Choose a Cruise: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Los Angeles Port Development Approved

A $1.2 billion renovation plan for the Port of Los Angeles has been approved by harbor officials. The plan includes a new cruise ship terminal, an eight-mile promenade, and other tourist attractions.

The industrial port complex looks to lure diners, shoppers, and pedestrians, as well as accommodate the influx of cruise vacationers to Los Angeles.

Supporters claim the renovation will create thousands of jobs, but some residents fear that the new cruise ship terminal will negatively impact boaters in the marina and may spoil the beauty of local beaches.

The vote by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners certified the environmental impact report, allowing the project to move forward.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico

Travel to Cozumel, Mexico for sun-kissed beaches, turquois waters, and fabulous adventures on land and sea. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is the gem of the Mexican Caribbean.

Take a cruise ship to Cozumel, Mexico. Many of the major cruise lines offer voyages to this popular destination. Search online for the best cruise ship deals.

Enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches of Cozumel, Mexico. Relax under a golden sun and meditate on the tranquil, turquoise waters:

Cozumel has wonderful reefs to explore:

And what better way to see the reefs than snorkeling?

SCUBA diving is also very popular in Cozumel:

The dolphins love the Cozumel waters:

Lovely day for a Catamaran:

The view from a glass-bottom boat:

Cozumel offers a great opportumity to do some horseback riding on the beach:

Tulum is a prime destination for adventure travel. Cozumel features the only coastal Mayan city. These extraordinary ruins of a once-glorious civilization are a must-see:

Be sure to check out the San Gervasio Mayan ruins:

On the Yucatan Peninsula, north of Tulum, is Dos Ojos, a flooded cavern system:

For more information, get this terrific guidebook: Best of Cozumel

Photo credits: Ken Thomas, Derek Kastner, Rob Inh00d, kthypryn, mhedstrom, eschipul, joiseyshowaa, Brave Sir Robin, Dag Lindgren

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Ephesus, Turkey

The ancient city of Ephesus offers many unique sites to cruise vacationers. From the port of Kusadasi, visit the ruins of this Greek colony in Asia Minor, which once held the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the world) and which played an important role in the early Christian church.

Important sites include the Library of Celsus, the ancient theater, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Domition, the Gate of Augustus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John's Basilica.

Here are some photos from my recent vacation in Ephesus, Turkey.

The library of Celsus, who was the Roman governor of Asia in 115 C.E.:

Theater at Ephesus, the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world:

The House of the Virgin Mary:

St. John's Basilica:

The tomb of St. John:

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Discovery Cruise Line Gives Free Cruises to Military

Military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan can get a free "Discovery Day" cruise to Grand Bahama Island. They must have served during the preceding year. This is part of special program for the military that Discovery Cruise Line has offered for the past several years.

The offer is good for one free roundtrip cruise to Grand Bahama. It includes meals, service charges, taxes, and Bahamian departure fees. Discovery Cruise Lines says there are no additional costs involved.

Source: Discovery Cruise Line

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card

Cruise vacationers who care about protecting the environment may want consult the latest study by Friends of the Earth, which recently ranked the major cruise lines on three environmental criteria: sewage treatment technology, air pollution reduction, and water quality compliance in Alaskan waters. Top marks went to Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. At the bottom were Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line.

Source: Friends of the Earth

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Royal Caribbean Contest: "Reporter at Sea"

USA Today and Royal Caribbean are sponsoring a contest to help promote the unveiling of Royal Caribbean's new ship, Oasis of the Sea. Contestants are asked to submit a short video (no longer than 45 seconds) demonstrating their reporting skills and explaining why they should be chosen to be a citizen journalist for Royal Caribbean. Ten finalists will be selected, then voted on via the Internet. Winners receive a three-night cruise for two aboard the Oasis of the Sea, plus air fare and hotel. Deadline is October 9, 2009.

For more information: Reporter at Sea Contest

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Harbor Pilots and Cruise Lines Sailing into Court

A dispute over harbor pilot rate increases for Galveston Island and Texas City is sending Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association sailing to court. The companies filed paperwork asking for a judicial review of proceedings from earlier this year. Meanwhile, rate increases are still being considered.

The harbor pilots have insisted that all cruise ships in and out of Galveston Island and Texas City require two pilots on board. The second pilot would bill the cruise lines at 50 percent of the standard tariff. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises believe that modern cruise ships to not require a second harbor pilot.

Source: Houston Business Journal

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Port of Los Angeles Renovations to Benefit Cruise Vacationers

Cruise lines are looking forward to major new upgrades now under consideration at the Port of Los Angeles, which may be getting its largest redevelopment project in history. Harbor commissioners are considering a $1.2-billion project to turn Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro into a bustling waterfront retail and conference center.

In addition to benefit cruise vacationers visiting the renovated port, this project will offer locals such benefits as new waterfront promenades and expanded recreational space.

Source: L.A. Times

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Istanbul, Turkey: Topkapi Palace

On your Istanbul cruise, be sure to take time to visit Topkapi Palace. There's a lot to see on this palatial estate, and you may want to set aside a good 2-3 hours to take in the grandeur.

This was the home of the Turkish Sultan during the Ottoman Empire. It was the Sultan's primary residence from 1465 to 1853. In 1985, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among other things, Topkapi Palace was famous for its Harem, home of the Sultan's concubines. Admission to the Harem is a separate charge, but it's well worth it.

Here are some photos from my recent visit to the Topkapi Palace:

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Monday, September 28, 2009

Cruise Istanbul, Turkey

There are many reasons to cruise Istanbul, Turkey. It is a city rich in history and beauty. The unique blend of architecture reflects the multiple empires that have ruled over the Golden Horn: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Exotic and mysterious, old and modern, Istanbul offers something for every traveler.