Our recent podcast was a review of the new Disney Fantasy by travel agent, Debra Gordon.  Deb was kind enough to share pictures from her voyage of some of the places and new features she reviewed on the ship.  First, is the new addition to the adults-only area, Satellite Falls.  This space on the Dream is pretty much wasted, so it is interesting to see something as technical as a television satellite utilized in a unique way for guests.

 The pool deck on the Disney Fantasy has two waterslides: the smaller one for children, and the AquaDuck (seen on the far left) which is the first water rollercoaster at sea, debuted on the Disney Dream and returns on the Fantasy.

Another new feature on the Disney Fantasy is the AquaLab, a water play area featuring Donald's nephew's: Huey, Duey and Louie. While Nemo's Reef on the Dream and Fantasy is for the smaller set, this play area is designed with older kids and tweens in mind.

The nightclub area has been newly designed as Europa, and features bars which represent a variety of European countries. England is represented with "The Tube", themed as the British Underground and features subway handles, backlit menus and phone booths to dance in.

Ooh La La is the French-themed nightclub and champagne bar, and is decked out in plush cushions and sumptious fabrics.

Other bars include La Piazza, the Italian themed nightclub and O'Gills Irish Bar, as well as Skyline which features a changing cityscape every 20 minutes of various European skylines.  Bathrooms near Europa feature oddly designed stalls, colorful mosaics and a reflective ceiling to watch out for.

Although not mentioned on the podcast, I thought you might like pictures of the new teen pool area.

And the cabanas on Castaway Cay...

I'll leave you with a shot of the beautiful atrium which perfectly showcases the classy style of Disney's ships.

  As most cruise enthusiasts, whenever I get a chance to check out cruise ships on television, I am totally there. So, it was no surprise that I tuned in to "Love For Sail", a new reality show filmed on board Norwegian Cruise Line, which premiered last night. Advertised as a cross between the Bachelorette and the Love Boat, this show really feels more like it belongs on Bravo or E!.  But, let's not get ahead of ourselves; let me set the stage.

  Each week, four women are chosen to cruise on a Norwegian ship. In the premier episode, it was the Pearl, but subsequent episodes will feature the Epic and Star as well. (Although the Epic was featured in many helicopter shots this week.)  Their purpose is to find love with one of the six guys chosen for them by cruise directors Bucko and Carmen. A few "freestyle" meets are set up for them to get to know the guys a bit before they choose which ones they want for private dates.  There were three of these private dates, and the girls could pick different guys each time. There is no prize at the end or anything except for the prospect of love, and of course, the free cruise that I assume Lifetime television just provided for them.  

  From a ship-lover point of view, there was a lot to see.  The girls appeared to be in suites, while the guys were in tiny inside staterooms.  The Haven was heavily featured, with the largest suite as a backdrop for a cocktail party.  The pool deck, poolside bar, a specialty restaurant and grand staircase also made an appearance.  The promenade deck below the lifeboats was the location of all those "diary" shots and several nighttime strolls.  I look forward to what they will show on the Epic.

  From a viewer's perspective, this show is pure guilty pleasure (or not as the case may be).  The guys are unbelievably "attracted" to women that they would likely not date in real life.  They constantly compete with each other for the ladies' affection, which makes you wonder what exactly the producers told them to do.  (Including laughing off and making light of an incredibly embarrassing drunken come-on by one of the women.)  
Entertaining? Yes. A show I would recommend? No, I can't bring myself to stand behind this silly piece of hysterically funny fluff. Will I keep watching? Yes, but only for the ship views. (yeah, right)


  "Love For Sail" is on Lifetime Television at 10/9 central on Tuesday evenings, and is available to watch online here.