltech’s most innovative laboratories and testing grounds.

The firm’s award-win­ning port­fo­lio in­cludes en­vi­ron­men­tally and so­cially re­spon­sive ed­u­ca­tional, res­i­den­tial, and in­sti­tu­tional pro­jects rang­ing in scale from sin­gle-room artist work­spaces to cam­pus mas­ter plan­ning. Kevin Daly Ar­chi­tects is par­tic­u­larly rec­og­nized for re­claim­ing and trans­form­ing sites char­ac­ter­is­tic of the ur­ban fab­ric, turn­ing generic back­ground build­ings into mod­els of com­mu­nity iden­tity. Asap/ is a collaborative design practice founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles, with a second office in Buffalo, New York, USA. We seek to identify and advance design opportunities to develop the art and craft of design at all scales — from tableware to entire cities, while also reinterpreting and re-energizing programmatic imperatives. Our work is devoted to understanding and contributing to existing cultural and architectural contexts while deploying advanced design and construction technology in ways appropriate to contemporary life.

Launched in 2010, Luxus Construction is Los Angeles’s provider of new home construction, design-build, kitchen and bathroom design, remodeling, and house renovation services. Its design team first meets with clients to discuss their plans for a new home, remodel, or addition—the goal is to understand their needs completely. The company understands the legal requirements for building a new home or remodeling an older one, which is why it applies for permits from local government offices. Progressive Builders has been contributing to the home building and renovation landscape of Los Angeles for the past decade.

The Victor Valley Station in Apple Valley will be located on a 300-acre parcel southeast of Dale Evans Parkway and the I-15 interchange. The station is intended to offer a future connection to the High Desert Corridor and California High Speed Rail. Brightline West says electric-powered trains will cut the four-hour trip across the Mojave Desert to a little more than two hours. It projects 11 million one-way passengers per year, with fares that Edens said will be comparable to airline ticket costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Text-based mental health support app Counslr has partnered with Aptitude Development to provide free mental health support to residents of student housing locations. In the midst of a national housing shortage, developers are examining the viability of commercial to residential conversions as a solution to both problems. Stantec was selected to lead the design team for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai’s first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital.

The practice is also quite popular for providing free on-site, one-hour appointments to go over the details of a project while performing an inspection of the area. Our team has evaluated and selected the best ADU builders in Los Angeles based on a variety of criteria. We looked at experience, their mastery of the trade, and industry accreditations and certifications. We also considered awards and press features as well as other recognitions the firm has received in the course of its business. The result is a list of builders who have the training, experience, and talent to integrate ADUs into existing properties, and thus provide flexible new housing options. Building Design+Construction's annual Giants 400 Report ranks the nation's top architecture, architecture/engineering (AE), engineering/architecture (EA), general contractors, and fee-based construction management (CM) firms, by revenue.

Prior to starting the company, Levy and Stott worked at Marmol Radziner Prefab, a renowned architect-led design-build firm. Years in the industry opened Levy and Stott’s eyes to the problems of the prefab industry, particularly in the modern design segment that they were part of. To create an open floor plan suited for entertaining, this home was designed with tons of space, featuring wide hallways, large closets, custom built-ins, and numerous windows. Matte black and brass elements were incorporated into the design finishes to blend with the traditional cape cod features of the home.

18 Best Hotels near San Juan Cruise Port for 2024 Puerto Rico

Table Of Content

• Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan
• Beach Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port
• Hotels in Port of San Juan pr near Cruise Terminal Carnival and Royal Caribbean
• Ideal Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port
• Caribbean
• Best Hotel For Families In Puerto Rico: Caribe Hilton
• Best Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Terminals

Rated AAA 4 diamond, this top hotel near San Juan cruise port has 3 restaurants, pool and Beach Club amenities for guests. Sitting in lush gardens, the 5 star Condado Vanderbilt boasts ocean views and Spanish architecture for discerning guests. The hotel has a pool, bar, restaurant, butler service, concierge and its own private beach.

Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan

Located near the beach and historic Old San Juan, it provides easy access to attractions like El Morro and Condado Beach. While not cruise-specific, its central location and well-appointed accommodations make... Discover additional lodging options and hotels, and explore more Puerto Rico attractions. Unfortunately, local transportation regulations prohibit hotels to provide free shuttle service to/from airport or to the cruise port. It is one of the best places to stay for easy access to the Pan American pier.

Beach Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port

Located close to the beachfront of Isla Verde, this good value hotel is one of the best places for exploring the local area as nearby is the Marina Arrecife Wildlife Reserve and the Pine Grove Surfing Beach. The property is located around 12 to 15 mins away from San Juan cruise port. The hotel is one of the best places to stay for combining an idyllic location with close proximity to the Pan American cruise terminal and Old San Juan. This luxury hotel is a large complex located just a few steps from the Condado Beach. There are wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean from many of the rooms.

Hotels in Port of San Juan pr near Cruise Terminal Carnival and Royal Caribbean

The multi-storey Sheraton is one of the largest hotels in San Juan, located a few minutes from your embarkation terminal. Spacious rooms and suites have floor to ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic views of the San Juan Bay and the Pan American Pier where many cruise liners dock. The hotel’s lobby has an open feel with neutral colors and marble accents welcoming visitors. This bar is definitely a place to meet and mingle later in the evening. Among the items available are coffee, fruits, and snacks for travelers on the go. Inside the room, there is a large flat-screen television, a separate seating area, and an ergonomic desk chair and workstation.

26 Ideal Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port - Cruise Hive

26 Ideal Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port.

Posted: Thu, 04 Jun 2020 19:18:34 GMT [source]

Both cruise terminals can easily be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle. Several spacious lounges have tropical indoor palms and life-size sculptures of horses and sheep. Rooms are large and comfortably furnished and there are uninterrupted views of Condado Beach. Many rooms have views overlooking the quaint Old Town area where there are narrow streets and picturesque houses traditionally painted in different colours.

Caribbean

If you pack as much luggage as we do though, you will probably still want a car to take you there. In the heart of Old San Juan, the historic CasaBlanca Hotel has excellent feedback. Air-conditioned rooms are small but comfortable with quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the USA, so American English is widely spoken.

Best Hotel For Families In Puerto Rico: Caribe Hilton

Spacious rooms have kitchenettes, balconies and ocean or city views, Guests have complimentary robes for heading to the pool, spa and hot tub. Several bronze statues decorate the lobby, dining areas and the outdoor pool. There are views of the Lagoon and the suburban district of Miramar where there are restaurants and bars. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Art that catalogues Puerto Rico’s fascinating history. La Concha Renaissance luxury hotel is located directly beside the Condado Beach.

Best Hotel In San Juan, Puerto Rico: Aire de O:live

This way you can select the right accommodations for you and your family. The rooms range from suites with a kitchen and a den to rooms with just a separate seating area. You can not find a hotel closer to the Pan American cruise port than the new Hyatt House San Juan.

Each of the 30 rooms feature pillow top beds made up with plush linens, private balconies and peekaboo showers with glass walls but no phones or televisions. Buzzy signature restaurant Placita is considered one of the best in Vieques and a convivial meeting spot for guests and locals alike with many of its dishes cooked on a mesquite-fired grill. Street-level bar La Tertulia features plenty of lounge space as well as a fire pit and is a great place to catch live music most nights. El Blok is conveniently located across from the beach and along the El Malecon, making it slightly noisy but within easy walking distance of everything in Esperanza. World-class waves and stunning beaches attract surfers and adventurous travelers to Rincón on the western side of Puerto Rico, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic. Sitting in a prime oceanfront spot is the dreamy guesthouse Tres Sirenas (Three Mermaids).

Communal lounges have contemporary features such as artistic wall panelling in vivid colours. The rooms are elegantly styled with a minimalist white and grey decor highlighted with lamps and rugs in contrasting colours. Puerto Rico piqued my interest after reading The Rum Diary and while I explored several corners of the island, chasing waves in Rincón tops my must dos for a return trip. A self-proclaimed "culinary farm lodge" with free-roaming chickens in the Cayey Mountains just an hour from San Juan, El Pretexto is a dream destination for food-loving adult travelers. The property specializes in week-long culinary stays organized by owner Crystal Diaz—guests visit area markets and producers, meet local chefs and learn to make regional dishes through hands-on cooking classes.

The hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from both the airport and the cruise terminal. So, it was not an issue getting to and from the property during our travels. Of course, you can certainly set out to explore San Juan, but at this resort, there is really no need to leave. The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is one of the top hotels near San Juan’s cruise terminals, not only because of its stylish architecture and elaborate chandeliers but also for a host of high-end amenities. Liven up your night with a dance at the BRAVA Nightclub, rejuvenate at the Well & Being Spa, hit the beach just a walk away, play a game of pool, or take a paddleboarding class.

The hotels below are listed in order of their distance from Pan American Cruise Terminal. Enjoy home comforts at Andalucia B&B Guest House just 2 minutes from the white sandy beach. Beautifully furnished air-conditioned rooms and a tropical patio make this a great place to chill out on a budget. Popular hotel situated in Old San Juan, close to the historic Castillo de San Cristóbal.

Each of the three bedrooms has a brutalist-style ensuite bathroom with an outdoor shower. With a striking pool deck and gazebo, you'll want to spend plenty of time outdoors—swimming, sunbathing, sitting beside the fire pit, stargazing and listening to the coqui tree frogs at night. For more great Airbnb options in Puerto Rico, check out our guide to the Best Airbnbs In Puerto Rico. Architect John Hix designed his strikingly modern, back-to-nature hideaway on Vieques using Wabi Sabi principles.

Cruises Destinations Search 2024 & 2025 Cruise Itineraries

Table Of Content

• Early Booking Bonus on Your Next Cruise
• Why Cruise Alaska with Holland America
• Alaska Cruises
• Mexico Vacation Packages
• Hour Room Service

From cooking classes to architecture tours and thrilling outdoor adventures, our shore excursions are the easiest way to explore the Old Continent. When you reach each subsequent tier, you'll unlock further discounts — or even freebies — on things like specialty restaurant dining, specialty coffees, minibar purchases, spa treatments, laundry and pressing services. You'll also gain perks like priority check-in and tendering, as well as Wi-Fi credits.

Early Booking Bonus on Your Next Cruise

The most notable of Holland America's entertainment spaces is the Music Walk, a live music-themed promenade that's home to several venues for everything from dueling pianos and blues performances to rock 'n' roll. Additionally, each Holland America vessel has a buffet that serves a large number of cuisines from several stations for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacking. And, speaking of snacking, afternoon tea is offered on select afternoons on each voyage. These cabins are also outfitted with a split bathroom setup — one room with a bathtub/shower, sink and toilet and another with a shower and sink. Spa cabins come in all basic cabin categories, as well as Neptune Suites. They encompass the same square footage as standard cabins in each of those categories and share the same layout.

Why Cruise Alaska with Holland America

And veterans who found themselves on Holland America ships used as military transport during World War II often sail on the line's modern vessels as a way to reminisce. In the Mediterranean, sailings include everything from seven- to 28-night voyages that offer the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Florence and Naples, Italy, on a single cruise. In all, Holland America ships sail to 98 countries, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 470 different ports and cruise destinations. These are much larger numbers than found with such rival lines as Celebrity Cruises. Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages, which includes all beverages priced at US$11 or less and beverage service charges.

Alaska Cruises

It accommodates children from ages 3-17 under the supervision of professionally trained youth staff. For starters, the newest vessels feature an entire music-themed promenade, and each ship's main theater, dubbed the World Stage, hosts several fabulous shows each cruise. The latter is a fantastic place to seek out complimentary between-meal snacks and extra-charge alcohol and specialty coffee beverages. Holland America consistently cooks up some of the best food at sea. In fact, through its own Culinary Council, the line offers menu items — and even stand-alone restaurants — developed by renowned chefs like Ethan Stowell, Jacques Torres, Rudi Sodamin, Andy Matsuda, David Burke and Masaharu Morimoto.

Europe Cruises

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. We make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise. Add a hotel package to your Europe cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise.

Shore Excursion credit must be used pre-cruise when applied toward an Alaska Cruisetour Land Excursion purchase. Shore Excursion credit must be used on corresponding cruise and is non-refundable. Shore Excursion credit can neither be redeemed for cash or airport transfers nor applied to a non–Shore Excursion item. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Travel to Europe’s most fascinating destinations on perfectly sized cruise ships offering unmatched service and an award-winning onboard experience.

2 crew members die in 'incident' on Holland America cruise ship - UPI News

2 crew members die in 'incident' on Holland America cruise ship.

Posted: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ... - PR Newswire

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ....

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:15:00 GMT [source]

Rounding out the offerings are a safe, a minifridge, a variety of outlets and USB ports and a private bathroom. An in-room TV provides a handful of channels, ship-sponsored content and complimentary movies. Although every Holland America ship has a kids club on board, the youth spaces aren't as expansive and thrilling as the facilities on the larger and more family-friendly cruise lines. Well-behaved kids who enjoy learning and visiting new places will still have a great time. Ships in the Holland America fleet — formerly the Nederlandsche-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Dutch-American Steamship Company) — carried immigrants from Europe to North America at regular intervals. As such, the line often attracts older cruisers and genealogy buffs looking to experience sea travel much like their grandparents, great-grandparents and even great-great grandparents did (albeit with more modern comforts).

Hour Room Service

The line's ships generally offer excellent food, tastefully designed decor and an impressive variety of music as entertainment. But that doesn't mean the ships are stuffy, boring or limited to an older demographic. In fact, HAL ships are more modern than ever, with some of the newest hardware featuring high-tech theater shows, extensive art collections and contemporary music that even members of Generation Z are likely to appreciate. It's common to see multigenerational family groups on Holland America voyages. Immerse into the steel-drum rhythms of the islands on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, our two newest ships.

Smoking generally is not allowed in indoor areas on Holland America ships, including cabins and cabin balconies. Designated smoking areas are available outdoors and in specific areas of the casinos on select ships. E-cigarettes are allowed to be used in passenger cabins but not on balconies. The Surf package allows for checking email, accessing webpages, using select apps and utilizing message services, such as WhatsApp and iMessage.

The second of our Signature Class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam, celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. While on board, rejuvenate in the tranquil Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, or enjoy a tantalizing meal at fine dining restaurants. When you’re in the mood for music, Billboard Onboard fills the room with chart-topping hits. Fly to cruise departure ports, such as San Diego, and then set out on your cruise to Mexico. Find low prices, loads of options that arrive and depart in time for your cruise, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change with Flight Ease ®.

Here’s what to pack for a European cruise and shore excursions, so you can feel comfortable and prepared for your adventures. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins. Unwind as you take in the beauty of the Atlantic and enjoy more time at off-the-beaten-path Europe destinations and remote islands. The line's Pinnacle Class renaissance shows a marked effort by the brand to improve the onboard experience, particularly in the way of entertainment. Sailings offer passengers excellent music and shows and serve phenomenal food in an elegant atmosphere.

B.B. King's Blues Club is a popular venue on Signature Class and Pinnacle Class ships. Named for the famed blues artist, it houses live performances of the same genre. On Vista Class, Signature Class and Pinnacle Class vessels, Billboard Onboard is where you can catch dueling pianos with musicians playing popular tunes that top the Billboard charts.

From rock and pop to country and beyond, we provide the perfect playlist live, each and every cruise. Graced with floral and tapestries, Volendam is the ideal ship for your Hawaii adventure. Relax at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa or dine at one of numerous restaurants.

For the coming winter, seven of the line's 11 ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean, and there will be at least one ship each in Asia, Australia and South America. There also will be one ship operating an epic, around-the-world voyage — a long tradition at the line. During the winter, the line will move at least half of these ships to the Caribbean, while also sending some on far-reaching voyages across the world to Asia, Australia and South America. You'll find Holland America ships in almost every corner of the world at some point during the year, operating itineraries that are unusual in their diversity of routes and specific port calls. Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. Please select your stateroom or suite type and room category from the available options.

Other port calls during such Panama Canal cruises typically include the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. In a typical year, the line will operate more than two dozen voyages to the canal, some of which are round-trip sailings from Florida's Port Everglades while others are one-way trips between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California. The latter trips offer the chance to see a broader mix of Caribbean islands than is typical on Caribbean sailings.

Culinary classes (including some specifically for kids), wine tastings and blendings (on select ships only), and complimentary computer classes fill quickly. After just one sailing, you're entitled to drink vouchers, a special welcome lunch, discounts on Holland America merchandise and half off third and fourth passengers in a cabin on select cruises. Plus, you'll be eligible for onboard credit when you book certain voyages.

Carnival Sunshine Cruises from Charleston

Table Of Content

• Cruise News Recap: Carnival Hike, Overbooking, Stranded Passengers
• Seasonal Weather Conditions in Charleston
• Isle of Palms Beach
• Why is Charleston cruise port closing?
• Details about Bahamas cruises
• Cabins and suites
• ONBOARD DINING

If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine. Note that three of the line's newest ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia — do not have launderettes. Note that you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink. The social and value plans cost $18 and $23 per day, respectively, when bought onboard a ship. Unlike some lines, Carnival has resisted the trend of big-ship operators carving out whole sections of deck-top areas for the exclusive use of passengers staying in suites or willing to pay hefty access fees. On one of Carnival's newest ships, Carnival Panorama, there's no RedFrog Pub, but the Smokehouse Brewhouse has a stage that's home to live music nightly and some of the ship's karaoke sessions.

Cruise News Recap: Carnival Hike, Overbooking, Stranded Passengers

Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your time in this historic town. You will have plenty of options, with numerous restaurants showing off the city’s renowned culinary scene. Particular highlights are the many soul food and Southern cuisine restaurants in the historic downtown area. Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this beach is popular with surfers and those looking to take in stunning sunsets. The beach is also surrounded by independently owned-restaurants and snack bars.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Charleston

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum (75 points), brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, priority debarkation, priority dinner reservations, priority spa reservations and priority water shuttle boarding. Platinums also get complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (with a limit of two to five bags, depending on the length of the cruise). In other words, if you are sailing seven-night cruises, you will be Gold level on your fourth sailing, as you will be passing the 25-day mark on that sailing. On most ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in casinos and nightclubs. On Carnival ships in Australia, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Carnival also offers a less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $15.30 a day when bought in advance.

Isle of Palms Beach

If you’re staying in Charleston post-cruise, consider booking a hotel that offers shuttle services to the airport or downtown Charleston. One of the highlights of a cruise is the culinary experience, and cruise lines often boast a variety of specialty dining venues to tantalize your taste buds. These venues offer a diverse range of cuisines and dining concepts, allowing you to indulge in flavors from around the world. If you’re planning to embark on a cruise from Charleston, it’s worth considering arriving a day or two before your departure to fully explore the city’s charm. Here are some recommended hotels near the port, attractions to visit, and dining options in Charleston. Bermuda, with its pink-sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, is a popular destination for cruises departing from Charleston.

It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs. As a bonus, the port even offers complimentary parking and shuttles from the parking lots to those with vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or identification card. Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal.

Details about Bahamas cruises

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. For a Caribbean cruise, pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm and tropical climates.

Carnival cruisers find cars flooded at port: 'People (were) in tears' - USA TODAY

Carnival cruisers find cars flooded at port: 'People (were) in tears'.

Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Charleston’s cruise terminal is conveniently located near downtown Charleston and offers several facilities to make the embarkation process smooth and efficient. The terminal features spacious check-in areas, security checkpoints, and baggage drop-off points. There are seating areas and restrooms for passengers, as well as shops and cafés where you can purchase any last-minute essentials or grab a quick bite to eat. The terminal staff is available to assist passengers with any questions or concerns.

Cabins and suites

If you are driving to the city and its port, rather than flying into Charleston, there are plenty of simple ways to get there by bus or car. Your private stateroom is more than just a place to rest and recharge — see the comfy options available. Starting at just $419, choose the perfect cruise from Charleston that fits your traveling desires.

ONBOARD DINING

Sometimes held in a secondary lounge or a shipboard pub, karaoke on Carnival draws a big crowd. Passengers come prepared with rehearsed songs and sometimes even their own guitars. Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either Your Time dining (you go whenever you want) or Traditional Dining (you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood, and cabin bathrooms are neutral.

Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel. Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you’ll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea… and let’s not forget sunrise and sunset.

Carnival Jubilee ship review: A complete cruise guide

Table Of Content

• Havana Staterooms & Suites
• Ocean View (Obstructed View)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando)
• Meet Carnival Celebration®
• Related Cruises
• Junior Suite

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino. As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Liberty, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury, just in a smaller package. In a Carnival Liberty Junior Suite you'll find everything there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, a full-size balcony... Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck. Since your huge Suite on Carnival Celebration® affords you VIP status, you're in the priority line when getting on and off the ship… plus Suites come with exclusive perks!

Havana Staterooms & Suites

Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards. When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades.

Ocean View (Obstructed View)

The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order. Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Carnival ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a wide range of bars, lounges and nightspots. Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Meet Carnival Celebration®

A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points on dining. In other words, if you are sailing seven-night cruises, you will be Gold level on your fourth sailing, as you will be passing the 25-day mark on that sailing. Most vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets.

Related Cruises

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Liberty's gentle wake from your spacious balcony. This is one ship that’s ready to put its fun where your vacation is, with plenty of ways to enjoy your time away.

The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows. On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

Ocean Suite

Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe. Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price. Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub. Cloud 9 Spa™ staterooms on Carnival Celebration® feature exclusive décor and in-room amenities to help soothe you after a long day’s fun — spa bathrobes and slippers, plus toiletries by Elemis. Book one of these staterooms and enjoy priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes, exclusive discounts and more! And you can have comfort and value — Carnival Celebration's got a full range of Cloud 9 staterooms in all sizes, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites.

Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through. Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Carnival Cruise Line makes a key safety policy very clear - TheStreet

Carnival Cruise Line makes a key safety policy very clear.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull. Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships. In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten. Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have. Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board. Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above. Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing. In 1993, Carnival began to get rid of their older second-hand tonnage, and sold their first ship, Mardi Gras, after 21 years of service with the line. The Carnivale followed the same year, going to newly created Carnival subsidiary Fiesta Marina Cruises. Keeping with the times, Carnival Magic features the delicious good times of Guy's Burger Joint™, BlueIguana Cantina™, Alchemy Bar® and RedFrog Rum Bar®.

The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine. Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches.

The social and value plans cost $18 and $23 per day, respectively, when bought onboard a ship. Older kids (aged 15-17) are grouped into what's known as Club O2 and have their own lounge for meeting up, listening to music, dancing, singing karaoke and other activities. Carnival claims to draw more children than any other cruise line.