Choose a Cruise

Cougar Cruise to Roar Again with Royal Caribbean

2010-01-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

After being kicked off the Carnival line, the Second International Cougar Cruise is back on with Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Sea ship. The singles cruise, designed for "ladies of a certain age," tours the Mexican Riviera May 16-23. The sponsor is Singles Travel Company and the Society of Single Professionals. A third Cougar Cruise will take place in December on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky.

Source: NY Times

Disney Cruise Line's "Water Coaster"

2009-11-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to lure family cruise vacationers, and Disney is introducing a new type of attraction on its latest ship, the Disney Dream: a water coaster. Cleverly named the AquaDuck, this 765-foot flume ride sends cruise ship passengers on an inflatable raft through a clear acrylic tube that twists and turns around the top deck. The ride rises four stories off the upper deck, and includes a loop that swings out over the water, offering passengers a clear view of the sea 150 down. The attraction also passes through the forward funnel and careens through the kid's area inside the ship. The AquaDuck is free to cruise ship passengers, but kids must match the height limit, as the ride is too intense for small children.

Source: USA Today

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

New Cruise Ship: Disney Dream

2009-11-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Disney Cruise Line has announced its newest cruise ship, the Disney Dream. Details about the new ship came during a much-vaunted New York City ceremony last week.

Currently under construction at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard, The Disney Dream weighs in at an impressive 128,000 tons, and can carry 2500 passengers, but may be able to carry over 1200 more. The Disney Dream will include an adults-only area called The District, featuring bars and clubs. One example is the Skyline bar, which features skylines such as Tokyo and Paris displayed on the windows. The cruise ship also features a "watercoaster," The AquaDuck, a transparent water tube.

Joining the Disney fleet in 2011, the Disney Dream will sail out of Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida. A sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, is slated to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2012.

Source: Disney Cruise Line press release

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Carnival Cruise Lines Debuts New Ship: Carnival Dream

2009-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

The new Carnival Dream will be the largest cruise ship run by Carnival Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. Now in Europe, the Carnival dream is making its U.S. debut on a voyage from New York to the Bahamas. Port Canaveral, near Orlando, will be the new home port of this 3,646-passenger, 130,000-ton beauty. The cruise ship will specialize in week-long sailings around the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Source: NY Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Royal Caribbean Debuts New Cruise Ship: Oasis of the Seas

2009-10-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Oasis of the Seas, the new cruise ship run by Royal Caribbean, is the first-ever cruise ship larger than an aircraft carrier. A veritable floating city, the Oasis of the Sea cost $1.4 billion to complete, carries up to 5,400 passengers, and weighs in at an impressive 220,000 tons. It is currently the world's largest cruise ship, and features an open-air park with trees, a boardwalk (think Coney Island), a pool with aqua acrobats and divers, and much more.

Source: NY Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Romania

2009-10-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

Romania is a beautiful, friendly country that offers much to the world traveler. Once known as "little Paris," the capitol city of Bucharest is a charming, bustling mix of the old world and the new. The fall of the Soviet Union has ushered in many changes to Romania in the past two decades. This is still very much a country in transition.

Many major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Seaborn, offer cruise vacations to Romania via the Port of Constanta, the largest port on the Black Sea. These include Princes Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, and many others. More than 90 cruise ships and 30,000 tourists enter the port every year.

Here are some pictures from my recent vacation to Romania...

Arcul de Triumf ("Arch of Triumph"), Bucharest:

Palace of the Parliament, Bucharest:

City Hall, Bucharest:

Here is Poienari Castle, the fortress of Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula:

Village Museum, Bucharest:

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

2009-10-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

If you miss returning to your cruise ship at port, they won't wait for you and they won't come back to pick you up. You'll somehow have to get to the next port-0f-call in time to board the cruise ship there.

But what if you're running back to the ship and you cut it a little too close?

You get publicly embarrassed.

Like this guy:

So always wear a watch and make sure you get back to your cruise ship!

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Caribbean Cruise: Antigua

2009-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Antigua is famous for its beaches and harbors, but there is a lot more for cruise vacationers to explore on this Caribbean paradise.

The Block House Ruins
On a sheer cliff 446 feet above the seas, this was in 1787 the principle lookout for the First West India Regiment. From the officer's barracks, you get amazing views over Indian Creek and the Atlantic.

Shirley Heights
Named after Sir Thomas Shirley, this was the main fortification of the British Fleet at English Harbour. The stunning view from Shirley Heights takes in nearly the entire east coast of Antigua, including English Harbour and Flamouth Harbour.

Nelson's Dockyard
Named after its former commander, Horatio Nelson, Nelson's Dockyard is the last remaining Georgian naval yard still in use. Here you can see the Admiral's Inn, museum, mystery pillars, art gallery, and bakery. After your tour of the dockyard and the old stone quayside, refresh yourself with drinks at the 18th-century inn.

Cades Reef
Take a catamaran over the azure waters to Cades Reef and snorkel amid the Caribbean corals.

English Harbour
During the 18th century, the British Royal Navy established a base at the extreme southern end of Antigua. Today, English Harbour offers great yachting and other boating adventures.

North Sound National Park
This cluster of islands and reefs is home to a variety of birds and sea life.

Great Bird Island
Hike to the blow holes and catch panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean islands.

Soufriere Hills Volcano
Take a helicopter tour over the exclusion zone, which features this volatile 3,000-foot volcano.

Darkwood Beach
A white sand beach with turquoise waters.

Harmony Hall
This sugar plantation has views of the east coast and outlying islands.

Observation Tower
One of Antigua's newest landmarks, the observation tower offers an amazing 360-degree view of the island, but you'll have to climb 82 steps to get to the top.

Stingray Enclosure
Take a skiff ride out to the stingray enclosure. Put on your snorkel gear and join the stingrays in the sea. The waters are clear the and the stingrays friendly. You can touch and feed them, as the stingrays will only use their barbs when threatened.

Cedar Valley Golf Course
This par 70, 18-hole course was designed by Ralph Aldridge. It opened to the public in 1977. Cedar Valley's 6,157-yard course features rolling hills, tropical trees, and unmatched vistas.

Cricket
Antigua boasts a rich history in the sport of cricket. Fans should visit the Antigua Recreational Ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, and the Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Bar.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Rescue Crew Medevacs Cruise Ship Passenger to Hospital

2009-10-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

An 85-year-old passenger aboard the Holland America cruise ship Zuiderdam was medevaced to Torrance Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday after suffering stroke-like symptoms. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles southwest of Long Beach. A Coast Guard crew responded to a 6 pm call from the cruise ship. They flew in an HH65C Dolphin rescue helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station in Los Angeles. The medevac team lowered a rescue basket to crew members aboard the Zuiderdam, who secured the man in the basket. He was then hoisted up to the helicopter and taken to the hospital. The patient's medical condition is not known at this time.

Source: LA Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Staying Safe on a Cruise

2009-10-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

When visiting other countries on your cruise vacation, safety should be a primary concern.

Cruise Lines remain in constant contact with authorities, monitoring travel advisories that might impact their cruise ship itineraries. If the U.S. State Department issues a travel advisory for a specific location, the cruise line may make adjustments to their published itinerary.

Most recently, the swine flu outbreak in Mexico caused several cruise lines to avoid Mexican ports of call. However, these situations are rare. Understand that such changes are made for the safety and security of passengers.

Keep in mind that travelers must assume the ultimate responsibility for their actions while ashore. When visiting ports-0f-call, travelers should take some common-sense precautions:

Stay in the normal tourist areas. If you travel far afield, it is best to take a guided tour. Book shore excursions through the cruise line so they can track your whereabouts and know if you'll be late getting back to the ship.
Never leave your belongings unattended in public areas.
Be aware of people around you.
Never accept packages from anyone you don’t know personally.
Dress and behave conservatively. As a tourist in a foreign port, keep a low profile. Drawing attention to yourself may put you at risk.
Be careful when eating and drinking ashore. Alcohol can impair your judgment. If you are planning to dine in port, get recommendations from the cruise line.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Cabo San Lucas

2009-10-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

For those who enjoy sun-kissed beaches when they travel, Cabo San Lucas beckons. Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches await on the tip of the world's longest peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

There are lots of fun things to do at Cabo San Lucas...

Catch a tourist boat to the amazing rock formations of Los Arcos and get a glimpse of pelicans, sea lions, and migrating whales. Humpback, minke, and gray whales are common sights during whale-watching season, January through March. But remember, whale sightings are not guaranteed on whale-watching tours.

Snorkel and scuba dive at Pelican Rock Cove, where you'll swim among the angelfish, Moorish idols, and yellowtail.

Kayak in the secluded waters of Santa Maria Cove.

Visit the village of San Jose del Cabo. Shop, explore the mission church, and wander the tree-lined plaza. See 750 species of cacti in the ecological garden of Cacti Mundo.

Explore the village of Todos Santos, where the Jesuit mission dates back to 1724. Now, shops and gallaries greet tourists, as well as the famous Hotel California.

Take a catamaran to Lover's Beach, which is only accessible by boat.

Discover the Cabo Canopy, a UNESCO protected area in Baja California's high Sierras. Tour groups with trained guides are available. Features include the "commando bridge," the "crazy ladder," and an 800-foot zipline.

Board the Nautilus II for a semi-sub tour of the Sea of Cortez. View ports below the waterline give you a spectacular look at the marine life around Lover's Beach, Los Arcos, and the sea lion colony.

Swim with the dolphins. Talk, touch, and play with the fun-loving bottlenose dolphins. There are special programs available for kids aged 4 to 9.

Be sure to visit the Los Cabos Corridor, the glass-blowing factory, Pedregal, and the San Jose Estuary.

Other fun activities include vehicular expeditions: Baja buggy, ATV, and 4x4. Horseback riding on the beach is always popular.
Public and private yacht tours are also available. Adventurers may prefer surfing and sportfishing.

A few cautions:

Beaches may be crowded during tourist season.
Do not wear sunscreen or jewelry in the dolphin pools.
Beware the steely knives of Hotel California.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Two Cruise Ships Collide in Cozumel

2009-10-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Two cruise ships were damaged in a collision in Cozumel, Mexico. The Carnival Legend and Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas were pulling out of Cozumel late Wednesday when the incident occurred. Strong winds apparently pushed Legend into the Enchantment of the Seas. The Legend carries 2,124 passengers; the Enchantment of the Seas carries 2,446. No injuries were reported, and both cruise ships will continue on their scheduled itineraries.

Source: USA Today

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Los Angeles Port Development Approved

2009-09-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

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

Royal Caribbean Contest: "Reporter at Sea"

2009-09-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T11:46:00.001-07:00

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

Cruise Istanbul, Turkey

2009-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

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.

When planning a cruise to Istanbul, be sure to add the these amazing sites to your itinerary:

Topkapi Palace

Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Archeology Museum

Grand Bazaar

Hippodrome

Bosphorus Bridge

Dolmabahçe Palace

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Are There Any All-Inclusive Cruises?

2009-02-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

For a fun and memorable vacation, all-inclusive cruises offer you everything you need. The price of your cruise vacation package typically includes stateroom, meals, entertainment, and more.

To find the best all-inclusive cruises, search online. Major mass-market cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Disney Cruises, and Royal Caribbean offer a variety of packages and destinations. These deals tend to be mostly-inclusive. Alcoholic beverages and shore excursions must be purchased separately, and other a la carte charges may apply.

For true all-inclusive cruises, check out the top luxury cruise lines like Silversea and Seabourn. These brands delivery extraordinary luxury and are a better fit for the "all-inclusive" label.

Read more about how to find all-inclusive cruises.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruising — Machu Picchu Highlights

2009-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

When cruising South America, take the time to visit Machu Picchu in Peru.

Here are some highlights:

The main gate.

The temple of the sun.

Intiwatana Pyramid.

Three Doorways.

Temple of the Condor.

For more information, read How to Travel Machu Picchu.

Photo credits: Colegota, James Wilson, Morrissey, Theodore Scott

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruising — Visit Machu Picchu

2009-02-07T01:22:00.001-08:00

One of the most popular destinations on South American cruises is Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas," dating from around 1450. It was recently designated one of the new seven wonders of the world.

The port of call is Callao. From there you will travel to Lima, hop a quick flight to Cusco, take a train to Agua Calientes, and finally hike or drive to Machu Picchu.

Read more about Machu Picchu Tours.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruising — Top 14 Places to Visit in New York City

2009-01-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

If New York City is your embarkation or disembarkation port, or one of your ports of call, here are some highly recommended places to visit:

1. Broadway
2. Times Square
3. Central Park
4. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
5. St. Patrick's Cathedral
6. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall
7. Empire State Building
8. Statue of Liberty
9. United Nations
10. Battery Park
11. Ground Zero 0f 9/11 and Winter Garden Atrium
12. Herald Square
13. Grand Central Terminal
14. Brooklyn Bridge

For more information, read How to Travel New York City.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruising — Top 12 Places to Visit in Paris

2009-01-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Paris is a popular destination for European cruises. If Le Havre is your port of call, be sure to see Paris and visit these places in the marvelous City of Lights:

1. Louvre
2. Eiffel Tower
3. Musee d'Orsay
4. Champs-Elysees
5. Arc de Triomphe
6. Notre-Dame de Paris
7. Ile St-Louis
8. Left Bank
9. Musee Marmottan-Claude Monet
10. Musee National Auguste-Rodin
11. Picasso Museum
12. Jardin des Tuileries

For more information, read How to Travel Paris.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

See a Broadway Show in New York

2009-01-17T18:02:00.001-08:00

If New York is on your cruise itinerary — especially if you are embarking or disembarking from the Big Apple — consider staying overnight and seeing a Broadway show.

I posted a new how-to guide on eHow.com to help you get discount Broadway tickets: "How to Buy Broadway Tickets"

Check it out!

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruising — Safety Tips for Kids

2009-01-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

More and more families are opting for cruise vacations. Modern cruise ships are safe and fun for passengers of all ages. However, as with any family outing, parents need to be vigilant about assuring that their children remain safe.

One advantage of a sea voyage is that the entire crew is dedicated to the safety and enjoyment of all guests, and especially of the youngest ones. Most cruise lines provide children with color-coded wrist bands that must be worn at all times. This helps reunite lost children with their parents.

Ship railings are designed to be child-safe. They will either have horizontal bars too close together for a child to fit through, or the rails will be covered with thick plexiglass. Still, children love to climb. To be safe, don't ever leave your child to wander on the balcony unattended.

Most children easily adapt to life onboard. After the first day, kids will usually find their way around deck as easily as the adults. However, you should always walk your children from your cabin to the activity center and back, so that the entire family knows the way.

Children should spend their days either with adult family members or participating in the many adult-supervised activities on board the ship. Children's activities are typically scheduled to coincide with adult activities, so that the parents can have their own fun while the crew looks after the kids. Kid's pools, discos, and arcades are common features on today's ships. Babysitting services may also be available. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, for example, has children's nurses and English nannies on staff.

Before and during your cruise, discuss and emphasize safety issues with your kids. Be sure to warn them not to stray into "Crew Only" areas, which are strictly off-limits. So long as children remain under the watchful eye of an attentive adult, and heed all directions from the staff, their cruise experience is sure to lots of fun.

Something to think about when you choose a cruise.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

How Cruise Ships Make Fresh Water

2009-01-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

Modern cruise ships have an insatiable thirst for fresh water. Some of today's biggest cruise ships, like the Grand Princess, use more than 260,000 gallons of fresh water every day. Rather than carry all this water from the embarkation port, or rely on local ports of call, the newest state-of-the-art cruise ships transform salty sea water into fresh drinking water by a process known as desalination.

The desalination process on a cruise ship uses either flash evaporators or osmosis. Flash evaporators boil sea water and re-condense the steam vapor, producing fresh drinking water. This method is similar to the natural water cycle, where sea water is heated by the sun, rises as steam to form clouds, and then falls back to earth as rain. The second method, osmosis, filters sea water through a fine membrane to separate pure water from salt and other minerals. Cruise ships do not desalinate water near ports or close to land, because coastal waters are the most contaminated.

After desalination, the water is passed through a mineralization plant, which adds minerals. This is necessary because the healthy minerals naturally found in drinking water have been removed by desalination. At this stage, the water is also checked for impurities, sanitized, and the pH is corrected. The water is then sent to massive storage tanks on board the cruise ship. On the Grand Princess, for example, these storage tanks hold up to 500,000 gallons of fresh water.

Next, the water is routed to hot and cold systems. Miles of distribution pipe move the water around the cruise ship.

After the water is delivered through a sink or shower, and used by cruise ship passengers or crew, it must be treated again before it can be discharged. All cruise ships must follow strict environmental laws in the treatment of waste water. Even after treatment, the water is not immediately released, but is held in special storage tanks when the ship is close to land, in port, or other sensitive environments.

It's a complex process, but necessary in order to ensure the health of cruise ship passengers and the natural environment.

Something to think about next time you choose a cruise.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Advantages of Organized Shore Excursions

2009-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

On your next cruise, consider signing up for the shore excursions organized by your cruise line. While there are many options available to tourists at popular ports of call, organized excursions offer several advantages over going it alone.

Quality

The major cruise lines carefully inspect all of their ports and offer their passengers shore excursions from only the most reputable local agencies. Remember, these companies are putting their own reputations on the line by selecting and recommending tours. They want to improve customer loyalty by giving their passengers the best possible experience.

Variety

Cruise lines feature popular and interesting attractions on their recommended lists. They cater to customers with varying interests, fitness levels, and budgets. The selection of tours in each port is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of their passengers.

Service

Why cobble together your own tour package when you can let the specialists do most of the work for you? Better to spend your vacation time having fun with family and friends than fret over independent arrangements and last-minute changes. Let the experts serve you.

Schedule

When you are on an excursion organized by your cruise line, the company knows where you are. They closely monitor the departures and returns of all organized tours. Ships do not sail from a port of call until all of their organized tour transportation has returned. However, your ship's crew can't track the whereabouts of passengers who leave scheduled tours or who arrange their own unaffiliated excursions. If an unmonitored tour is late returning to port, there is always the risk that the ship will leave those passengers behind. To avoid this risk, it is highly recommended that you book only those tours organized or recommended by your cruise line.

Safety

Cruise companies put your safety first. From embarkation to return, they are looking out for you day and night. To this end, they only work with the most reliable, safe tour operators.

Value

Local tour operators offer major organizations the best quality shore excursions at the most reasonable prices.

So the next time you choose a cruise, avail yourself of your ship's organized shore excursions. They offer the best quality, variety, service, scheduling, safety, and value for your cruise vacation dollar.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2009 by Douglas Ward

2008-12-30T23:19:00.000-08:00

If you're planning a cruise for 2009, be sure to purchase a copy of Berlitz Complete 2009 Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships (Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships). There are several guides available on the market, but the Berlitz guide by Douglas Ward is irreplaceable.

Now in its twenty-fourth year of publication, the Berlitz book is an honest, independent look at the cruise options available to today's savvy traveler. Ward includes full reviews of over 270 cruise ships. He compares major cruise lines in terms of cabin facilities, food, and service. For the cost-conscious traveler, there are numerous budget tips.

One of my favorite features is the "strengths and weaknesses" of each cruise line. There are lots of ways to cruise, and Ward offers you plenty of information to help you choose a cruise.

Numerous articles highlight the needs of specific types of travelers: honeymooners, families, the physically challenged, and more.

So get yourself a copy. Read it, study it, love it. I did.

Finding a Caribbean Cruise Ship For Your Family

2008-12-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

By Paula H. Radmall

Years ago cruises were primarily for couples and a few singles. Today more and more families are taking cruises together. The cruise industry has changed a bit to accommodate families by providing many activities for the whole family and other family friendly amenities. Some cruise lines have been quicker to respond than others though. If you are planning a Caribbean cruise for your family then you want to be sure to find a Caribbean cruise ship that will meet the needs of your entire family. Here are some tips in helping find a Caribbean cruise ship for your family vacation.

The first thing to do is look for a Caribbean cruise ship that is designed with families in mind. This cruise line will have a children's program that offers a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. This is especially important as your children will be aboard a ship with nowhere to go and will become easily bored. Check into the number of activities the Caribbean cruise ship offers for children and families as this will give you an idea of how much the family is a priority to that particular cruise ship. Others things to check out is how they handle infants and toddlers on the ship and if there is babysitting provided.

The next tip is to look into the dining accommodations. Many parents would rather not take their little ones into a dining room with gourmet fare every evening they are aboard ship. Family friendly cruise ships will have alternate dining arrangements for families with food that children will eat. Usually there will be a buffet restaurant with plenty of choices on the menu for everybody to enjoy a delicious meal. Some Caribbean cruise ships have programs that allow children to eat with their youth directors so mom and dad can enjoy the gourmet food in the formal dining hall a night or two.

When planning a cruise for the whole family it is wise to do some research to find a Caribbean cruise ship that is family friendly so each member of the family can have an enjoyable experience together.

Find out how to choose the right Caribbean Cruise Ship for your Caribbean Cruise Adventure.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

First Time Cruise With Kids

2008-12-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

By Monika Agic

Cruising industry has been on a steady rise in a recent decade. There are many cruising companies catering to all segments of our population from very wealthy to the average families. I have personally taken a cruise with kids, and once I did, I have realized why cruising with kids works.

Cruise prices can add up but many times 3rd and 4th guest in the same room is charged only half price of the original fare. The 3rd and 4th member of your family will be sleeping on a pull out bed in the ship cabin, and this increases children sense of adventure and fun. If you are on a budget, you may want to get an inside cabin that has no windows or portholes. The advertised fares usually represent the inside cabin charges and upgrades to the cabin types are extra. In my personal opinion the inside room is sufficient and comfortable enough.

What to expect?

When you come on board you'll be greeted by the vessel staff and shown the way to your cabin. Cabins on most ships are pretty small, so pack lightly. Soon after you settle in your room, you will hear an announcement to report to a certain location and go through the safety drill. This is a little nuisance of cruising but very important. You will learn where to find your life west, and where to report in an event of evacuation. This drill is not only important for everyone safety but also educational for children. Soon thereafter the vessel will leave the port and kick off the sailing with music and drinks. Everyone is in a good mood because, well, the cruise has just started.

The meals on the cruise are all inclusive. You and your children will have access to buffets with variety of foods and this is especially important for those picky eaters that only eat macaroni and pizza. The buffet contains different cuisines, drinks and desserts. It is a real bonanza and feast for both your stomachs and eyes. In addition if you have a male teenager like I do, you will probably save money because those kids can eat a ton. I am under the consistent impression that the cruise company actually loses money on my teenager because of all the food he eats. Some cruise lines have a relaxed attitude toward dining which means that you go and eat whenever you feel like it. Others do have formal dining dinners where you are actually scheduled to arrive at the certain time. The formal dining will include the appetizers, main dish, drinks, coffee, tea and desserts. Dinner is the best and most expensive meal you will eat, so you may want to save some space during the day. My tactic was to eat less during the day in anticipation of a fancy dinner.

Dressing code is casual for the most part, and shorts and T-shirt will work. Some cruise lines have formal nights that require formal attire: suits and ties, elegant dresses. The dress code also applies to children so make sure they have the clothes required to go to dinners during those formal nights. If you or your children don't meet the minimum formal nights requirements, you'll have to eat your dinner at a buffet instead in the main dinner hall. Please check with the cruise line regarding the dress code before you go.

The ships have tons of amenities. My favorite pastime on cruises is just lounging by the pool and staring at the great big ocean around. Yet, for those who like being entertained there is live music, ping-pong tournaments, culinary demonstrations, theatrical performances etc. The top decks of the ship usually have a sports court, swimming pools and other amenities your children will enjoy. If you like to enjoy spa services, they also provide daycare services.

One thing I feared the most by embarking on the first trip was that I will be just eating and getting fat. Yet, the cruising is not only about eating, although it is an impressive and important part of the experience. The ships have fitness facilities and promenade decks where you can take your morning runs or casual afternoon strolls looking at the sunset. The other concern I had was that kids can fall off the vessel and although there are few spots where the only barrier to the ocean are horizontal rails, it is really not as scary as I initially thought. The risk of your children falling off is minimal.

Most cruises go from port to port where you can disembark from the vessel and explore the location. If you don't feel doing this on your own, the cruise line organizes excursions to suit your tastes. Those excursions can look expensive but we have done exploring on our own, as well as using organized excursions and there is not much difference in prices. The benefit of going on an organized excursion is a peace of mind and security that you will not miss the ship as it will wait for all excursions to come back before leaving. When you go somewhere on your own and don't return on time, your options are to either swim or pay airfare to the next port of call : neither an attractive option.

If you like venturing on your own you may be able to squeeze more hours of enjoyment in a particular location as organized excursions are more time-limited.

The biggest benefit of cruising with kids is the fact that the whole family is entertained, well fed and kept satisfied. Although vessels are very big, your kids will never be very far away. This time presents great opportunity to bond with your kids and to really see them. The cruise companies are doing a great job to beat costs of a land vacation and give you memories of the lifetime.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Ship Travel - 5 Tips For Cruise Travelers

2008-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

By Edward Sparrow

Preparing for cruises can be an easier job, if you plan ahead of time. It helps in assuring you that your cruise vacation will be a memorable one. Let us have a look at the 5 tips for cruise travelers that can help your holiday to be wonderful:

Acquire knowledge on travel cruises

There are numerous domains on world travel cruises from where you can acquire every detail, which you might require for making a decision on your cruise. Information, which includes things to bring on the journey and departure time & location of the cruise, are only a click on the mouse away. You'll have fun while exploring various cruise lines. Educating yourself on the cruise, which you might take, leaves you with an assurance that you've made the right decision.

Take your time before making a decision

Planning, selecting and preparing for cruise ship travel can be intimidating for you, as it has all those confusing options when it comes to cruise lines and their prices. Pre-cruise decisions are pain-free, if you consider these imperative factors:

Ask Yourself: You should ask yourself the reason behind choosing a cruise for your vacation
Planning the vacations: You should know what you'll be doing while you're on board during the vacation

If you take time and think over your preferences, you are sure to match them for getting the right cruise even if you're surrounded with a host of options.

Get tips from seasoned traveler

If you've been around someone, who's a seasoned traveler and prefer cruises as a mean of transport, you should get tips from them on what to do for finding a reputed cruise company and what are the ways for making your cruise vacation memorable. Even if you don't know anyone with such experiences, you can find their presence on several online message boards, which has traveling as a topic of discussion.

Explore Specials & Promotions available in different seasons

Similar to tourist industries, companies providing cruise vacations also require marketing their services for attracting new passengers. They generally opt for seasonal promotions for their passengers. Most of these specials & promotions can help you in saving thousands without detracting benefits and amenities from your cruise experience. You should always consider changing the schedule of your travel, if substantial discounts are available and you've got a flexible itinerary for taking advantage of those promotions.

Plan for Relaxation & Enjoyment

2 key components of cruise vacations are relaxation and enjoyment. However, some folks require making concerted efforts for remaining stress-free during the cruise journey. You can free yourself from enormous stress by planning an excursion in a manner that doesn't allow you be as busy as you are at your home. Planning of a Cruise Ship Travel should accommodate both relaxation and fun.

Follow these 5 tips, take deep breaths, put your feet up & relax and let your captain steer the cruise to your desired location!

Ed Sparrow is owner of Holiday Of Magic. A Miami Yacht Charters company.

Holiday of Magic's Miami Yacht Charters will assist you in choosing the perfect-for-you- cruise from our convenient boarding location at the Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel & Marina Downtown, Miami.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Selecting the Best Cruise Line

2008-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

By Barend Grant

In the U.S and all around the globe, cruises are becoming more popular vacation choice each and every year. Instead of visiting the beaches, and amusement parks, or going camping, more individuals are making the good decision to book a cruise vacation. If you are interested and considering vacationing aboard a cruise ship, there are a lot of decisions that you will have to make and consider. One of the most important decisions includes finding the best cruise line to vacation on.

Selecting a cruise ship to vacation on may seem too many like a fairly easy decision, but for most it is not. There are a wide variety of cruise lines currently operating vacations and luxury cruises. These often operate all around the world. To find the best cruise line to vacation with, you are encouraged to look up and fully examine all of your choices you have on offer. This includes examining the most popular and lesser popular cruise liners.

If you have internet and a television it is most likely that you have heard of the Carnival Cruise before. The Carnival Cruise is one of the most well-known cruise lines in the world today. The Carnival Cruise operates cruises in the U.S, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean. They are most well-known for having family fun with more than twenty cruise ships available, you are sure to find the cruise ship of your dreams.

In addition to Carnival Cruise, it is likely that you have heard of Royal Caribbean International cruise. Royal Caribbean International services the Untied States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean is most known for their onboard activities. Many of the activities offered onboard some of their ships, such as simulated surfing, are not available on any other cruises in the world.

As mentioned, you are encouraged to also examine cruise lines that may not be as popular or well known as the two mentioned above. If you are interested in booking a romantic cruise ship vacation, you may want to examine Windstar Cruises. Windstar Cruises is a cruise line that offers cruises aboard on only three ships. While the cruise line may not be well-known or as popular as some of the others, the great services and onboard activities they have to offer will forever remain in your heart and memories. Additional cruise lines that are often considered well-kept secrets include the Seaborn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Silversea cruises.

When examining each cruise ship line, you are encouraged to view each company's websites. These websites are a source of valuable information to you. In addition to learning about onboard cruise ship activities, you can often take a virtual tour of each and every ship. A virtual tour will give you a better idea as to what you should expect from the different cruise ship. If you do not have internet access, you can obtain the same information by speaking to a cruise line representative.

Selecting a cruise line to vacation with is almost just as important as the cruise ship itself. You are encouraged to review as many feedbacks from previous customers as you can. These feedbacks can easily be obtained online. You should also examine the cost of vacationing with different cruise lines. You will see that a number of cruise lines charge higher prices for their cruises than others. Your ability to afford some of these fees should be closely examined.

Taking the time to research each cruise line is the best way to make an informed and valuable decision. You are encouraged to take what you have learned and apply it to what you want and need out of a vacation. Doing so will ensure that you book and secure a cruise with the cruise line that can provide you with what you want from the ideal vacation.

All things related to Cruise Ships,hints tips and advice before embarking on your next vacation visit us at at http://www.mycruiseinfo.com

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

It's My First Cruise - What Cruise Ship Activities Can I Expect?

2008-12-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

By Steve Schulman

Maybe you're going to book your first cruise and you're wondering what cruise ship activities there are to look forward to. Each cruise is different and there'll be different cruise activities onboard. It depends on both the cruise line you book with and the ship you'll be voyaging on.

The easiest way to check is to either get directly in touch with the cruise line or take a look at the paperwork that comes with your cruise information.

Cruises area about having fun and relaxing.

Aside from the cruise entertainment and the cruise food, which are common to just about all cruises, there could be different classes, shows, dancing, and much, much more.

Whatever ship you take there will probably be more than enough cruise games and cruise ship activities to keep you occupied for the length of your voyage.

Make sure you're going to get what you want

If there are specific things you want to do on a cruise you'll definitely want to get in touch with the cruise directly or speak with a travel agent.

If you know what you're looking for or want some ideas, a travel agent should be able to help you and then book the cruise that meets your needs.

Or, if you get in touch with the cruise lines directly, they can help you find the specific ship that has the cruise activities you'd like.

For example, if there are a number of swimming pools on one ship there might be swimming classes. But never assume that a ship or a cruise line has the cruise activities that you want. It's much better to find out before you book your tickets rather than be disappointed.

Remember that your tickets could be non-refundable. So make sure that you know exactly what you're going to get before paying for your cruise by check or putting it on your credit card.

Sometimes it's okay to wing it

If this is your first cruise, unless there's something you really want to do, it's probably best to just wing it. You'll probably enjoy the cruise ship activities that any cruise line offers. Cruise activities are there to help you relax and relieve the stress in your life. They're designed to be fun and frivolous.

There's going to be a lot to do, plenty of new people to meet, and a lot of time to relax and enjoy yourself whatever cruise you choose. Just go ahead and have fun and get ready for a lot of fun and exciting cruise ship activities.

If you want to save money every time you take a cruise check out Cheap Cruises Vacations - 4 Secrets For Finding Fun and Saving Big. And to learn how to get the lowest prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels and cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Ship Relocation - Relocation Cruises Can Be an Amazing Experience - But is it Right For You?

2008-12-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

By Marc Elliott

Relocation cruises, also referred to as repositioning cruises, can be a unique and extremely enjoyable experience for the right person. For starters, a cruise of this type will probably appeal more to a veteran cruiser.

Cruise lines move ships around for a variety of reasons. Alaskan cruise ships move to a different location in the winter. Companies also move ships according to new home ports, expanding the fleet, or to allow frequent cruisers to be able to experience different boats.

Ships can relocate at any time, but the most common time would be in the fall; September, October, and November.

Benefits Of A Relocation Cruise:

Extended Sailings. Because they are moving ships to different locales, a repositioning cruise can last two to three weeks.
Discounted Prices. These types of cruises don't appeal to the masses. In order to ensure that they have a full ship, cruise lines lower the prices on these types of sailings to sometimes ridiculous prices.
Unique Ports. Because of the distance that cruise lines usually move their boats, passengers are able to experience ports far away that they would not be able to see otherwise.
Extended Time At Sea. A lot of emphasis is put on ports of call on a shorter cruise. With an extended cruise, this allows passengers to be able to experience all that a ship has to offer rather than the focus being on destinations.

The Downside:

Fewer ports. A relocation cruise may include an extra port or two, but most offer only the destination port.
One Way Only. Because the cruise does not make a circle and return to the port from which you departed, you will have to purchase airfare from whatever city the ship is relocating to, adding to your expense.
Fewer Choices Of Departures. This type of cruise happens infrequently, so there will be fewer dates to select from.

In order to be able to take advantage of a unique sailing such as this, a flexible job schedule is a must. Cruises such as these, when made available to the public, generally sell out quickly. But for the person with the ability to get up and go quickly and escape the beaten path, relocation cruises can be an extremely rewarding getaway.

Whether this is your first time on a cruise ship, or you're looking to book a second or third time and want to explore something new - having an Insider's Guide to a cruise vacation is like having a seasoned travel agent steer you along the right course. So if you're ready to start saving money, while getting all the best there is to offer from your cruise ship vacation, you'll want to grab your copy of one of the all-time best selling guides to cruise vacations ever written. Click on the following link for more information.

http://www.tipsforcheaptrips.com

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

What is the Best Caribbean Cruise Line

2008-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

By Paula H. Radmall

There are many cruise lines in which one could choose from to go on a Caribbean cruise. However, the best Caribbean cruise can be found with the Royal Caribbean cruise line. Frequent cruisers say that this is the best cruise line in the world. They offer cruises all over the world and each cruise is a delight and an adventure.

The Royal Caribbean cruise line began in 1968 when three Norwegian shipping companies came together to form a cruise line. Their first ship was the Song of Norway which was ready for service by 1970. By 1972 they had three large cruise ships offering seven and fourteen day cruises to the Caribbean.

The Royal Caribbean company was growing so fast that on one of their ships, the Sun Viking, they added an 85 foot section in the middle increasing the passenger capacity from seven hundred to one thousand. This was quite an undertaking and had never been done before. They did the same to another ship and by 1982 the Song of America enters service with the capability of holding up to two thousand passengers.

By 1986 Royal Caribbean had firmly established itself as the best Caribbean cruise line in the Caribbean. It wasn't long before they expanded their business to include cruises all around the world. Today they are the most popular and well known cruise line in the world. They remain dedicated to providing good service to all their cruises.

Royal Caribbean offers the best Caribbean cruise with great accommodations, exclusive stops, and fabulous excursions. On board you will enjoy some of the top chefs in the entire world as well as spa treatments and many other amenities and activities for all ages. If you are ready to go on a Caribbean cruise you won't find a better cruise line. The Royal Caribbean is the best Caribbean cruise!

Make your vacation plans armed with all the facts. Find the Best Caribbean Cruise information at Caribbean Cruise Adventure website.

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

How to Plan Your Caribbean Cruise

2008-12-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

By Paula H. Radmall

Planning for a Caribbean cruise vacation can be very exciting. As you look forward to a spectacular vacation on board the cruise ship you begin to plan your itinerary and make lists to be sure you pack everything you might need. Often this excitement can turn into anxiety with the seemingly endless details to taken care of and all the supplies needed to go on a Caribbean Cruise. However, with a few Caribbean cruise tips, you will aboard in no time enjoying the sea, sand, and sun!

The first step to an enjoyable Caribbean cruise is to choose a cruise line you want to take. Be sure to look into the islands where your ship will dock and the special excursions that are already planned for guests to participate in if they would like to. Also look at what kinds of activities the cruise line offers aboard ship. Knowing what is available to you will help you in your decision to choose the right cruise line for you.

Once a cruise line is chosen and booked, look again at the planned excursions available to you. If you are interested in any of them be sure to make a reservation early to ensure your spot. Keep in mind that these tours and excursions are an additional expense from your cruise package. It will help you to plan your days and your budget better by booking the excursions in advance.

Now that you know what you want to do on your Caribbean cruise, you will have a better idea of what to pack. What to wear can be a complicated question to answer. You need resort wear when on the ship, evening wear for the dining room, beach wear, and clothing for excursions. It seems overwhelming and you realize there just won't be room in your suitcase for such a wardrobe.

A popular packing tip that really works is to choose one color scheme and then mix and match the pieces to create new outfits throughout your Caribbean cruise. Only take a few pair of shorts and tops can be worn with any of them. Tuxedos can be rented on the ship for men to save packing space and women can bring a basic black dress that be dressed up by using various accessories. On your packing list be sure to include items such as a camera, film, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

With a little planning ahead and using these packing tips you will be ready to enjoy your Caribbean cruise vacation. Bon Voyage!

Make your vacation plans armed with all the facts. Find the Best Caribbean Cruise information at Caribbean Cruise Adventure website.

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

How to Plan the Perfect Cruise - 6 Secrets For Making Your First Cruise Exceptional

2008-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

By Steve Schulman

Want to take a cruise? You're in for something special. But in order to get the very most out of it you'll want to prepare as much as possible before you leave the pier. That way, when you come aboard, you can forget all your cares and woes and just have the time of your life.

Where do you want to go?

The first thing to consider is where you want to go. There are so many fantastic and exotic locations and ports that await you. Perhaps one of these adventures will light your fire.

Cruises to Alaska

Cruises to the Bahamas

Cruises to Bermuda

Cruises to the Caribbean

Cruises in Europe

Cruises to Hawaii

Cruises to the Mexican Riviera

What cruise line is for you?

Next you'll have to decide on a cruise line. This is one of the most challenging parts of the process.

Cruise lines today offer almost countless choices. There are cruises for every budget and lifestyle. It's not so hard to figure out what's right for you, though, if you know how to break down your options.

How much does it cost?

Some cruise lines are more luxurious and more expensive than others. So figure out your budget. If the sky's the limit you're going to be blown away by what's available. On the other hand, if you're on a more limited budget and you're looking to conserve money, you will want to choose one of the cheaper options. There are great cruises available to fit almost every pocketbook.

What's the theme of the cruise?

Nowadays most cruises have themes, so you'll want to choose a cruise where you can meet people with similar interests and lifestyles as yours. Here are some of your choices.

Singles cruises

Family cruises

Gay and lesbian cruises

Seniors cruises

Honeymoon cruises

What cruise lines to consider

These are some of the especially popular cruise lines. If you haven't gone on a cruise before you'll want to look at these first.

Celebrity Cruises

Costa Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line

Disney Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Orient Lines

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Silversea

Windstar Cruises

What to bring

You're also going to have to figure out what you're going to do aboard the ship and bring the appropriate apparel. Will you work out, go skating, hang around the swimming pool or just stroll around the decks and take in the nightlife?

Don't worry too much about doing this yourself because most cruise lines will be happy to help.

They want to make sure that you have the best possible cruising experience when you're on their ships.

Setting out a cruise budget

Now you're going to have to consider the extra money you'll bring along for entertainment, excursions, food, drinks and purchases at stops along the way. Try to have a decent sized cushion because somehow whatever you bring often doesn't seem like it will be enough and you don't want to be caught short of cash at any point of your trip.

Take a look at Cruise Apparel to make sure you pack right and guarantee yourself a great trip. And to find out how to get the lowest possible prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels as well as cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Finding the Best Caribbean Cruise Deal

2008-12-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

By Paula H. Radmall

Do you want to take a Caribbean cruise but want to find the best deal? Many cruise lines offer great deals so you can experience the Caribbean for less. Most people only check into cruise lines they are familiar with such as royal Caribbean, which is a wonderful and popular cruise line. However there are many other ships that also offer a great Caribbean cruise deal so don't overlook them.

The trick to finding the best Caribbean cruise deal is in the timing. For instance, if you wanted to cruise during the busiest time of year you will find that it will also be the most expensive time of year. To find the best price check out different dates and compare prices. Try to find the dates that cost the least to save you money. This may take some time, but be patient, it is well worth it. Sometimes you can even find fantastic prices by booking a cruise at the last minute as this is the time that cruise lines are trying to fill all the cabins to take a full ship. The good news is that the Caribbean usually has good weather all year long.

There are many avenues to finding the best Caribbean cruise deal such as through travel agents, calling cruise lines, or searching online. Any of these options are great for finding good deals for you; however, timing is still the key. So do your homework and be flexible and you will find the best Caribbean cruise deal to fit your budget.

Spend your vacation dollars wisely with help from Caribbean Cruise Adventure and find the best Caribbean Cruise Deal available.

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Alaska Cruise Options

2008-12-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

By Ian Pennington

Cruising through the seas of the world is beyond compare. It's like embracing nature's beauty without having to worry about anything back home. Alaska cruise options are among the sought-after itineraries that family and couples enjoy especially during summer. Cruise ships bound for Alaska are amiably willing to transport tourists to great destinations and shorelines that the state can afford. Whether you are coming from Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco, you are being a promised a remarkable trip via any of the 15 cruise liners you can choose to sail on. As you aim your eyes on Alaska, you are likely to appreciate its richness in heritage that's dominated by amazing wildlife and unlimited coastlines. The world tourism arena acknowledges it to be a great cruising destination that tourists wish to explore around.

Alaska cruise options include those that last one week from Settle or Vancouver which is called Inside Passage, or the 12-day package that departs from San Francisco via Princess. If you are up for the Gulf of Alaska Cruise package, you can enjoy a week long trip and you'll be privileged to hop on to various inside passage ports. You'll get to explore cruise along the waters of Glacier Bay and Kenai Peninsula as well as spot ports like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Other than that, Alaska trip takes you to the magnificent mountains called the Mountains of Mystery which have been known globally to be ruggedly awesome and snow-capped. Also, Alaska boasts of the rocky shores, rich rainforests and 100 paradise-resembling islands.

Being America's biggest state, Alaska can contain a huge bulk of tourists who get the benefits and privileges afforded by Alaska cruise options. It's highly crowded in cruise ships from the month of May until September. Considered to be two of Alaska's largest cruise liners are Princess and Holland America. If you want to explore the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Alaska Range, Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, you might as well pick the cruise excursion option. If you also seek to pay a visit to Canada's Yukon Territory, then you can try out getting a cruise tour option for you and your loved ones.

Several glaciers like Hubbard Glacier await you in any Alaska cruise options. Whatever itinerary it is you take, the fun and excitement is most likely parallel. With a few thousand bucks, you get hold of an experience that nobody can take away from you. You can even take land tours as add-on to your cruise itineraries but make sure you have a slot for such because it can really go fully booked. You have the option to take a day tour in Anchorage, 2 days of appreciating bears at Denali National Park, and an overnight in Fairbanks. This package is usually inclusive of a train ride via railcars such as Wilderness Express, Midnight Sun Express and McKinley Explorer.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Alaska cruises, please visit My Low Cost Fun Cruises for current articles and discussions.

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Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Caribbean Princess Cruise

2008-12-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

By Ian Pennington

Cruising along the ocean promises a bunch of thrill especially when it's spent with loved ones and family members. Family vacations and couple's getaways are becoming popular in Europe and America especially that the cruise ship industry is gearing towards designing more cruise destinations and stopovers to accommodate more demands by the touring clients from all over the world. The cruising part of tourism is one of the much-awaited experiences that every traveler would love to savor. Caribbean Princess Cruise provides a paradise-like trip to whoever gets aboard to seize ultimate fun.

Whether it's seven-day or ten-day exploration to the eastern, western and southern regions via Caribbean Princess Cruise, the blue waters are a remarkable nature's gifts to catch sight off. To match your desires, there are various kinds of cruising packages for you to pick depending on how long you want to explore and how much budget you are allocating for the entire trip. Families are apparently the bigger bulk of those who go for cruises practically to enjoy some water sports, dip into beautiful beach resorts and swimming pools, listen to great live entertainment and fine dining at the ship, and savor remarkable spa experience. All these are usually integrated in a single package.

Caribbean resorts and islands are the most looked forward to spots in any Caribbean Princess Cruise experience. Every single island takes a distinctive essence of naturalness and magnificence. Islands like Willemstad located in Curacao is deemed to be a world heritage spot which makes it a pleasing destination to catch sight of. While some islands enclose colonial towns, there are others that are famed for their tropical underwater jewels. If you are housed in a beach resort, you have the convenient options to go snorkeling, diving and island hopping. You can also rent a vehicle on some islands in order to explore via land travel. Going on a trip during off-season is wise because packages are bargained through travel agencies online.

In a seven-day travel via Caribbean Princess Cruise, you get the chance to explore St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Besides a sumptuous buffer on board, you can enjoy warm accommodation in cabins and balcony rooms, elevator transport system, adult pools and hot tubs, photo ops, live entertainment, karaoke singing, etc. There are around 900 balcony rooms and a whole deck of mini-suites to choose. If you are going to the Caribbean, it's best not to go when hurricane strikes. The Caribbean surely is a promising getaway destination for you to get hold of. The state-of-the-art facilities of the ships plus the greatness of resorts and islands are hard to resist. If you are counting it for your next trip, you might as well pre-book at your earliest convenience.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cruises, please visit Fun And Sun Cruises for current articles and discussions.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Caribbean-Princess-Cruise&id=1479578

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Best Cruise Ships - Important Details About New Cruise Ships

2008-12-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Celestine

Did you know that the best cruise ships are changing the way they operate? Do you remember the TV Show Love Boat, which aired during the 1970s and 80s? Did it make you want to take a cruise or made you run away from the idea? Do you still believe that cruises are for senior citizens who will be playing shuffle board all day and eating dinner at 4pm? If so, you have not looked into what today's new cruise ships have to offer. Get ready to be surprised!

First, cruise ship companies are trying to attract younger people and pulling out all the stops to do so. Their destination choices are becoming more flexible, free form, and modern. Cruise companies are starting to book more modern entertainment acts and creating a more "choose your own plan" vacation. The best cruise ships now usually have casinos, night clubs, exercise rooms, spas and more, all open 24 hours a day and designed to let you pick what you want to do and when you want to do it. Cruise companies are planning vacations that combine ship travel with land excursions and one company has even done away with assigned seating meals at a pre-determined time.

Secondly, "flexible cruising" is the modern method of a boat vacation. For the most part everything is paid for by your fare, including airfare to the boat, and all you need to do is pick your activities from the available options and have fun. You can also have the option of doing your own thing and planning your own activities. No one is taking attendance or monitoring what you do. The opportunities for fun are unlimited.

Most importantly, the best cruise ships now offer shorter length cruises to cater to people who want to take a vacation but do not want to spend an entire week or more on a cruise ship. Cruise companies are also planning modern trips that center around a theme or group of people. Looking for a vacation focused around earth conservation, you can find a cruise that offers lectures and adventures that teach just that. And do not forget the popular gay cruises that started popping up about ten years ago.

Finally, Some people stay away from cruises because they believe that on the ship other people will interfere with their lives or their fun. This is simply not the case, staying on a new cruise ship is very similar to staying at a hotel. The people across the hall do not care what you do as long as you do not bug them. Check on the internet or your travel agent for the best prices. You can travel with your friends and family knowing that everyone will have a great time. There is no better time than now to take advantage of the best cruise ships built for your enjoyment and entertainment.

Learn more about new cruise ships and best cruise ships quickly and easily by visiting http://www.lakemarybusinessdirectory.com a very popular website that provides resources, articles, consumer information and business reviews.

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Holland America Line Offers Mexico Cruises to Bahia Magdalena and Santa Cruz Huatulco

2008-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Holland America Line introduces two new Mexican Riveria destinations to its 2009 cruises.

Cruise to Bahai Magdalena

The ms Oosterdam begins with seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises departing Saturdays January 3 through February 21, roundtrip from San Diego. Guests visit the popular ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, plus enjoy scenic cruising through Bahia Magdalena.

Abundant with wildlife, Bahia Magdalena is a breeding ground for migrating gray whales. It is also home to dolphins, sea lions and an amazing array of birds including eagles, pelicans, herons and ibis.

The ms Ryndam sails the same itinerary departing Oct. 10 through Nov. 21. Cruise fares start at $599 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

Cruise to Santa Cruze Huatuclo, Oaxaca

The ms Ryndam also sails a 12-day Pacific Mexico itinerary departing Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 roundtrip from San Diego. It visits Manzanillo, Acapulco, Santa Cruz Huatulco -- a warm seaside resort also know for its bird-watching opportunities -- Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Starting cruise fares for the nine- to 15-day itineraries range from $999 to $1,499 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Top 15 Things To Do in Juneau, Alaska

2008-08-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

When planning your Alaska cruise, be sure to include Juneau on your itinerary.

Juneau offers amazing shore excursions for cruise ship vacationers. Here are fifteen things you won't want to miss.

Mendenhall Glacier
No Alaskan cruise is complete without a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. Capture memories on the Photo Point Trail. For an elevated view, hike along the self-guided trails in Tongass National Forest. And be sure to stop by the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.

Salmon Hatchery
The Macaulay Hatchery produces over 150 million salmon every year. From May through June you can feed immature salmon fry. Late June through September you can see the adult spawning salmon. Exhibits teach you all about the salmon life cycle. Oh, and be sure to try the salmon jerky!

Salmon Bake
Fine dining is one of the true joys of any cruise vacation, but you'll have to leave the ship to experience the true taste of Alaska. Are you tempted by salmon barbecued over an open alderwood fire? Creekside dining with musical entertainment? Then be sure to enjoy an outdoor salmon bake at Salmon Creek.

Underground Juneau Gold
Sometimes the best shore excursions are not on land but under it. The Alaska Gastineau Mill was once the largest gold-producing mill in the world. Now you can relive the fevered days of yesteryear. Explore the conveyor tunnel, learn mining techniques, and pan for gold.

Panning for gold in Alaska
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Glacier Gardens
Dazzling plants, trees, and flowers await you at Glacier Gardens. Wend your way along the garden paths and see panoramic views of Mendenhall Valley, Douglas Island, Gastineau Channel, and the Chilkat Mountains. Remember to bring your camera!

Alaska State Museum
Discover the history, art, and culture of Alaska. Visit a replica of a Tlingit clan house and see a life-sized eagle nesting tree.

Alaskan Brewing Company
Take a guided tour of the brewery and taste their hand-crafted ales and seasonal beers.

Mount Roberts Tramway
A breathtaking ride awaits on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Soar up from sea level to 1,800 feet. Gaze across mountain ranches and over fjords, one of the best views in all of Alaska.

Dog Sled Summer Camp
Pet the puppies and learn all about the Iditarod Race at the Sheep Creek Valley dog camp. Climb aboard a sled and learn how to be an Iditarod musher, including how to care for a team of highly trained huskies.

Rainforest Zipline
Glide over the Sitka spruce pine on high tension cables from platform to platform along a 6,000-foot aerial network. Admire spectacular views of Bullion Creek and gorgeous Juneau vistas as you descend into the forest canopy and cross suspension bridges on your way to the base camp below.

Steamboat Cruise
Cruise Juneau harbor on an a unique wood-fitted passenger steamboat. Hear tales of Alaska's gold mining heyday as you explore the beauty of the harbor, downtown Juneau, and the coastal rainforest.

Whale Watching
From Auke Bay, take a waterjet-powered catamaran through Stephens Passage, a summer feeding ground for humpback whales. You may also encounter killer whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, and bald eagles.

Flightseeing
Floatplanes will carry you over the Alaskan rainforest to the Juneau Ice Field. From the comfort of your window seat, you can take aerial photos of the Norris, Taku, Hole-in-the-Wall, and East and West Twin glaciers.

Seaplane over Alaska
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Helicopter Tour
Taking a helicopter to the Juneau Ice Field allows you to set down on one of the glaciers and explore on foot the ice formations and meltwater pools.

Helicopter tour of Alaska
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Glacier Trek
After a thrilling helicopter ride, touch down on an ancient icescape and let your pilot guide you along glacial streams, cliffs, and crevasses. On the way back, fly along Gastineau Channel to view Alaska's famous gold mines.

Hiking a glacier in Alaska
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Book Your Cruise Early to Avoid Fuel Surcharge Increases

2008-07-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

With the rapid rise in oil prices, cruise lines have been forced to pass along these increases to passengers in the form of fuel supplements and surcharges.

The effects of this inflation have been felt for many months now.

In November 2007, Carnival Cruise Line added a fuel supplement of $5 per person per day. That supplement has since risen to $9 for passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and Yachts of Seabourn.

In December 2007, Norwegian Cruise Line charged $7 per person per day; in May the fuel surcharge rose to $9; in June it was bumped to $11.

Clearly, the trend is up.

To avoid being hit by rising fuel charges, book your cruise vacation as early as possible and lock in today's rates while you still can.

Source: LATimes.com

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Lines Use Discounts to Lure Customers in a Weak Economy

2008-07-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Rising fuel prices have hurt the company stock of many cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and the Walt Disney Co., parent of Disney Cruise Line.

This economic pressure, along with an increase in passenger capacity of 24 percent in 2008 over 2007, means that mass-market cruise lines have been aggressively promoting discounts and deals, especially to popular first-time locations like the Caribbean.

As a result, there are plenty of great deals on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney cruise lines.

Now is the time to choose a cruise!

Source: FloridaToday.com

Photo: Coral Princess (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Lock in Great Deals for Fall and Winter Cruises

2008-07-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Some of the year's best deals are offered on Fall and Winter cruises, particularly to locations like Mexico and the Caribbean. Mass-market cruise lines are offering deals as low as $100 per person per day, though fuel surcharges and other additional fees are common. Most cruise lines offer attractive prices for cruises in October through mid-December (except for Thanksgiving). It may not be the best time for the beaches, but off-peak weather means off-peak prices.

Source: MercuryNews.com

Photo: Caribbean Princess at sunset (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Welcome to Choose a Cruise!

2008-07-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

This blog will offer news and information to help you choose your cruise.

Photo: Golden Princess (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010