Read more on New York Magazine

Read more on New York Post

   If you are looking for a great romantic spot to take your special someone than New York is the place to come. With all the great restaurants contained within it is one of the hottest spots for anyone to take their special date.

   Probably one of the most romantic restaurants located in New York would have to be “One if By Land, Two if By Sea”. This great little romantic hot spot is located in the heart of the west village. If you really want to be able to impress your date ask for a seat by the fireplace. However with its romantic candle light atmosphere any place in this little cozy restaurant would be great. With the great cozy interior and live piano music you will set a fine picture of romance for your special date.

   If you are looking for more of a bar atmosphere than you may want to check out the Gramercy Tavern. This is one restaurant that will definitely go beyond what you may of originally expected.  It has some beautiful formal as well as elegant decor that will impress any date. The food is great and goes right along with the great atmosphere.

   Il Cantinori is another great romantic restaurant that you should really try. As you approach this great restaurant you will instantly feel relaxed among the hustle and bustle of the New York street. The decor is simple but elegant and quickly becomes inviting to anyone looking for great food. It is also an elegant place for any new romance or old to flourish and come alive. The food is elegance and the air is full of romance.

   Cage de Artiste is another romantic hot spot for lovers and one of the oldest restaurants in the Manhattan area. They host some of the finest French cuisine in the area and offer a great romantic atmosphere. The facade is both lovely and ornate and the walls are covered with murals and plants hang all around. You will feel almost like you’re in the middle of central park. All of the locals will tell you its one of the hottest romantic spots in New York.

   Finally there is Daniel which is one finest dining establishments in New York. The atmosphere is romantic, food is great, and the wait staff is friendly. What more could you ask for in a romantic dining experience? It is also a favorite among all the East side locals as the number one romantic spot to take any date.

   All of these great spots are sure to amaze your special someone. If you are looking to impress your date you should really consider giving one of these great romantic restaurants a try today. Your date will be surprised at how much you know of the great cuisine in New York. With Valentines Day just around the corner you should check them out today.

   So go ahead and put some spice in your romance and take your date to one of these great spots.

www.LocalRestaurantDirect.com

This ship caters to everyone and I mean everyone. Children love the kids programs put on by Camp Carnival where they will entertain your little ones so you can have grown up time alone. After hours babysitting is also available to a small fee until 3am. Teens have their own alcohol and parent free party place called Club O2. The pizzeria is open 24 hours a day and what kid wouldn’t be in heaven with that.

Adults can enjoy a drink and dancing in the Jazz club on the Valor called the Paris Hot Jazz Club. Don’t miss the rotating piano in the Lindy Hop Piano Bar. In fact there is no lack of venues to partake in your favorite beverage or music on board. The Valor has 22 bars and lounges in all. You can dance into the wee hours if that is your choice at the disco. It is called One Small Step Dance Club and plays homage to the first steps made by Neil Armstrong on the surface of the moon.

I was a tad concerned about the reputation Carnival has before I sailed on my first Carnival Cruise ship. I am a very light sleeper and somewhat of an introvert so am not the least bit interested in being loud and boisterous or running about. I was sure I would not have a moments peace the whole trip. I was mistaken. I have discovered there is nothing quite like sitting in a quiet spot overlooking the ocean and reading a paperback novel. Through the week I found many wonderful locations to sit and gaze at the passing sea. My cabin was as quiet as a library. I slept like a baby in a cradle with the gentle motion of the ship rocking me into a rejuevenating sleep.

The Spa experience is to die for. They offer all sorts of massages and exfoliating scrubs. Their hot stone massage is said to draw toxins from your body. I am not sure if it does that but it definitely makes you feel like a sparkling new person. The Spa is connected to the gym area where you can rid yourself of all those extra calories you put in going to the chocolate buffet.

The three swimming pools are filled with sea water and use a salt water chlorinator so your skin feels smooth as silk when you get out and it will not change the color of chemically processed hair. The main pool has one of Carnival’s signature 214 ft spiral water slides. A total of 7 hot tubs await your tense and tired body for a soak.

If food is the pleasure you desire you will not be disappointed. There are casual and more formal eateries to choose from. There are two elegant dining rooms used for dinner every night, the Washington and the Lincoln. Everyone is assigned one of these but are not obligated to eat there at all. There is a upscale supper club called Scarlett’s on board that requires reservations and where you will be charged a nominal extra fee. There is a fish and chips station inside the buffet restaurant, Rosie’s, where oysters are also served. There is an Asian station if you’ve got a hankering for fried rice or noodles. The New York style deli will perk up your taste buds in no time when you see your sandwich piled higher than your jaws can open. Outside near the main pool burgers and hot dogs and fried are prepared on the grilled for those who prefer to dine in their swimsuits.

Your cruise on the Carnival Valor can be as wild or sedate as you want it to be. Try it, you will like it. Do not be afraid to bring Grandma and Grandpa for their anniversary or the children for spring break. A good time will be had by all. Indeed Carnival has got the fun.