WORLD BEST CRUISES

Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters III

2012-01-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Disney Magic - Exterior Common Areas on the Ship

Many of the activities on the Disney Magic are centered on the out ofdoors, starting with the high energy sailaway party and continuing each dayaround the swimming pools. The ship has three pools, one for adults, the secondfor families, and the third just for kids. Each pool has attractive featuressuch as the mega-movie screen or the Mickey slide, making them the center ofdaily life onboard for many guests.

Evening events are also held on the pool deck, the highlight of which is the"Pirates In the Caribbean" party. This party starts with a piratetheme dinner and then moves outside for music, dancing, and fireworks. It's aspectacular ending to a fun-filled night onboard the Disney Magic.

Disney Magic - Dining and Cuisine

The Disney Magic has three main dining rooms, and guests rotate amongstthe three rooms during the cruise, always sitting at the same table number andwith the same dinner companions. The wait staff also rotates, providingcontinuity to the dining experience. It's a great idea and works well.

Although these three dining rooms are good, the highlight of dining on theDisney Magic is a dinner or brunch at Palo's, the adults-only alternative restaurant.Palo's sits on the top deck and has wonderful views, exceptional service, andmarvelous food. It even has a private room with a large dining table for adultparties.

For families looking for casual fare, the Disney Magic has a large buffet andseveral take-away food outlets near the pools.

Disney Magic - Cabins and Accommodations

The Disney Magic carries 2700 passengers in 875 cabins, many of which cansleep 4. Of the 720 outside cabins, 388 have private verandas, perfect for somequiet time to enjoy the warm Caribbeanweather. The cabins are brightly colored, with plenty of storage space andpracticality. I loved the shelves in a vertically-place steamer trunk used as astorage cabinet.

The bath is split into two rooms, one with a sink and toilet and the other witha sink and shower tub. Each bath is tiny, but it is nice to have two separaterooms and two sinks when traveling as a family group.

The room steward was efficient and friendly, and kept the cabin clean. He alsoleft us chocolates and towel animal creations each evening to top off theentertainment.

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Italy cruise ship disaster The new Titanic

2012-01-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

A sixth body has been found in the wreckage of the CostaConcordia cruise ship that capsized off the coast of Tuscany as rescue workerscontinue searching for survivors in the part of the ship that is above water.

The sixth body to be found on the cruise ship Costa offGiglio is still unidentified, though it has been confirmed by Italian newsoutlet Ansa that the man was a passenger on the ship. The man was found on thesecond deck in a part of the ship which was not flooded by water. He had hislife vest on.

Sixteen people are still unaccounted for after the CostaConcordia, which was carrying 4,234 passengers and crew, hit rocks Fridayevening near Giglio, a small island off the coast of Tuscany. Investigators say the ship was an"incredibly close" 150 meters (roughly 500 feet) from the shore.

The bodies of two passengers found wearing life jacketsaboard the ship were identified Sunday, officials said. Both passengers wereelderly men -- one Italian, the other Spanish. The bodies were found earlierSunday near a gathering point in the submerged part of the luxury liner.

Experts are still analyzing the ship's black box, which hasalready revealed a one-hour lag between the time of the impact on the rocks at9:45 p.m. local time Friday and the ship's alarm call to the coast guard atabout 10:43 p.m. Investigators suspect Schettino tried to maneuver the shipbefore alerting coast guard, the Italian news outlet Ansa reported.

Schettino is in custody, facing possible charges ofmanslaughter and abandoning his ship. Schettino reportedly left the strickenvessel at approximately 12:30 a.m., while many passengers didn't get safely offthe ship until 6 a.m., Ansa reported.

Ten passengers and six crew members are still unaccountedfor. The number was reduced from an earlier estimate of 40 unaccounted for.

The U.S.embassy in Romeestimates 120 Americans were on board the ship, of which 118 have beenaccounted for.

"Our immediate priority is to account for allpassengers and crew, and to secure the vessel to ensure that there are noenvironmental impacts," Costa Cruises said in a statement. "We haveengaged the services of a top specialized salvage company to develop an actionplan and help establish a protection perimeter around the ship."

The incident began with a loud bang followed by a blackoutjust as passengers were having dinner. Minutes later, an announcement from thecrew said it was merely an electrical problem. But with the ship tilting, manypassengers ignored their orders and scrambled to the deck.

Vacationers reported the crew did not want to lower thelifeboats. Many reported forcing their way on against orders. Some werelowered, but not everyone got on.

Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters II

2012-01-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

Disney Magic - Lounges and Bars

Although a Disney Magic cruise is centered on families, the cruise linehasn't forgotten how important it is for adults to have private time when onvacation. This factor is very evident on the Disney Magic, with several adultlounges, three of which are grouped together in the Beat Street neighborhood on deck 3. My favoritewas the quiet Sessions, with live piano music in the evenings and thosemarvelous large portholes for ocean viewing. Sports enthusiasts love watchingESPN in the Diversions sports bar, and the Rockin' Bar D provides adultentertainment in the late evenings.

These lounges are also used for adult-oriented activities, such as winetastings, which were among the most well-run and interesting I've ever been toon any ship.

Disney Magic - Bahamasand Eastern Caribbean Cruise Overview

I cruised the Disney Magic to the eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveralon a seven-day itinerary that included two delightful sea days followed by twoports of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands -- St. Croix and St. Thomas. While on St. Thomas, I did a half-day shore excursion to the nearby island of St. John. We then had a final day at seabefore spending the day at Disney's private island in the Bahamas, CastawayCay. Although many cruise lines have private islands in the Caribbean,Castaway Cay is one of the best.

This cruise itinerary was a great mix of time at sea and time in port. With somany onboard activities for children, families, and adults, I'm glad we hadthree sea days to enjoy the Disney experience.

Disney Magic Western Mediterranean CruiseOverview

The Disney Magic is a delightful way for families or adults to see thewestern Mediterranean. The ship sailsroundtrip from Barcelona in the summer months,stopping at well-known ports such as Rome and Naples and those that are not as common such as La Spezia and Ajaccio, Corsica.
This detailed travel log of a Disney Magic western Mediterranean cruiseprovides an overview of the ports of call along with some of the special Disneyport adventures for families.

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Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters I

2012-01-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Disney Magic is an excellent mixture of classic ocean liner beauty and Disney whimsy. She is an exceptional choice for family cruising, but provides enough space, entertainment, and activities to draw couples and adults traveling without kids.

Disney excels at organization and entertainment, and these two elements are key to a successful cruise experience. Throw in the characters and the small Disney touches such as the "When You Wish Upon a Star" chimes, Mickey's voice on the wake up call, and the hidden Mickey heads woven in to the decor, and it's a fun week for everyone.

Disney Magic - A Look at the Outside of the Disney Magic

The Disney Magic was launched in 1998 and has a classicocean liner look on the outside, with a black hull, shining white top, and twored funnels, both adorned with Mickey heads. There's no doubt which cruise linethis ship belongs to!

Most modern ships only have one funnel, and this one is no different--one ofthe funnels is a dummy and houses the teen center. Keeping with the Mickeytheme, the life boats are yellow (rather than the standard orange), making theoverall look very Disney--black, white, red, and yellow. A glance at the bowwill make anyone smile. The bow has intricate gold scroll-work much likeclassic tall ships of long ago. Mixed in with this elegant detail is Goofy,dangling from a rope and touching up the paint.

Disney Magic - Interior Common Areas Around the Ship

Much of the interior of the Disney Magic is done in Art Decostyle, and the ship artwork includes many special Disney theme pieces.Exploring the ship is like a treasure hunt, as you will find yourself lookingfor the Mickey logo, which is creatively woven into the decor.

My favorite common areas of the ship were the soaring three-story lobby and thelarge Walt Disney Theatre. The lobby is the hub of the ship and features awonderful bronze statue of Mickey Mouse at the helm. Topping off the lobby is ahuge, multi-colored chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly.

The theatre seats 977 and has the best shows I've seen at sea. Each productionshow tells a story and is like a short operetta, filled with singers, dancers,and (of course) characters.

I'll be the first to admit that the Disney Magic farexceeded my expectations. I knew the ship was an excellent choice for families,but never dreamed it would be so much fun for adults traveling without kids.The highlights were the exceptional organization, the amazing Disneyentertainment, dining at Palo's, and watching the faces of the children as theyinteracted with the Disney characters.

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Celebrity Cruises for Hawaii

2011-12-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

CelebrityCruises was founded in 1989. Its main aim was to provide high-quality cruise cruisevacations at a reasonable price. It merged with Royal Caribbean Internationalin 1997.Now they run 29 cruise ships. Today Celebrity Cruises offers best cruisethroughout the world, including several which include the Hawaiian Islands.

Ten-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century

Among CelebrityCruises' Hawaiivoyages is a 10-night cruise on the 1,814-passenger vessel "CelebrityCentury." This cruise begins in Ensenada, Mexico (just south of SanDiego), spends five full days at sea and calls at the Hawaiian ports of Hilo,Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Lahaina, Maui before concluding at Honolulu.Amenities aboard the Century include a full spa, Internet cafe, multiplerestaurants and lounges, and a martini bar.

Thirteen-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century

Another CelebrityCruise offering aboard the Celebrity Century is a 13-night voyage, beginning inHonolulu and ending in Ensenada. This cruise calls at Nawiliwili,Kauai; Lahaina, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii;Kona, Hawaii;and Honolulu before spending six days at sea enroute to Mexico.Days at sea give guests an opportunity to enjoy the ship's many features,including a full European-style spa and multiple swimming pools and sun decks.

Fifteen-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century inOctober

Vacationers withtwo weeks at their disposal might consider the 15-day voyage on the CelebrityCentury. This cruise begins and ends in San Diego,with four days at sea en route to Hawaii,calls at Hilo, Lahaina, Honoluluand Nawiliwili (Kauai), five days at sea returning, and a call at Ensenada in Mexico. This itinerary is offeredin both October and April.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

2011-12-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

Around a year ago The Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas waslaunched. It is the world's largest ship. It can carry over 6,000 guests when completelyfull. It's like a small city when you add in all the crew.

Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship Tour

The Allure of the Seas and her sister shipthe Oasis of the Seas are the largest cruise ships in the world. The two shipshave much in common, but also have their own distinctive entertainment, dining,and retail options.

Allure of the Seas DiningOptions

Those who have sailed on Oasis will find some familiarrestaurants. However, this younger sister ship has some interesting additions,such as the Brazilian steakhouse Samba Grill and Rita's Cantina Mexicanrestaurant. And, Allure even has a Starbuck's!

Allure of the Seas OutdoorDeck Areas

The Allure of the Seas has three outdoorneighborhoods--Boardwalk, Central Park, andthe Pool and Sports Zone. Each of these has something to appeal to all ages anddemonstrates the diversity and innovation in design of the ship's common areas.

Allure of the Seas Cabinsand Suites

The huge Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seashas 2,706 cabins and suites, ranging in size from the 149 square foot Qcategory Interior Staterooms to the 1,724 square foot Royal Suite with balcony.These photos demonstrate all the different cabin categories.

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Cruise Lines Which are Serving Hawaii

2011-12-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Only Cruise for Hawaiiwhich has Seven Days In Port

Royal CaribbeanCruises

Explore & Enjoy Oahu (the most populous Island) Maui (Waterfalls) Kauai (Greenisland) & KOKO head volcanoes.

Princess Cruises

Best New York City Sightseeing Cruises

2011-12-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

For first-time visitors, sightseeing cruises offer a terrific overview and a chance to orient yourself, while learning a bit about New York City's history and architecture. No matter how many times you've visited New York City, New York City sightseeing cruises are also a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the city's skyline and waterways. New York City sightseeing cruises are a great choice for visitors of all ages and can accommodate the needs of most passengers.

Best Overall
If you've got the time, this three hour cruise will take you all the way around Manhattan, offering participants views of all five boroughs and a chance to see 20 different bridges! During the tour, a guide supplements the views with interesting information about New York City.

Since 1945, Circle Line has shown visitors New York City from the city's major waterways. The three-hour Full Island Cruise offers visitors a chance to circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan, and see many of New York City's popular attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, South Street Seaport and the Empire State Building.

Attractions Featured on Circle Line's Full Island Cruise

· Jacob Javits Center

· World Financial

· Battery Park

· Ellis Island

· Statue of Liberty

· Wall Street

· South Street Seaport

· Brooklyn Bridge

· Empire State Building

· Chrysler Building

· United Nations

· Roosevelt Island

· Gracie Mansion

· Harlem

· Yankee Stadium

· Palisades of New Jersey

· George Washington Bridge

· Grant's Tomb

· Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument

· Passenger Ship Terminal

· The Intrepid

NCL Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship

2011-07-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

The NCL Norwegian Pearl is perfect for NCL's "freestyle cruising" concept. The Norwegian Pearl is a beautiful ship, with contemporary decor. The cruise ship has multiple restaurants of varied cuisines, lively bars and lounges, interesting activities ranging from quiet corners to the industry's first bowling alley, and family-friendly cabins of all sizes and prices.
I attended the naming ceremony for the Norwegian Pearl in December 2006 and then cruised on her for two nights and a day on a cruise to "nowhere". I took many pictures, and this article is based on that short cruise.
Bowling Alley on the NCL Norwegian Pearl cruise ship

Here are a few facts about the Norwegian Pearl:
Length: 965 feet
Width: 125 feet
Draft: 28 feet
Speed: 25 knots
Tonnage: 93,530 GRT
Decks: 15
Passenger Capacity: 2394 (double occupancy)
Cabins: 1197
Number of Restaurants: 12, along with 24-hour room service for all cabins. Villas, suites, and penthouse passengers also have butler and concierge service.
Number of Bars and Lounges: 14
Other Facilities: Atrium, Stardust Theater (1042 seats), fitness center, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, Mandara spa and salon, casino, swimming pools, sports deck, teen center, video arcade, kids club, retail boutiques, art gallery, Internet lounge, meeting rooms, library, card room, life style room, chapel, medical center

New York Best City Sightseeing Cruises

2011-06-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

1. Circle Line Full Island Cruise

Best OverallIf you've got the time, this three hour cruise will take you all the way around Manhattan, offering participants views of all five boroughs and a chance to see 20 different bridges! During the tour, a guide supplements the views with interesting information about New York City.

Cobh - Historical Village on Cork Harbor near Cork, Ireland

2008-08-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Cobh (pronounced "Cove") is a picturesque harbor town just a few miles from Cork, Ireland. Cruise ships dock in downtown Cobh and run shore excursions to Cork, the Blarney Castle, Waterford, Killarney, or the Irish countryside. However, Cobh is a nice place to spend the day if you want to just relax and just enjoy strolling around this pretty little village on Cork Harbor.

Maritime history buffs will know that Cobh was the last port of call on the Titanic's tragic maiden voyage, and the Lusitania was sunk off Cork Harbor during World War I. The Titanic Memorial and Lusitania Memorial are both just a few blocks from the cruise terminal. Cobh was also the emigration point for 2.5 million Irish citizens who left Ireland for the United States or Australia. The first immigrants processed at Ellis Island started their journey to a new life in Cobh.

Japan Cruise

2008-08-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

The island nation of Japan is a wonderful cruise destination. The country is exotic, the people are friendly, and sites are spectacular. First hav a look at some cruise photos you will hav during a cruise on the Silversea Silver Shadow in Japan.

Shimonoseki, Japan
Shimonoseki sits on the extreme northern tip of the Japanese island of Honshu, and the straits separating Honshu from the neighboring island of Kyoshu have been the site of many important naval battles throughout the ages. In addition to its historical importance and beautiful setting, the city is famous for its fishing, most notably the fugu or blowfish.
Kobe, Japan
Kobe was the disembarkation point for the Silversea Silver Shadow cruise. Although significantly damaged by a large earthquake in 1995, Kobe is a modern city and important seaport. It is also near the major international airport in Osaka, and a good entry point for those visiting Kyoto.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki was once Japan's "Gateway to the West". Nagasaki was the only Japanese city that allowed Western ships into its port from 1639 to 1859. The city is set on a beautiful natural harbor and its many hills are often compared to San Francisco. Since Nagasaki remained open while other Japanese ports were closed, it was the most important seaport in Japan for many decades. Although much of Nagasaki was destroyed in the atomic bomb blast of August 9, 1945, the city has completely rebuilt and even has some Western-style buildings left from colonial days. Here are some photos of Nagasaki on a cruise on the Silversea Silver Shadow.

Jobs On a Cruise Ship

2008-07-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

LIVE ON A LUXURY CRUISE SHIP AND GET PAID FOR IT!
Doesn't It feels nice. Spend your winters in the Caribbean and your summers in Alaska or travel to distant and exotic ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and throughout the world on board a luxury cruise ship. Most people pay between 1500 and 10 000 dollars per week to live on the same cruise and visit the same places. You can do it for free (free meals, accommodation), plus you will get paid for it. It is an adventure job and a great way to save money and meet people from many different cultures. Cruise ship job is a great summer jobs for students also.

Information Technology Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: computer system manager, computer systems hardware technician, internet manager.
Casino Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: casino manager, casino dealer (croupier), cashier, slot technician, casino accountant etc.
Entertainment These positions deal with anything related to passenger entertainment and are the most popular among job-seekers: host and hostesses, cruise directors and staff, disc jockeys, performers, swimming instructors, shore excursion staff. These positions are usually filled by native English speakers.
Food And Beverage Department offerst he following cruise ship jobs: restaurant positions (F&B director, Maitre D', waiter, busboy / busperson, bartender / barmaid, bar steward, bar staff, buffet steward) etc.

Deck Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: deck officer (captain, staff captain, first officer, second officer, third officer, safety officer, security officer), seamen,bosun and security personnel.

Engine Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: engine officers (chief engineer, 1-st, 2-nd and 3-rd engineers, chief electrician), motorman, fitter, wiper, plumber etc.

Hotel Operations Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: hotel personnel (chief purser, purser, assistant purser, junior assistant purser, junior assistant purser, crew purser, shore excursions manager, receptionist).

Housekeeping Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: cabin steward / stewardess (cabin attendant), room service attendant, utility cleaner, laundry staff, floor supervisors, pool attendant etc.

Beauty Salon Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: beautician, hair stylists / hairdresser, massage therapist, cosmetologist, nail technicians, alternative instructors etc.

Cruise Staff Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: cruise director, assistant cruise director, cruise staff, youth counsellor, aerobics and fitness instructor / trainer, golf instructor, scuba diving instructor etc.

Medical Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: medical doctor (physician) and registered nurse.

Photo Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: photographer and photo manager.

Gift Shop Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: shop manager and shop assistant (duty free sales).

Information Technology Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: computer system manager, computer systems hardware technician, internet manager.

Galley Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: executive chef, sous chef, chef de partie, first cook, second cook, pastry chef, crew cook, dishwasher, butcher etc.

My Great Dane Puppies: Another key to Housebreaking

2008-07-23T03:02:00.000-07:00

My Great Dane Puppies: Another key to Housebreaking

Romantic Cruise

2008-07-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Romance and cruise seems to go hand in hand, especially if you've spotted a cruise lines' glossy magazine ads: photos of couples admiring the front at sunset or sipping orange juice on their veranda private terry robes clothing, or even - and what we find it hard to believe - spend time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.

Ads notwithstanding, however, the cruise can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it is the tangibles - atmosphere on board and lifestyle - which are most likely to contribute to a sense of "amore" at that sunset. Choosing the right cruise, and even more specifically, the right ship of the fleet, can be a great challenge.
In our search for first choice, we have mainly appealed to our own romantic travel experiences. Whether your definition of romantic is a party to any vessel or night ultimate pleasure and luxury, you identify with the criteria we used to assess the best choice. For example? A comfortable cabin with a large bathroom - and a private veranda - is an absolute necessity. We prefer to eat two (or at least able to eat when and with whom we choose). Exhibits with soft lighting are pleasant. And one more? Almost-private-open deck space for Star Gazing.

Princess Cruises

While we like any of Princess' Grand Class vessels for their blend of big ship options and small ship cozy, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some first-time-ever features.
Both boast the line's traditionally high percentage of suites and mini-suites (which means booking a bigger cabin may not be too much of a splurge). The "piece de resistance" is the Grand Suite, which features separate sitting area, balcony that stretches between living room and bedroom, and a fabulous whirlpool tub. But even the standard mini-suite is charming and comfortable.

What could be more romantic than a night at "Movies Under the Stars," a retro drive-in where you recline on padded loungers (you can snuggle under the wool tartan blankets)? During the day we love The Sanctuary. A completely new invention, The Sanctuary is a (mostly) shaded zen-like retreat, complete with waiter service, spa menu and massage services (a couples' massage is available).

Check out the spa's couple's Rasul room (it's a mud room with steam -- and it's more fun than it sounds!). Adagio, a new concept lounge featuring a cabaret singer, is lovely and private -- way up on one of the top decks.

Open-seating (as well as traditional) dining is available. But the most romantic option -- and unique to cruising -- is the Ultimate Balcony Dining dinner experience. For $100 per couple, cruisers are treated to a lobster dinner with champagne and course-by-course service. Only caveat: Your cabin must have a balcony. We also love the ship's two specialty restaurants. Request a banquette at Crown Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant with an open grill; Sabatini's, the line's Italian eatery, should not be missed. Another favorite is Vines, the ship's wine and sushi bar.

While the ship's deluxe mini-suites are lovely and comfortable, the all-open-air balconies (applies to any cabin on Dolphin deck) are anything but private. All of the Grand class ships are premier options for onboard weddings. Both have dedicated wedding chapels and captains empowered to perform ceremonies -- and friends at home can watch live via Web cams!

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises appears to be really targeting the family market with its latest ship, Ventura, but it hasn't forgotten the all-important couples market with its two adults-only ships -- older-style Artemis and the newer, stylish Arcadia. With its upscale dining restaurant and wedding packages, Arcadia is a great pick, particularly for British couples.
Arcadia has suites, mini-suites, and outside and inside staterooms. A nice plus: 685 of 984 have a balcony. Added touches in mini-suites (and up) include his-and-hers Molton Brown toiletry sets. Head to the Aquarius pool on the Lido Deck for relaxation and sunning!

The Orchid Bar, adjacent to the Orchid restaurant on Deck 11 is a great place to enjoy a sundowner (that's British for an evening cocktail!). With its warm terracotta, rust, chocolate and cream decor, it would also make a lovely venue for a reception following a wedding in the Viceroy Room.Try celebrity chef Gary Rhodes' restaurant, Arcadian Rhodes, for top-notch British cuisine. At £15 per person, it is worth a treat, particularly if it is a special occasion. Getting a two-top could be a problem in the main dining area due to the lack of smaller tables.Thanks to its Bermuda registry, the captain can marry people at sea. Wedding packages range from the low key affair to the full works. You can also have anything from a champagne reception through to a group dinner in Arcadian Rhodes.

Crystal Cruises

In general, Crystal is the best choice for folks who want big-ship features and small-ship luxury. In particular, while this newer ship offers many of the same features as Crystal Symphony does, the penthouse suites, the most romantic accommodations, are more plentiful.The aforementioned penthouse suites, which come in three categories. All have verandahs, butler service and marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs (not to mention state-of-the-art tech toys), and are roomy enough for in-room massages. Another plus? Passengers in these staterooms can order off the menu from Crystal Serenity's fabulous specialty restaurants. Head for any of the terraced decks on the back of the ship.

Head for a private corner of the Sunset Bar (at the forward end of the Palm Court) -- it's a great spot for sunset-watching. We also love the clubby-pubby Avenue Saloon.
Try any (or all) of Crystal Serenity's specialty restaurants, such as the Northern Italian Prego and the Asian Silk Road. Or indulge in course-by-course room service on your verandah.Crystal still maintains a set-time, assigned-tablemates scheme in its main dining rooms.

Thomson Cruises

British Tour operator Thomson is geared toward Brits looking for a relatively low-priced traditional cruise experience. The line's smallest ship, at 11,162 tons, the Calypso offers small-ship feel and is Thomson's one adults-only ship. It's a good choice if you are looking at the lower-end of the price scale for a cosy, unpretentious ambience. Although this ship caters to fewer than 500 passengers, it still has a variety of cabins -- 4 suites, 7 semi-deluxe staterooms, 147 outside view cabins and 85 interiors. The wooden promenade deck is great for walking or watching the world go by.

For meeting like-minded couples and enjoying your time on the ship, check out the show lounge -- which features cabaret, comedians and magic acts. L'Orhcidee, the main dining room, is located at the aft of the ship, and although tables are mostly on a bigger scale, it is again a great place to meet other couples. Wine prices are reasonable here, too. If you are looking for a more formal experience, Thomson may not be for you -- the Calypso's dress code is relaxed, as is the atmosphere.

Take Great Pictures On A Cruise Some Tips

2008-07-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

On your cruise, you’ll collect memories to last a lifetime. But if you want to share them with family and friends back home, one of the best ways to do it is by taking pictures while you sail.Digital cameras with built-in zoom lenses make it possible to photograph people and places that are almost impossible to capture with a film camera unless you carry a tripod and invest a small fortune in different lenses. The biggest advantage of digital photography is seeing almost instantly how well your photos turn out. As a result, you can make any necessary adjustments quickly, refine your technique and even experiment.

Practice Before You Sail
Cruise vacation pictures are priceless. If you buy a new camera to take on vacation, practice with it at home first. You don’t want to be fumbling with new controls when a humpback breaches in front of your whale-watching boat near Juneau. Be sure you know how to adjust the white balance to get the correct colors, whether you’re photographing inside the ship, outdoors or at night. If the white balance is wrong, you may end up with purple where the sky should be blue in bright daylight. If you rely on your camera’s automatic system, then you’re likely to produce only average pictures that don’t take advantage of a digital camera’s full capability. To check or change the white balance settings, consult your camera manual. Each model works differently. Typically, all that’s needed is a twist of a dial and the push of a button to choose between sunlight, cloudy, fluorescent, incandescent or flash settings.Even if you think you’ve learned it all, take the instruction book with you. You’ll discover new questions along the way, and the book may make good reading on the pool deck. Maybe the person lounging next to you just bought a new camera too.

Shoot Creatively

Unless you’re shooting a panoramic landscape, don’t try to fit everything into a single picture. Select the most interesting aspects of what you see and cut out everything that’s not important. In Cabo San Lucas, concentrate on the famous Arch at Land’s End before visiting the other formations around it.Avoid centering your subject in every photo. It’s the natural thing to do because the center is where the camera auto focuses. But if every picture has its subject in the middle, your photos won’t be as interesting. Remember to vary your subject placement when shooting the famed Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. or an Alaskan glacier, where the scenery may seem repetitive at first glance.

Capture Silhouettes in the Sunset

Sunsets over the water are always popular cruise subjects. The key is not to shoot too soon. Here’s how: Hold your fist at arm’s length with your thumb aimed straight up and the bottom of your hand even with the horizon. If the sun is above the thumb, it’s too early for good silhouettes. Once the sun drops below the level of your thumb tip, start shooting. That’s also when it’s safe to look at the sun through a telephoto lens. Put an object in the foreground that identifies the location of your picture. Nothing is more meaningless than a series of photos of an empty ocean. They could be from anywhere. If you’re on a beach in Hawaii or the Caribbean, put a palm tree in the picture. In Croatia, make it the fishing boats in the harbor of the old medieval city of Dubrovnik. In San Juan, you can even use the massive El Morro fortress, behind which the sun sets at certain times of the year. On a day at sea, use the ship’s railing or a smokestack to indicate where you are.

1. A simple background focuses attention on the subject and makes a clear, strong picture. Move your subject or camera to find an uncluttered backdrop.

2. Objects in the foreground enhance a vista’s distance, depth and dimension. Incorporate contrast in front for a more pleasing scenic view.

3. Lines—the prow of a boat, the sides of a channel—add an interesting element to pictures. A perfectly framed bridge can lead the eye into a shot.

4. When shooting a silhouette against a sunset, turn the flash off. Use a tripod or brace your camera. With a manual camera, use a longer shutter speed.

Mexico Cruise

2008-07-06T01:35:00.000-07:00

Sail from Los Angeles, Long Beach or San Diego and visit spectacular seaside cities and experience the vibrant culture Mexico has to offer. You can dance all night long in Acapulco, discover the colonial beauty of Puerto Vallarta, dive into the exotic underwater world of Cabo San Lucas and relax on the beaches and boulevards of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa........And close to this brilliant surface lies a wealth of history, mythology and culture that is just waiting to be discovered.

Baja, Mexico

Below California, the Baja peninsula extends south in a stretch of magical beaches and lively Mexican towns. Just a short trip from Los Angeles, Baja is truly a world away. Mexican Baja cruises sail from Los Angeles or Long Beach. 3 and 4 Night getaways. 3-Night cruises leave on Fridays and visit Ensenada, spend a day at sea and return to homeport. The 4-Night cruises include a stop at Catalina Island and some include San Diego

Mexican Riviera

As Mexico extends south toward Central America, you can travel beyond siestas and fiestas to explore the true Mexico. Trek through jungles and plantations. Or search for whales in the waters of Los Cabos. There's no end to the adventures you can have in the Mexican Riviera. These cruises sail year-round and roundtrip from Los Angeles and from San Diego or San Francisco. 7 Nights or longer may include visits to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Some cruises include Acapulco

Cruises and ports of call on the Pacific Ocean, in the Sea of Cortez, and in the Caribbean Sea.

La Paz, Mexico in the Sea of Cortez
Hiking Isla Partida in the Sea of Cortez
Sea Lions and Sea Birds on Los Islotes in the Sea of Cortez
Petting Gray Whales at Mexico's Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Ocean
A Vist with Fishermen and Their Families at Isla Coyote
Kayaking and Hiking at Isla San Francisco
Racing with Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez
Watching the Sun Rise at Puerto El Gato in the Sea of Cortez
Close Encounter with Killer Whales in the Sea of Cortez
Desert Trail Ride from Agua Verde
A Day in Loreto, Mexico
Fishing in the Sea of Cortez from La Paz, Mexico

Hawaii Cruises

2008-06-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

The paradise isles of the pacific, best visited by a Hawaii cruise. Journey the year round in this holiday playground and enjoy tropical blossoms, ‘aloha’ welcomes and an incredible landscape. This is truly a must see location, and how better to visit than from the elegant surroundings of a modern Hawaii cruise.

Hawaii is the ultimate tropical paradise with white sandy beaches; crystal clear waters; bright, vibrant colours and friendly locals. If you're looking to explore exotic islands, then another alternative is a Caribbean cruise. If Hawaii is just the start of your cruising experience then why not discover the entire globe on a world cruise.
Top Hawaii Cruise Holiday Destinations:

Hawaii cruises to Oahu

Honolulu is the gem of Oahu, in the Hawaiian network, with a beautiful setting backed by cliffs and the extinct volcanoes of Punchbowl. Popular excursions include swimming with dolphins and the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

Hawaii cruises to Big Island

On Big Island, Hilo, the flower capital of Hawaii is a beautiful and colourful city. Recommended excursions include a lava viewing hike and a helicopter tour of the Circle or fire and waterfalls.

Hawaii cruises to Maui

Whale watching from Maui is a real highlight. For the more active a wave surfing lesson is a once in a lifetime opportunity. A visit to Kahului on the north shore of Maui is recommended. The home to Hawaiian Kings and Queens, explore this charming old town and visit the town square dominated by the phenomenal Bayan Tree.

Hawaii cruises to Kauai

This lush garden isle has unbeatable panoramic views and some dramatic attractions, such as Waimea Canyon and 50 ft water spouting geyser. For an unforgettable view of this, take the Heaven and Earth helicopter tour from Nawiliwili.

Hawaii cruises to Kona

Nestled at the bottom of Hualalai volcano, and near Kealakekua Bay, Kailua Kona was the playground of kings in ancient times. Don’t miss the cloud forest botanical walk

Bermuda cruise

2008-06-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Bermuda is a British colony yet self-governing, british colonists made the first settlement in the 16th century, when they stumbled across Bermuda on their way to Virginia. The Bermuda triangle is renowned for the stories of disappearing ships, some of these stories have been explained scientifically, yet many people believe legendary tales and myths. However, one thing is for sure and that is the beauty of Bermuda.

Bermuda Cruise Holidays

A Bermuda cruise is a captivating experience. Bermuda is not in or part of the Caribbean although many people make the mistake that it is. One of the main reasons why Bermuda is so spectacular and beautiful is on account of the fact that it consists of over one hundred islands, perfect to explore on a Bermuda cruise tour. Bermuda is so popular that it is said it account for the remarkably high repeat rate of nearly 50 percent of return visits. The appeal of a Bermuda cruise holiday is that you can experience Bermuda's stunning beaches first hand, either from your cabin balcony on from a sun lounger out on deck. Bermuda's agreeable weather and fabulous beaches make this a perfect destinations for lovers of sunshine, sea and water sports. What could be more encanting, sunbathing on deck while your cruise ship meanders over the Atlantic Ocean? Golf enthusiasts will also delight in the fact that nowhere can boast more golf courses per mile, other attractions include riding, fishing, cricket, tennic, subterranean caves and miles of scenic trails. A Bermuda cruise guarantees you fabulous scenary and a simply enchanting experience.

Cruises to Bermuda

Norwegian Cruise Line cruises to Bermuda

It leaves from New York, Charleston, Boston and Philadelphia. 8-day New York to Bermuda cruises visit St Thomas, Tortola, and Bermuda from May to September. 7-day cruises from New York depart June to October. 7-day Bermuda cruises from Charleston depart in October and November. 7-day Bermuda cruises from Boston on the Norwegian Majesty sail from May to October. 7-day Bermuda cruises from Philadelphia are available from May to June.

Royal Caribbean's Bermuda cruises

It sail from Norfolk, New Jersey and Baltimore. 5-night cruises from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ leave from April to October. The 5-night Bermuda cruises also leave from Baltimore in April to October. Cruises from Norfolk sail in June, July and August.

Carnival Cruise Line

It offers just one cruise to Bermuda each year. The 6-day cruise from New York on the Carnival Legend dock at King's Wharf in Bermuda and also visit Newport, Rhode Island. Departs April 17, 2008.

Celebrity Cruises

It makes only one voyage to Bermuda this year, in October. It's an 11-night Bermuda & Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Constellation.

Costa Cruises
It has 7-night Bermuda cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Visit Hamilton, Bermuda; and Nassau, Bahamas in April.
Princess Cruises
A 9-day Caribbean and Bermuda cruises from New York visit Grand Turk Island, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, and Bermuda. Departures from May through September.

Regent Seven Seas' Bermuda cruise
It is offerings include two extended voyages in April. Leave from Fort Lauderdale for southern American ports, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Alaska Cruises

2008-06-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Alaska Cruises have become more popular over the last few years, and there is probably no better way to take in the sites than by taking a cruise. Alaska has a great deal to offer along its many miles of coastline. Alaska is full of spectacular scenery, ranging from mountains, glaciers, and forests to fascinating wildlife. The coastline landscapes are perfect to be viewed from an Alaska adventure cruise. Why not take the opportunity to get even closer to the sites and sounds of Alaska by taking one of the many adventurous Alaskan cruise tours on offer, it’s the ideal way to see Alaska.

Alaska’s Three Basic Itineraries

When planning your Alaska cruise, you will have three basic itineraries to choose from:

Bering Sea Cruises.

Expedition ships sail this historic sea between North America and Asia. Most of the larger, mainstream cruise lines do not venture this far north. Many cruise lines offer packages to "add-on" to your cruise. These packages can last anywhere from a couple of days to over a week, and include visits to inland Alaska, such as Denali National Park, home of Mt. McKinley. When planning your cruise, you might want to think about staying a few extra days to experience more of this magnificent part of North America. Whichever Alaska cruisetour or cruise itinerary you choose will be sure to be a memorable one!

Inside Passage.

Ships sail roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle to the southeast panhandle of Alaska. Cruises usually include famous Glacier Bay National Park, home of 16 magnificent glaciers. Sailing roundtrip often makes your airfare cheaper since you embark and disembark in the same port. Small ship cruise ships like the Cruise West Spirit of Yorktown are primarily based in the Inside Passage of Alaska because the waters are (usually) much calmer and the distances are not as far.
Gulf of Alaska

Working north from Vancouver, the south central coast of Alaska is added to the Inside Passage. Ships sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward, the closest port to Anchorage. Your embarkation and disembarkation points are different, but you have the opportunity to see much more of Alaska's spectacular scenery, including the glacier-clad Gulf of Alaska and the Hubbard Glacier.

Australia and New Zealand Cruise

2008-06-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Australia may be a continent, but it's also an island. Therefore, it's a great cruise destination for anyone looking for a longer, more exotic cruise. And, if you are planning a trip to Australia, don't overlook New Zealand. I've heard absolutely wonderful things about this smaller island nation that is also in the South Pacific. Some cruises visit both Australia and New Zealand, but note that both countries certainly deserve more of your time than just a few days!

I think the history of Australia and New Zealand and their distance from most of the rest of the world has given the area a mystery and made it a "must see" on every travel lover's list. Certainly there are tourist sites in Australia and New Zealand that are not accessible via cruise ship, but cruise lines offer pre or post cruise add-ons to capture a trip to the outback, the Great Barrier Reef or to see some of the wonderful natural sites in New Zealand. Because of its location, Australia is a land of plants and animals seen nowhere else in the world.

Who doesn't think of koala bears and kangaroos in connection with Australia? This isolation from the more populated continents makes Australia and New Zealand even more intriguing to me. Movies ranging from the chilling 1959 doomsday movie, On the Beach to the hilarious Crocodile Dundee have whetted our appetites for Australia. The Australian national song "Waltzing Matilda" can bring tears or laughter, depending on how it is sung. More recently, the three "Lord of the Rings" movies, which were set in New Zealand, transformed this exotic island nation into Middle Earth. If anyone out there hadn't already thought of Australia as a vacation destination, the 2000 Olympics in Sydney certainly raised the awareness of this corner of the world.

The Opera House in the harbor of Sydney

There are basically four different types of cruises in Australia and New Zealand. First, you can fly into a major airport in Australia or New Zealand (normally Sydney or Auckland), embark on a cruise of 10-15 days to various ports in Australia, New Zealand or Tasmania, and then fly back home. Second, you can book a segment of 15-100+ days of a world cruise that includes Australia and/or New Zealand ports. Third, you can take a repositioning cruise between Southeast Asia and Australia. Finally, you can fly to Australia and book a cruise of a week or more on a small ship that cruises only in the South Pacific. Let's take a look at some of these in more detail.

The skyline of the dynamic city of Sydney, Australia

You probably won't see any kangaroos from a cruise ship, but that shouldn't keep you from choosing to cruise to this intriguing continent. Cruise lines have discovered that many cruise lovers want to cruise down under, and many people have the time off to vacation from North America or Europe to Australia and New Zealand.

Most cruises to Australia are in the fall through the winter months. Since the seasons are reversed, it's perfect weather for cruising. Some cruise lines base one ship in Australia for the prime cruising season, and leave it there until it is time to reposition to another part of the world in March. With the number of cruise ships built over the last few years, you have a wide variety of cruise ships to choose from for the late fall and winter in Australia this year.

Alcohol on board

2008-06-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a question most people ask how to bring alcohol on board, what containers we should use to bring it in? It will be in our checked luggage...so should we use shampoo bottles, etc.?

I am just trying to give you some thoughts & feedback I got from some of my friends.

a) We always smuggle! We usually plan a detour into our travel to the ship (after we land at our destination airport) to stop by the liquor store and purchase. We always pack in original containers. We have never transferred the liquor to another bottle. We slip the bottle up the leg of a pair of jeans and make sure it is dead center in the suitcase. Always hand this type of luggage to the porter as your carry on's are going to get x-rayed. And always tip your porter extra because these types of bags tend to be extra heavy! Also good to try to slip a piece of duct tape around the cap and mouth of the bottle to aid in the prevention of liquor leakage. We have never had a problem.

b) If you are intent on doing this, you must protect not only your own possessions but also the belongings of other passengers. Wrap each bottle securely in bubble wrap, preferably a double layer. Place that inside a large ziplock baggie and secure the zipper. Nothing worse than having something break and leak all over not only YOUR stuff, but the poor unfortunate passenger whose bag just happened to be under yours in the baggage trolley.

c) We have this down to a science, and of anything we overpack for the trip it is always booze. Most 'call' liquor comes in a plastic travel size flask which is what we buy. When we first started taking booze these were harder to find, but now are easy to locate in a large liquor store so I guess a lot of folks do this for travelling. We end up with a variety (rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey) that is usually enough for three weeks instead of one. This fits nicely into your luggage since it is flat and is without all the extra weight or fear of breaking that the glass bottles pose. We put each into ziplock bag for the journey and disburse though out all the luggage we check - not the carry on. For mixers we have travel flasks that we transfer the bottled mix to, seal up the top with electrical tape and put into ziplocks. FYI - We have learned that the juice in the Windjammer - mango and cranberry make great mixers for a flavored vodka martini.Futher to the criminal activity, we put rum into a water bottle on the boat to take to the pool to mix our own with what they have - juice, coke.We have always had all arrive and have never been questioned by the room attendant. In fact, he was nice enough to move out what was in the fridge so we could put our mixers in. Last trip one of our companion travellers brought on the small 'BOX' cube wine in his luggage without a problem. these are the small ones they now sell. This worked great for the week to have the chilled box in the fridge.

d) Bring what you want in your carry on. The screeners work for the Port Authority and/or US Customs. Both could care less about you bringing alcohol aboard. Their job is to look for contraband, weapons, etc... I have been thru several ports and have never been questioned about bringing alcohol. Coors Light makes 16oz in the plastic bottles, of course cans work just as well and do not weigh much either. Use one suitcase just with beer, wrapped in beach towels to prevent any accidents and keep them from moving around. You can also stuff many in your carry on bags. I have never seen RCCL, CCL, or X confiscate any liquor thru embarkation (see above). Even in port we bring on bottles of Corona, XX, Red Stripe, etc..., in a bag and do not get a second look. You can clearly see the bottles/caps/cans but the boat screeners never raise an eyebrow. It seems they have a don't ask don't tell policy. Don't let all the holier than thou on the board scare you, bring what you want, go about your business and have a good time !

So what you say how you will go I will suggest instead I would support the industry completely and pay the prices for all the liquor I could drink on the ship. Bottom line is that I am not and quite a few of the major lines allow you to bring wine on board. It's really hurtful I think to persecute people for bringing some booze with them.

European Cruise Vacation

2008-06-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Europe is a marvelous cruise destination for several reasons. A European cruise can be a great vacation option for a first-timer or for someone who has been to Europe many times. I think a European cruise is an especially good fit for travelers who want to see the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe without having to navigate the roads and train stations or spend a lot of time planning where to stay and where to dine. Let's look at why you should plan a European cruise.

Lutheran Church in Helsinki, Finland

Important European Sites are Accessible

First, many of the most popular sites in Europe are accessible to cruise travelers either on ocean-going or river cruise ships. Most of Europe's major cities were built right on the water and are impressive to see from the deck of a ship. The few sites not accessible from the water are usually only a short bus or train ride away

Catherine's Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia

European Cruising Is Efficient

Next, Europe is relatively compact and travelers can see many cities or sites efficiently. Most cruise ships sail at night and arrive in the next port of call early in the morning, allowing passengers a full day to sightsee. Cruise ships offer guided tours to most of the important sites in each port, or passengers can explore on their own. Either is more efficient than trying to find a place to park a car or navigate between cities on your own.

Bordeaux, France Winery and Vineyard

European Cruising Is Comfortable

Unlike a bus tour, independent driving vacation, or train trip, you only have to unpack once on a cruise, whether it is an ocean cruise or a European river cruise. The comfort factor also applies to those who are somewhat reluctant to tour in countries where English is not the primary language. Although I am constantly amazed at how many Europeans speak English, knowing the native language is not as important when you are cruising as it is when traveling independently.

Harbor in Monte Carlo

A European Cruise Is Economical

Currently, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro or British pound is not good for travelers. European hotels and restaurants are much more expensive than comparable North American accommodations or food. Since most cruise ship fares and onboard prices are based on the U.S. dollar, the cost does not seem as high as when items are priced with the local currency.

Caribbean Cruise

2008-06-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

When planning a cruise vacation first of all choose where to sail. Most cruise travelers select a 7-day Caribbean cruise for their first experience at sea. When you search the Internet or read cruise brochures, the most common itineraries offered are Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Which is better? The answer is either! It all depends on what your interests are, so in addition to selecting the right ship, you need to research the ports of call before you book. Both itineraries will provide cruisers with opportunities to sail, swim, snorkel, and shop. But there are differences. Let's take a quick look at the two most popular Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Phillipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten/St. Martin

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Most cruise ships sailing to the eastern Caribbean on 7-day itineraries embark from Florida. Ports of call on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary often include the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. John (USVI), Puerto Rico, and perhaps St. Maarten/St. Martin. If you want less sailing (i.e. time at sea) and more shopping and opportunities to go to fantastic beaches, then an Eastern Caribbean itinerary might appeal more to you. The islands are relatively close together, smaller, and shore excursions tend to be more geared to beach or water activities.

Sailing on a former America's Cup yacht in St. Maarten is a great shore excursion

Western Caribbean Cruises

Cruise ships sailing to the western Caribbean embark from Florida, New Orleans or Texas. Ports of call on a Western Caribbean itinerary often include Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West, FL; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica; Belize; or Costa Rica. If you look at a map, you will see that since the ports of call are further apart, more sailing is usually involved on a western Caribbean cruise. So you may have more time at sea and less time in port or on the beach. The ports of call in the western Caribbean are sometimes on the mainland (Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica) or at larger islands (Jamaica, Dominican Republic). Therefore, the shore excursion options are more varied. You can explore ancient Mayan ruins, hike the rain forests, or go snorkeling or SCUBA diving in some unforgettable locations.

If you are now thoroughly confused, that's okay! The Caribbean Sea is a cruise lover's heaven--blue seas, sunny beaches, and interesting ports of call. You will get all of these whichever direction you cruise. East and West are both great--and then there's the Southern Caribbean and Northern Caribbean, but that's for another day!

Cruise Destinations Around the World

2008-06-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Now we will discuss about the cruise destinations all over the world.One of the most important elements of a cruise is the itinerary and the destinations or ports of call. With over 75 percent of the earth covered with water, it is not surprising that you can cruise all of the continents of the world. Some we are going to discuss are Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Eastern Canada, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, South America, and the South Pacific. We will tell you about cruise destinations and ports of call around the world in next articles.

Africa , Alaska , Antarctica , Southeast Asia , Atlantic Canada, New England , Australia , New Zealand ,Bermuda, Caribbean , European , Atlantic Ocean , Northern Europe , Western Mediterranean , Eastern Mediterranean , European River , Hawaii Cruises , Mexico Cruises , Panama Canal , South America , Atlantic Ocean ,South America Cruises, Pacific Ocean South Pacific

Planning Your First Cruise

2008-06-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

If you are planning your first cruise It can be a challenge for those who either haven't traveled much or who haven't taken an organized tour or vacation. How will you plan that first cruise? Family and friends discuss together that where they want to travel or vacation next. You might have heard cruise tales from and seen (or been subjected to) cruise vacation pictures taken by your family and friends, or read in magazines and the Web about how much fun (and economical) cruising can be. If you want to "take the plunge" and go on your first cruise, where you will start?

Patsy Ann Statue in Juneau, Alaska

First-time cruisers should probably work with a travel agent who is experienced in booking cruises. However, before you contact the travel agency or cruise line, you will need to know some important things in advance .
So we are going to discuss such things which will help you in selecting a cruise line and cruise ship.

Floatplane Landing in Juneau, Alaska

a) How many people going on cruise ? Kids are there or not. If you don't have kids or don't want to be around them while on vacation, there are some cruise ships that are almost adult only or won't have many children.

b) What is your budget ? There is no maximum limit in it. So need to discuss minimum only. There used to be a "rule of thumb" that you needed to budget about $100/day/person (exclusive of airfare). That rule still seems fairly reasonable, although many cruise ships now charge extra for items that used to be included in the fare. You can decrease your budgeted cost some by shopping around or having more than two persons per cabin or being conservative and booking early coz there are many great discounts on early bookings.

Black Bear at Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska

c) Where you want to go is the next question comes in mind? Cruises are usually a little cheaper in the spring or fall. Students of economics will know that this is entirely due to supply and demand. Kids are in school, and weather can sometimes be uncertain. Winter used to be considered the only "high" season for tropical locations like the Caribbean. However, summertime costs are not far behind due to the large numbers of families with children, college students, and others who have "forced summer vacations". Going to the tropics is a little easier. The temperature will not vary much with the seasons. What does vary is the rainfall. The dry season for most tropical locations like the Caribbean and Hawaii is in the summer, and the rainy season is in the winter. This does NOT mean it will rain all of the time. You just need to be prepared for more rain. Afternoon showers are more common. Of course, if you are coming from Canada or the northern U.S., some warm rainfall is not a problem if you have left piles of snow at home!

d) How much time you are going to spend on a cruise? If you have less than a week, you are probably restricted to the Bahamas, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, or a "cruise to nowhere". A "cruise to nowhere" allows passengers to cruise for a long weekend out of port into the ocean and then return. No ports of call are made by the ship, but you can get a feel for what a cruise is like. A week's vacation will open up the Caribbean to you, and depending on where you live you can even get to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, or the South Pacific.