Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide

Mediterranean Cruise - Expert Guide
By John Metcalfe

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.

A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.

More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you're after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.

History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona,before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.

A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.

A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt's Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.

The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you've ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity...

Looking for Cruise information ?
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Alaska Cruise Ships

Alaska Cruise Ships
By Jennifer Bailey

Several new and old ships ply the Alaskan waters taking cruisers along. There are ships are of all possible classes. There are big and small ships, luxury ships and ships with balconies in their cabins and more deck space. People who wish to go on a cruise must ascertain, in advance, what kind of a ship they would be on.

One of the ships currently offering Alaskan cruises is the Radiance of the Seas, belonging to Royal Caribbean International. It is a huge ship, with the space to accommodate 2,100 people. Its glass elevators look out into the sea and provide a breathtaking view. Onboard entertainment facilities include the Jakarta Lounge and the Singapore Sling. Besides these it has the Aurora Theater and the Art Nouveau Casino Royale. It has two sister ships, Serenade of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, which ply exclusively in Alaska.

Another famous Alaskan cruise ship is the Celebrity Infinity. It can accommodate 1,950 people. Its features include an aromatherapy session named AquaSpa, a musical library called Enjoy Notes, and the Trellis Restaurant. Its sister ships, Summit and Millennium, also sail on Alaskan cruises.

Other big ships that offer Alaskan cruises are Radisson Seven Seas Mariner, Carnival Spirit and seven ships from the cruise company Princess. The Norwegian Cruise Lines also sends its ships for Alaskan cruises. Some of them are Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Sun.

Apart from the mainstream big ships, there are several small ships offering Alaskan cruises for those on tighter budgets. Small ships provide more adventure and offshore activities than bigger ships. They may carry less than 100 passengers. Some companies providing small ships for Alaskan cruises are Lindblad Expeditions, the Clipper Cruise Lines, and Cruise West.

The experiences of cruising in Alaska on mainstream ships and small ships are totally different. Big ships are designed for people who are looking for more luxury and comfort, while small ships are designed for adventure seekers. Big ships have better facilities to keep everyone amused all the time, while small ships give opportunities to build more friends and camaraderie.

Alaska Cruises provides detailed information on Alaska Cruise Lines, Alaska Cruise Reviews, Alaska Cruise Ships, Alaska Cruise Specials and more. Alaska Cruises is affiliated with Alaska Vacation Packages.

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Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

Caribbean Cruise - Expert Guide
By John Metcalfe

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the archipelago of the Bahamas), the Caribbean is a real treasure trove when it comes to cruising. A rich variety of vistas, people and places await, along with swaying palms and idyllic beaches of golden sand. The network of islands in the Caribbean is in fact so extensive that it is possible to book several Caribbean cruises and avoid going to the same islands twice!

There are four basic Caribbean cruise routes used by cruise operators:

Western Caribbean Cruise Route - Departing from seaports in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, the Western Route takes in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the island of Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and any number of islands off the coasts of Honduras and Belize.

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Route - One of the most popular Caribbean cruise routes, the Eastern Route typically departs from Florida and other seaports along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The route calls on destinations such as Key West, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands the Virgin Islands (including St. Thomas and St. Croix), and Puerto Rico.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Route - This route normally commences at San Juan in Puerto Rico, and takes in many possible destinations along the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles as far west as Aruba.

Exotic/Long-duration Caribbean Cruise Route - This route takes in any/all of the above destinations, and can sometimes end in a different place to where the cruise started.

Given this broad assortment of destinations available in the Caribbean, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to make that crucial decision on which islands to fit into your itinerary. After all, you don't want to miss out on some true Caribbean gems, do you? So,

whether you're planning a short vacation or a longer cruise break away from home, here is a selection of 'must-sees' & 'must-dos' on your Caribbean adventure.

St Croix (Virgin Islands) - Take a night kayak trip in Salt River National Park and visit the first landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.

Grenada - Although ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Grenada is still well worth a visit for its scuba diving. You can explore the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean here and see an underwater volcano.

St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) - The Cinnamon Bay National Park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can see a wealth of underwater life in the shallow waters around St. Thomas.

Jamaica - Why not try your hand at bamboo rafting in Montego Bay?

Puerto Rico - No Caribbean cruise would be complete without a visit to the world famous Condado Beach on the island of Puerto Rico.

Aruba - Want to find Caribbean paradise? How about relaxing on one of the 365 beaches that surround the Dutch island of Aruba.

St Kitts - Swim with the turtles in the waters around St Kitts and then relax on the pink sand beaches on this beautiful island.

Good luck with planning your trip and happy cruising.

Looking for Cruise information ?
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Family Cruises The Best Way To Have a Great Time

Family Cruises, The Best Way To Have a Great Time
By Paolo Basauri

When most people think about cruises, they dont picture a nice family cruise vacation. Cruises are commonly considered luxury trips to exotic destinations for adults. But in reality, when you go check with your travel consultant you will find out that is not the case. There are lots of cruises out there for every type of vacations, and family cruises is one of them.

An example of this is the Carnival fun ships line. Carnival provides different types of cruises but this special line is geared toward family vacations. And this is not because is for kids, but as an adult you can find lots of fun here also. No one, be it a child a teenager or an adult can be bored in family cruises.

As a parent, relaxation is the ultimate goal of any vacation. Aboard a family cruise you can be certain you are going to find it. Just picture yourself lying by the pool, enjoying the sun, or at the deck, feeling the refreshing breeze of the ocean. On the evening, once kids are in bed, family cruises provide everything you need to have fun, from shows to a night at the casino. It varies from cruise to cruise, so be sure to check that out.

For kids, there are lots of fun activities. Children can enjoy classes, attend family shows and more. There are even children centers that can help you take care of your kids while you enjoy your time alone. In here children can also make lots of friends to share their experiences on the trip. If your kids are teenagers, they can also find lots of friends aboard the cruise, since there are also teen centers.

Family cruises, are one of the best type of vacations for everybody. Most costs are included in the price, that is aboard the ship, for example meals. But be sure to carry extra money to fully enjoy the destinations where the ship docks. If this all sounds good, that is because it is that good, but always check with your travel agency to see what kind of ship best suits for you.

Paolo Basauri is an expert who writes for Family Cruises.A site specialized in cruise vacations.

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What Type Of Alaskan Cruise Will You Enjoy?

What Type Of Alaskan Cruise Will You Enjoy?
By Lynette Ross

Alaska is nothing short of a majestic wilderness that is one of the very last frontiers left in the world. Here, you will see all that is natural with the beautiful peaks of mountains to the crystal waters of the ocean. You will also see some of the most amazing wildlife, perhaps even migrating if you travel during the summer months. Of course, there are the Alaskan communities to stop in and see with their quaint towns and local culture. If you will be traveling on an Alaskan cruise, you have several options to take into consideration.

Consider Inside Passage Cruises. For about a week long, these cruises will take you out and back in to the same port. They allow for some of the most beautiful choices. You will find them leaving from locations such as Vancouver as well as from Seattle.

The Gulf Cruise. Another option offers a one way cruise to Anchorage. This cruise will take you up close to glaciers as well as mountains and allows you some of the most amazing picturesque views.

The Small Ship. Another type of Alaskan cruise is a small ship cruise. These allow you to travel into some of the more remote locations with a smaller ship. You will see glaciers, whales and even bears. The wilderness lover will truly enjoy this type of cruise.

There are plenty of cruise lines that offer cruises of each of these. You are going to find one that offers just what you are interested in, of course. It is always best to plan your Alaskan cruise as soon as possible as some of the cruises will fill up quickly, keeping space limited. Remember that Alaskan cruises only span from May to September and in that short time there is much to see and do.

www.alaska-cruise-information.infoClick here now to find more observations from Lynette.

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Alaska Cruise Reviews

Alaska Cruise Reviews
By Jennifer Bailey

Reviewing a cruise line is not easy as most people on board are having fun, and on a cruise people generally tend to overlook petty shortcomings. Moreover, most existing cruises have been around for more than a decade, and hence they have already perfected most of their shortcomings. Some Alaska cruises that have consistently been at the top of the savvy cruisers list are those provided by Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Carnival.

The Royal Caribbean line has won great accolades for its ship Radiance of the Seas. Beginning with the reception and the checking in, everything is systematically organized. It stops at Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glaciers, and Ketchikan during its seven-day cruise. Shopping in Juneau is a memorable experience, as is kayaking in Ketchikan and the glacier exploration at Hubbard Glaciers. There are several onboard activities Broadway performances, a silhouette act and a comedy act as a farewell show on the last night. The only drawback may be the large number of people on board about 2,500 of them which may not be appealing to the peace-loving cruiser.

All ships of the Princess cruise line have got rave reviews from cruisers. They come highly recommended by cruise agencies as well. They follow the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean and have an excellent and knowledgeable staff. The great attractions of Princess ships are the dark wood mahogany furniture in some of their cabins and the ship memorabilia available for sale. The dining rooms are arranged forward, and the theater seats are thoughtfully arranged to provide all with an unobstructed view, free from poles and other obstacles. The Princess line is a very experienced line and offers customized cruises to its passengers.

Carnival and Celebrity both rate high on the cruisers list. They have reliable ships and staff and good outside balconies, which provide excellent views of natural scenery.

Among the small ship category, Clipper, American Safari, and Cruise West are considered to be great cruise lines. They provide the adventure seeker a host of activities to do while on the cruise.

Alaska Cruises provides detailed information on Alaska Cruise Lines, Alaska Cruise Reviews, Alaska Cruise Ships, Alaska Cruise Specials and more. Alaska Cruises is affiliated with Alaska Vacation Packages.

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Alaska Cruise Lines

Alaska Cruise Lines
By Jennifer Bailey

Among the famous cruise lines offering services in Alaskan seas are the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Radisson, Norwegian, Holland America, and American Safari. Each cruise line has its own ships and itineraries, and is most active in the peak season between May and September.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Liner is one of the most famous Alaskan cruise liners. Its main ship is the Radiance of the Seas, with sister ships Serenade of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. Royal Caribbean provides an eight-day, seven-night Alaskan cruise. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line specializes in cruising along frontier towns, and glacier cruising.

The Princess Cruise Line is highly recommended by cruise critics. Its huge ships are often called floating cities due to the vast number of restaurants, Broadway theatres, casinos, health spas, movie halls, lounges, discotheques and other forms of relaxation present onboard. Their popular ships are the Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess. They have weeklong itineraries, and people can book them either during their northward or southward voyages.

The Celebrity Cruise Line is known for its fleet of large opulent ships like Zenith, Mercury, Infinity, Constellation, Summit, and Millennium. Celebrity has recently launched ships in the Xpedition class, which are made for adventure cruises.

Besides the huge cruise lines, small ships are also very popular. Small ships have better navigation ability and hence are favorites among adventure seekers. Lindblad specializes in its small cruise ships that can hold up to 120 guests. Holland America has five ships, namely Statendam, Veendam, Ryndam, Zaandam, and Volendam, which offer small cruises on the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.

American Safari provides long as well as short Alaskan cruises in yachts. Their yacht Safari Quest has both five day-four night as well as eight day-seven night cruises. Safari Spirit and Safari Escape also conduct fortnightly cruises to Alaska. Most cruises conducted by American Safari are chartered, and the charter rates for the Safari Quest are about $58,000 for five days.

Alaska Cruises provides detailed information on Alaska Cruise Lines, Alaska Cruise Reviews, Alaska Cruise Ships, Alaska Cruise Specials and more. Alaska Cruises is affiliated with Alaska Vacation Packages.

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I'm Thinking about Taking a Luxury Cruise: Early Planning

I'm Thinking about Taking a Luxury Cruise: Early Planning
By John T Jones, Ph.D.

Im Thinking about Taking a Luxury Cruise: Early Planning

Ive been on four cruises so far.

They were sponsored by the United States Army.

I was paid $169.00 each month while on these cruises. (Now days my rank of Sergeant First Class, E-6, would make 14 times that much.)

Also, the cruises were free. You cant beat that.

Now, Im thinking of taking one of those luxury cruises like you see on television.

First, Ill give you a rundown on each Army-sponsored cruise. I know you are hanging on the edge of your seat to hear about them. Ill be brief.

Cruise I: The Orient. It's every bit as exotic and enchanting as you imagine it to be.

We steamed from San Francisco to Yokohama, Japan on what is called the Great Circle Route up along the Aleutian Islands where the Seventh Division fought the Japanese during World War II. I didnt know it then, but I was about to join that very division in Korea.

This cruise featured rough seas, the waves breaking over the bow of our ship for 14 days, flying fishes, garbage-eating fishes, albatrosses and other sea birds, endless sea sickness for some, endless poker for others, the exhilaration of the ships prop spending most of its time spinning in the air, bean soup for every meal, and an occasional movie from an abandoned Hollywood warehouse. The previous crossing has featured whale bashing but we didnt see any whales nor did we steam into one. Our cruise guide blasted throughout each day: All Troops off the Bow! This trip featured a train ride from Tokyo to Sasebo, Japan.

Cruise II: Korea. The Land of the Morning Calm (which was good after fighting all night.)

This was on the Japanese luxury liner the Congo Maru. (The ship sunk on a latter crossing but was salvaged.) The cruise featured an overnight steam from Sasebo, Japan to Pusan Korea, bamboo mats on the deck to sleep on out under the stars, choppy seas that make everybody want to puke, intimate contact with fellow travelers featuring a bayonet in one ear and a boot in the other. This cruise also featured a train ride in box cars with boards to sleep on and one stop to grab a couple of apples from quaint along-the-track vendors.

Cruise III: Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun

This was like Cruise II but in a more favorable direction.

Cruise III Leg I: Hawaii. Trade winds and tropics set a romantic mood in the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific.

This trip featured fog for 23 days. We saw the sun only on the day we spent in Hawaii as we unloaded the coffins of dead GIs to no fanfare.

I was sergeant of the guard so I did not see the Island at that time, but I did see how drunk the GIs could get in Hawaii and that not one of them had taken time to see what I wanted to see, the island.

Cruise III Leg II: Seattle. Sail across Puget Sound in the fog.

This cruise featured a bus ride to Fort Lewis which terrorized all the GIs because the driver was going almost 30 miles an hour. That was way too fast for a bunch of ground-pounders who had walked the hills and fields of Korea.

At Fort Lewis we were given a steak that was so tough that not even we fighting men could chew it.

Lets Prepare for that Luxury Cruise

Ah, yes! Cruising the seven seas and the zillion food tables on a luxury liner will be a blast.

But wait! We have an alternative. We can cruise the world or any part of it by freighter. You can cruise for $90 to $130 a day which includes three meals, walks on the deck, visits to the bridge, chats with officers and crew members, video movies, swimming if you are fast and can keep up with the ship (Im only kidding; they have swimming poolsat least some of them), studying wildlife (but no night life), and talking to your navel (belly button). You wont need your tux on a freighter cruise. You also wont be shoulder to shoulder with a zillion other passengers. Take a copy of War and Peace. Learn more at http://www.freighterworld.com

What, you are ready to face the crowds on a Luxury ship?

For general information on luxury cruises including accommodations and activities try: http://tinyurl.com/ots5g and http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/

Documents

You many need a passport or other documentation for your cruise. For information go to: http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/Cruises13.htm#70

Insurance

If you are taking a cruise, you will need insurance.

What if you cant go because of an illness or a family problem? Dont think you will get your money back.

What if you get sick on the ship? Dont think your regular insurance will pay the medical bills.

What if you have your wallet stolen in port? Dont think you will get it back.

No, you must have insurance. You can get it from a reliable firm like CSA Travel online and you will be able to chat with an agent. Go to: http://www.csatravelprotection.com/

What do I need to pack?

That depends on how and to where you are traveling. For complete information go to: http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/Cruises14.htm#00top and to the site of your cruise line.

Health Considerations

Plan ahead for the area you plan to visit. A good place to do this is at: http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/departments/travelwell/patientinfo/patientguide.html

Possible Hazards

The probability of a something unfortunate happening on your cruise are about the same as if you stayed at home in a big city. Crimes occur, fires occur, and accidents occur. Before you go, see what the Department of State says about safety abroad: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety1747.html

With good planning, you can have a great trip to that place youve always wanted to visit. You will gain new friends and fond memories.

Have fun!

Watch for me!

Ill be on the fantail looking at the garbage-eating fish.

The End

Cruise, freighter, vacation, travel, information, packing, documents, insurance, ships, liners, luxury, hazards, fish, State Department, health, activities

copyright2006 John T. Jones, Ph.D.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine. He is Executive Representative of IWS sellers of Tyler Hicks wealth-success books and kits. He also sells TopFlight flagpoles. He calls himself Taylor Jones, the hack writer.

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.aaaflagpoles.com

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Cheap Cruise Vacations: Getting The Most Out Of It

Cheap Cruise Vacations: Getting The Most Out Of It
By JB Anthony

Everyone needs to unwind once in a while. For some, a nice day out of work, working on a hobby would suffice. However, for other, more harassed corporate people who need to climb the literal and metaphorical ladder to the top everyday, a more radical unwinding is called for: a cruise vacation!

When planning a cruise vacation, determine how much you are willing to spend first. Although this is not yet the actual vacation, knowing how much you are willing to spend for your cruise vacation is essential to getting the most out of what you can afford. Never go on credit for a cruise vacation. Instead, when running low on budget, simply get the cheap cruise vacation package. But then, you ask: how am I suppose to enjoy myself on a cheap cruise vacation package? I might as well not go on a cruise trip at all if that is the case. The key there is to go cheap on the cruise but indulge in the details. The important thing is to simply get yourself across the globe to that cheap vacation so that you will have enough money to splurge on dining, spas, night life, recreation and other relaxing activities once you get there! When on limited budget, what will you do with their quality service if you cant afford their service in the first place? Go cheap on the trip, and go fancy on the details!

Knowing and planning the right schedule for going on a cruise vacation is also essential for getting the most out of your trip. Knowing the cycle of your work, arrange to go on a cruise just right after you have completed a project and before you starting the next one or, right after you have closed a deal and before you make your next proposition to the next client. This will allow you less mental preoccupation when on your cruise vacation and allow you to focus simply on having fun and relaxation! Remember, you are on this trip because you need time away from work to re-energize and rejuvenate yourself for your next project or your next deal.

Get the local weather of the islands you will be in during your trip. A cruise vacation to an island just when the weather is stormy is useless and will defeat the purpose of the whole trip.

Know what you need. Decide to go with a friend if you need to. For busy people who dont have time to work on relationships, exploring new adventures and experiences with someone will make the whole cruise vacation more significant and meaningful. For those who have had too much of kids or screaming bosses, decide to go alone. You need the time and you need the space.

One need not get the best, most-expensive cruise vacation package on the menu to achieve the same desired results. One just needs to know how to get the most out of even the cheapest cruise vacation with a little amount of good planning, a pair of sunglasses and lots and lots of tanning lotion!

JB Anthony invites you to visit www.cruisevacations.hottestniches.com to read more articles on tips and guides on planning cruise vacations, best cruise vacation destinations, cheap cruise vacation guides.

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Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean Cruises
By Josh Riverside

Planning to go on a Caribbean cruise? You need to decide two things in advance when youre going and where. Read on for useful information to help you make those choices.

Many people say that the Caribbean islands are best enjoyed during summer, but keep in mind that Caribbean cruises during this time are usually jam packed. This is when families, tour groups, and even corporate assemblies prefer to visit the islands, so if youre planning to join the pack, be sure to book your cruise in advance. The average cruise length is about seven days.

If you want to enjoy big discounts, though, then try Caribbean cruises during the fall. Rates are substantially lower (sometimes half the regular rate), and you usually dont need to wait in line for slots to free up.

When deciding between Eastern or Western Caribbean, your decision should depend on what you intend to do during the course of the cruise. As a general guide, you should go for a Western Caribbean cruise if you want to spend more time sailing (rather than going on land for other activities). Western Caribbean cruises start in either in New Orleans, Texas, or Florida, and then make their way to Palaya del Carmen in Mexico, the Caymans, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, among many other destinations. There are many things to do in a Western Caribbean cruise, and toping the crowd favorite are tours of the Mayan ruins.

If you want to do more shopping, though, then you might enjoy an Eastern Caribbean cruise better. This way, you get to see the shopping spots and fantastic beaches of the Bahamas and Puerto Rico (among others).

If you cant decide, it might be a good idea to buy guide books to Caribbean cruises. Many books offer you great advice on the itinerary and the cruise ship to tally with your goals and interests.

Caribbean provides detailed information on Caribbean, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean Cruises, Caribbean Vacation and more. Caribbean is affiliated with All Inclusive Caribbean Vacations.

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Some Excellent Cruise Tips For Your Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Some Excellent Cruise Tips For Your Caribbean Cruise Vacation
By Mary Hanna

The first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation is here. Most of the day will be spent getting to know your cruise ship, making spa appointments, booking tours on the Caribbean Islands and trying to get cruise tips from your fellow passengers.

The first night of your Caribbean cruise vacation is always a casual night since most people have traveled a good portion of the day. Its also the night you meet your table mates. Here is another cruise tip, be a few minutes late on the first night (only on the first night-be prompt from then on). There is usually a crush of people when the dinner bell rings and everyone is trying to find their table.

If you are eating in the traditional cruise style, always ask for a large table for several reasons. You have a better chance of meeting a mix of people, and the more people you meet during your cruise travel, the merrier. One thing to do is change seats every night at the table so everyone gets to talk to everyone else during the course of your cruise vacation. Its much more fun. And a round table is ideal since rectangular ones make it difficult to talk to the guy at the other end. However, if you find that you are unhappy with your table, absolutely go to the maitre d' and asked to be moved. He or she will accommodate you as best they can. There are people who chose to dine alone and the ships have tables for two but they fill up fast.

Freestyle Dining and Choice Dining are available on some Cruise Lines for those who want to eat on their own or dont want to be delegated to a specific dining time. Your travel agent will be able to set this up when booking your Caribbean cruise vacation.

Now you are on day two, and usually that means it's a day at sea. You are just itching to put into your bathing suit and get out in the sun. Listen to this, it is the most valuable of all the cruises tips here, do not try to get a tan on your first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation. You will spend days of your precious cruise trying to recover from very bad sunburn. The Caribbean sun is very intense and is even more so in the summer months.

Get waterproof sun block and use it liberally if you are swimming or snorkeling. Dont forget the tops of your feet, your ears and lips, this can be extremely painful. Wear a hat so you don't burn your scalp.

To avoid injury follow these tips. Be careful if the decks are wet, they become very slippery. Watch for the raised lips in some doorways especially between your cabins sleeping area and the bathroom. Never sit on the railings as you may fall. Wearing high heels could be hazardous in bumpy weather. When tendering to shore keep your arms and legs within the tender. These are all very good cruise tips

All of the newer cruise ships have an internet caf; some even have an internet connection in your room. So if you want to bring your lap top with you, by all means do. There are some small luxury cruise ships that have lap tops available for your use. Check with your cruise travel agent, he or she will know. Most people wont want to be bothered with their computers, but it is nice to check your email if you are going to be away for awhile, and ship to shore phone calls are very expensive on the cruise lines.

The last evening will also be a casual night since you have packed your bags and put them outside your cruise cabin. Tomorrow will be an early morning and the end of your enchanting Caribbean cruise vacation.

There always seem to be many questions about tipping while taking a Caribbean cruise vacation. These questions come up on European cruise vacations too, but we'll stick to the Caribbean. Some cruise lines will absolutely not let you tip. These are the very high end cruise lines. Some automatically add it to your bill. If you do not like this arrangement tell the purser that you will tip on your own. Tipping on a cruise ship is very important since the room steward, waiter and busboy all make their living on tips. They work very hard to keep you happy during your Caribbean cruise vacation so please tip them. You may want to figure out the amount of tips you will be paying at the beginning of the cruise vacation and separate that from your spending money. You wont get caught short.

If a Maitre d does something special, like crepe suzettes at your table, you should tip him. When you order wine or drinks there is already a 15% tip on the charge, so it is not necessary to tip here. If you find a special bar and frequent it, give the bartender a bit extra on the last night. As I said tipping policies are different on all ships so find out ahead of time. Holland American has changed their tipping policy. It used to be o tipping necessary. That policy is no longer in place. On NCL Hawaii a $10.00 per day per person is added to your bill and it is not optional.

A nice gesture on a two week cruise is to give half the tip after the first week, the cruise staff will appreciate this. On almost all of the cruise ships, the general rule for tipping is $3.00 per day, per person for the waiter and the room steward and $1.50 per person per day for the bus boy. If youre not sure the Cruise Line will usually give you guidelines. If your room steward or waiter showed you excellent services tip them more.

Alcoholic beverages on board are expensive. All cruise ships have there own policy if you bring your own, some confiscate it and return at the end of the cruise, others allow you to buy bottles on board, and others will allow you to purchase it but wont deliver it until the end of the cruise. Each cruise line has different policies so check with your cruise travel agent. In many cases you can bring wine and champagne on board.

Heres just a small note about seasickness. On the really huge ships it should not be a problem. If you are prone to it and are taking a smaller ship, there are over the counter remedies. Dramamine and Bonine are in tablet forms and can make some people drowsy. Because of the size and the stability of the current fleet of cruise ships only 3% of cruise passengers are affected by this.

There are wrist bands that you can purchase that act on the theory of acupuncture. Then there is also the Patch that you wear behind your ear. If you do not purchase one of these before the cruise and find yourself getting a little green, the purser's office will provide you with them. Go out on the open decks, eat saltines, green apples and drink ginger ale. Do not do anything that requires you to look down, like reading or writing.

In health food stores you can buy powdered ginger caplets which are the natural remedy. That should take care of it. Stay away from greasy foods. This is no longer a huge problem since most ships today have stabilizers that keep the ship from pitching to and fro. If you do have a problem with mal de mar, it is not wise to take a sailing cruise or a small ship in notoriously rough seas like the South China Sea. It is so shallow it is always a little rough. The waves bounce off the seabed and come back up making it a bit choppy. Here again the size of the ship matters and having a little information will be helpful. This is where a really knowledgeable cruise travel agent comes in.

All cruise ships have a policy on smoking. On one ship they had an absolutely no smoking policy anywhere, they have since changed that rule. There is never any smoking allowed in the showrooms or the dining rooms. In many cases they designate one side of the ship in the bars as the smoking section while the other side is smoke free.

You can smoke in the bars and in the casino. Never, ever, toss a lit cigarette overboard, it can blow back on deck and start a fire. Please be considerate of the other passengers and follow the rules. And be aware that you will encounter many more smokers on a European cruise vacation and on European cruise ships that winter in the USA.

These are just some sensible cruise tips for you to follow on you Caribbean cruise vacation.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

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Norwegian Cruise Line American Style!

Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!
By Colin Hartness

Its not just the size and opulence of their sleek and stylish fleet that attracts passengers to Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the largest ratio of staff to passengers of any cruise company and this extra service shows from stem to stern. Every inch of every ship gleams and on any trip through the corridors you always meet friendly and courteous staff in perfectly appointed uniforms.

A particular cruise feature that Norwegian Cruise Lines introduced is free-style dining. Historically, shipboard dining has been a structured affair, with meals served at preset hours, usually with assigned seating in the dining room and a dress code. Free-style dining changes all of that to match the contemporary American lifestyle. Passengers may choose from eight to a dozen dining areas on board and eat when they wish. Some dining areas serve cafeteria-style, with food already prepared and jean-clad passengers taking a tray and selecting their food items. The main dining areas serve menu-based meals with full service wait staff and where jeans and shorts are prohibited at the evening meal. All food in the dining rooms and cafeteria is included in the price of the cruise.

And you get more than your moneys worth in the quality and presentation of all food items. The average passenger gains seven pounds on a week-long cruise! In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a selection of specialty or upscale restaurants on each ship and meals in these restaurants are offered at additional cost. For example, Asian, French, Japanese or Italian cuisine may be featured in a suitably decorated small restaurant. But know full well, the upscale restaurants excel in service and cuisine and provide value for the dollar for the more discriminating.

Food service is a major attraction on any cruise, but Norwegian Cruise Line also provides a full range of on-board activities 24 hours a day. A fully equipped fitness center attracts those who want to stay in shape on their vacation. The pool area is the hub of live entertainment day and evening. Ships have a number of bar, lounge and disco areas that come to life with talented performers every night. Also included in the price of the cruise is theatre entertainment that ranges from stand-up comedy to full show revues that rival those found in Las Vegas. And speaking of Las Vegas, while in international waters, passengers can enjoy all the amenities of a sparkling casino, including slots and gaming.

Norwegian Cruise Line, a premier cruise line, currently has ten large and modern ships in its fleet. The most luxurious ship in the fleet, the Norwegian Star, seasonally alternates on trips to Alaska during the summer season and cruises to the Mexican Riviera in the colder months. One of the newest ships, Norwegian Spirit, also sails to Alaska in the summer but crosses the Panama Canal to sail the Caribbean in the winter. The Norwegian Wind follows the whim of the wind and sails to many major destinations: Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean while Norwegian Sun and Dream quietly cruise the Caribbean.

The brand new Pride of Aloha, as its name implies, is dedicated to custom cruises hopping between the islands of Hawaii. There is no better way to thoroughly tour Hawaii than on a cruise ship. Also brand new, Norwegian Dawn is dedicated to sailing from New York to ports in Florida and the Caribbean.

The newly renovated Norwegian Sea routinely sails from Houston, Texas through the Caribbean. A ship fit for royalty, the Norwegian Majesty, also sails through the Caribbean to ports of call in Mexico and the Bahamas.

The Norwegian Crown is nearly 20 years old but, with only 527 staterooms, provides a much more intimate atmosphere than the newer ships that accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers. Two more luxury ships will be added to the ever-expanding fleet in 2005. The soon to be introduced Norwegian Jewel will expand ports of call to Scandinavia, the French Riviera, and Italy.

Looking for information about cruises?Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

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Carnival Elation Cruise Review

Carnival Elation Cruise Review
By John Childs

The Elation is a ship built in 1998 for Carnival Cruise Lines. It was the first ship to have the azipod propulsion system. Everything you read about the Elation will include a small blurb about the azipod system. You may wonder what the heck that is so Ill tell you. Its much like having font wheel drive on your car. Instead of the energy source pushing the ship it pulls it instead. This makes maneuvering the ship much easier so you can be confident there wont be any listing or tipping over of the ship on your cruise. Also it reduces those vibrations that cause motion sickness in people like myself.

Enough about mechanics though because Carnivals got the fun dont they? Yes sir, they do. The Carnival Elation has three swimming pools. One with a 214 ft water slide! This is where the music is and the pool games. Expect it to be busy the first few days. My favorite pool is the one at the back of the ship on verandah deck because it takes new passengers about 3 days to find it so for the first couple days of your cruise it is uncrowded. The last pool is the kiddie pool on promenade deck at the ships aft (back). This pool is a bit like swimming in a toilet with all the babies in their swim diapers-which are not allowed.

If gambling is your thing then head down to the Casablanca casino. There are more than 200 slot machines to choose from including several mega cash machines that are linked with other Carnival ships fleetwide. The biggest jackpot that I have seen was over a million dollars won on the now defunct Carnival Jubilee. I stick to the slots, I figure its the quickest way to lose my alloted gambling cash then I can get on with the rest of the cruise. If you are a more sophisticated gambler than I there is also roulette, black jack and Caribbean stud poker to play.

Free drinks on a cruise-impossible you say? Not so. You can attend wine tastings or as we do go to check out the art an hour before the famed art auction where they pass out free wine and cheese. If you have been on more than one cruise with the same line you can attend the past guest party. Dont dismiss this as a waste of time if you like to drink-the drinks are free and plentiful and all you have to do is watch a short spiel where the cruiseline pats themselves on the back for giving you a great vacation. There is usually one evening where the liquor is free for tasting in the shopping area.

If you are into healthier pursuits then you can head up to the jogging track on the Elations Sun deck or to the gym on the Sports deck. The Carnival Elation has a half court basketball court for your enjoyment and they do supply the basketball to play with. Elation has a full service spa onboard. I confess I have never got around to the spa but I know they do offer foot massages for about $20 and everything up to a couples massage for $220. It sounds steep but just imagine how relaxing it would be to have a message and after you dont have to massage someone else!

For the kids there is Camp Carnival. Our son has gone to Camp Carnival on many many cruises and loves it everytime. The children are divided by age groups and have activities planned for those ages. I recommend that your child goes to the first night where you can sign them up for the camp. There are introduced to each other and socialize a little. It doesnt mean they ever have to go again and there is no extra charge although we usually tip the staff because they can make of break your kids cruise experience. Our son went to an activity called swimming under the stars where the pool was off limits at night except to kids in the program and so they had the pool and slide to themselves. You just drop your kid off for whatever activities they would enjoy. For small children you will be supplied with a pager so the staff can contact you in case your child wants to leave. Their activities take place inside Childrens World which is an area of 2500 sq ft filled with computers and toys and games. Activities for older children take place in different areas on the ship-for example pizza making takes place in Tiffanys. On the last night there will be a farewell party for the kids. Get there on time or you may not get in. All the children receive a parting gift at this party ie a backpack or CD case.

As for my favorite part, the art of gastronomy there are a myriad of choices. The two formal dining rooms on Carnival Elation are the Inspiration and the Imagination named after sister ships in the fleet. You will be assigned one of these with a specific dining time. I always check the menu early in the day so I can decide if I want to show up at my appointed time or eat elsewhere at my leisure. The other places to eat aboard the Elation are Tiffanys which is the buffet restaurant that changes the menu everyday and is different for lunch than dinner or the snack bar on Lido deck where fries and burgers are available for lunch. Tiffanys lunch menus are called taste of nations where one day may be Mexican food with salsa and chips and another may be American BBQ where fried chicken and potato salad are offered. There was also Indian and Italian that I can recall. At the far back on the right hand side of Tiffanys you will find Carnivals famous pizza being made fresh all the time. You can order a whole pizza and choose you toppings of get a slice fresh from the oven. At the same location deli sandwiches are made. This is a wonderful spot to eat early on in the voyage as your fellow passengers wont know about this yet therefore there will be no lining up for you.

Sushi is served on promenade deck every evening. There was no raw fish (Sashimi) the week we sailed but many varieties of fresh made before your eyes sushi to select from. Of course Wasabi and pickled ginger and soy sauce were all available as well. There is also never a sushi line I presume because no one seems to realize that this also is included in your cruise fare. Needless to say we went there every single evening. Tortillas chips and salsa were served on Promenade deck on Mexican day in the evening while a mariachi band played for us.

Room service, room service how do I love thee, let me count the ways. Room service is free but a tip is in order. Pretzels or chips can come with any sandwich- a tasty midnight snack. Room service was always speedy and correct. You can also order cookies, crudites, fruit and salad. At your service 24 hours a day.

If you need to keep in touch the Internet cafe offers internet usage at 75 cents a minute and different packages up to 250 minutes for 40 cents a minute. You can bring your own laptop and use it in the cafe but not in your cabin on the Elation. You pay for usage whether you use theirs or your though. Not sure if that makes it worth lugging it around.

Speaking of cabins, we had an ocean view cabin category 6C. We had three people on the cabin and we fit comfortably. This ship has only 26 demi suites (category11) and 28 suites (category12). It really doesnt matter to me which deck as there are elevators to take you up and down.

Virtual World video game arcade is right beside the Mikado lounge-a perfect spot to let your teen hang out while you catch one of the Las Vegas style shows in the lounge. There are the usual driving games and shooting games. The video games take tokens that are bought right inside the arcade. You can use your sign and sail card to buy tokens. At some point during your cruise there will be a video game tournament for the kids in this case the games are free. It is part of the Camp Carnival program.

The Mikado lounge is where all the shows take palce. There was a comedy show, a magician, a hypnotist, dancing show girls-rated G. There are musical shows too. The week I sailed there was a special guest announced at he end of one musical show. After much preamble Mr Stevie Wonder was brought onto the stage. People went running from the lounge theater to get their friends and family to see Stevie Wonder. There was screaming that I thought only the Beatles could elicit. Being a pale face from Canada Im not too clear on the likeness of Mr Wonder but I was pondering which cabin would Stevie Wonder stay in On the Carnival Elation. Dont get me wrong the Carnival Elation is a nice ship but someone of this caliber on my ship , how could it be? The lights dimmed, I could hardly see. As I stepped forward to get a better look at our famous shipmate I fell down the stairs. I tumbled head over heals down several flights. Not one person turned or helped me up so enthralled were they to catch a glimpse of this celebrity. In the end Stevie took his wig off so that it may be revealed that it was only a celebrity impersonator. Everyone groaned that they knew it all along and they were never fooled. The next day I looked like I had a run in with the UFC star Tito Ortiz.

The Mark Twain library is a bit of a misnomer. There doesnt seem to be a convenient way to get at any books so bring your own. It is beautiful and usually quiet.

Romeo and Juliet lounge is an elegantly styled room which was used for private parties some nights and for karaoke on others. Salsa dancing was a popular evening activity here.

The Cole Porter lounge has folk and country music playing and dancing. I only passed by here on my way to the ocean facing massaging chairs. Dukes is the piano bar named after the talented Duke Ellington. It is a jazz club with a striking entrance modelled on the Triumphal Arch from Washington Square park. This is an ideal place for photos around the white baby grand piano. We saw a wedding reception being held here. The Jekyll and Hyde disco is the place to party. Monitors show your fellow cruise mates dancing to the scintillating beat. The giant Jekyll and Hyde heads move to the music too-a bit creepy but cool after youve had a couple drinks.

The Carnival Elation is a gorgeous ship. Somewhat muted by Carnival standards. Its decor is of copper and inlaid woods. If you are hesitant to try Carnival Cruise Lines then this is the ship to try first. The service was second to none. The price of a Carnival cruise is always reasonable but by booking way in advance, about eight months we got an even better deal some would call it a cheap cruise. Dont be scared off by Carnivals old reputation for being a bunch of party ships. They are The Fun Ships after all. There is partying for sure if you want it but there are dozens of places to read or sit quietly on the Carnival Elation. Nothing is more peaceful than sitting on a chair atop the teak deck on the Carnival Elation looking out at the ocean passing slowly by. Whatever your concept of fun is they offer it. Believe them when they say Carnivals got the fun.

A Carnival Elation Cruise
is the experience of a lifetime. With the soft powdery beaches and duty free shopping, Caribbean cruises continue to grow in popularity. In fact, the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations of all cruises worldwide.

To learn more please visit => http://www.cruise-travel-review.com or post your own reviews in our forum at =>http://www.cruise-travel-review.com/forums

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What Cruise Documents Will We Need?

What Cruise Documents Will We Need?
By Claudia Chestelson

In today's highly sensitive security world taking the proper documents is paramount. Your Cruise agent may say to you that it's not necessary to take a current passport for instance but we advise the opposite. And a very prudent thing to do first while in the planning stages of your cruise is to find out where your US embassy is located in the areas you will be traveling around, through, near...just in case! One never knows! And wouldn't it be comforting to just have that needed extra bit of information in lets say a moments notice. That information is at this site http://usembassy.state.gov/.

Now which documents do you actually need? Visa, Passport? Birth Certificate? How about the kids? Inquire and prepare for your children thoroughly. For instance, in certain countries, adoptive parents, legal guardians or persons separated or divorced are advised to keep legal and other relevant documents available in order to clarify custody rights. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID card according to the International Council of Cruise Lines. However! We wouldn't dream of not taking a photo of our little loved ones, PLUS also leaving that same photo copied and left in charge of responsible hands back home. That just seems obvious and logical.

How about driving permits in case you want to drive around while visiting a port? An excellent site for all this kind of information is CIBT Global Visa and Passport Professionals. http://www.cibt.com/ There you will discover most the major Cruise Lines and what each document requirement is. The perfect place to GET your Birth Certificate, Visa, Passport and learn actually what you need and what you don't is here, Travel Documents click to solve all your document needs: http://www.ourfirstcruise.com/cruise-articles.html.

Few people EVER think about this little extremely important tip...whatever documents you do take with you on your Cruise, always leave a photo copy of each document in reliable hands back home hopefully including a handy fax machine for a split second fax source. The more you can think ahead and anticipate the worst case scenario the better off you will be and fellow travelers who do get stuck will think you are a genius for preparing so insightfully!

What if you are a non-US Citizen or are traveling with one? Valid passports and Visas ARE required in addition to green cards. These cards are called by the authorities, ARC or Alien Registration Cards. That's only if the individual is a RESIDENT ALIEN living in the US. If not a resident of the United States, then documentation must come from the individual's country and be approved if traveling within the United States, and other countries included in the voyage.

Preparing responsibly will allow you to sleep very well each cruise night so that you can relax, laugh and play each day. Have an outstanding Cruise!

Claudia Chestelson is a Renaissance Woman covering the gamut of challenging careers of actress, model, builder- re-modeler, B&B owner in the world famous Napa Valley, Weight-Loss Consultant for Women, and current Netpreneur and Advocate of leisure and vacation..Claudia loves navigating people to the right Cruise including the best Cruise insight and advice at http://www.ourfirstcruise.com (if you are taking your very first Cruise Vacation go to Claudia's web site. Save yourself from all the stressful details.)

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All Aboard for a Beautiful Hawaii Cruise

All Aboard for a Beautiful Hawaii Cruise
By Jeremy Thompson

Thinking about taking a cruise or a vacation and not sure where to go? Hawaii has it all, from a relaxing tropical vacation destinations to an exhilarating trips filled with adventure, or even secluded, romantic getaways. Known for its diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery, a Hawaii cruise or vacation will satisfy the desire of anyone, young or old, adventurous or relaxed.

Surrounded by crystal blue water, its no surprise that some of the most popular Hawaii vacation activities take place in the ocean. And if you prefer to spend all of your time in the ocean you may want to consider a Hawaii cruise. A Hawaii cruise gives you all the sun, sand, and beautiful ocean views of a Hawaii land vacation, with the added bonus of being able to see more than one of the Hawaiian Islands. When traveling by boat on a Hawaii cruise you may get the benefit of seeing at least four of the major islands in one luxurious trip. Taking a Hawaii cruise has other perks as well.

One of the countless perks of a Hawaii cruise includes paying only one price and having everything from meals to transportation included. All you have to do is sit back and relax without worrying about where to stay, how you are going to get from one point of interest to another, or how much all your sight seeing is going to cost.

Whether on an inland vacation or a cruise there are a variety of activities for everyone. For the more daring, there is snorkeling, scuba diving, or the well-known Hawaiian sport of surfing. While on a Hawaii cruise you will be able to participate in these activities right on the boat or during one of your land stops. Looking for a more peaceful way to spend the day? Pack your beach towel and a lunch and spend the day soaking up some sun either on the deck of your Hawaii cruise boat or on the miles of sparkling white sand beaches.

There are so many things to do and places to see on your Hawaii vacation that it is hard to know where to start. The six main Hawaiian Islands, although similar, offer a diverse selection of activities. Researching and knowing what each island has to offer might give you a start in choosing the destination that is ideal for you. However, after researching each island and you are still not sure which to choose, theres always the luxury of a Hawaii cruise.

Jeremy Thompson is the author of CruiseHawaiiVacations.com your online guide to Hawaii vacations and Hawaii cruises. His fun filled site is filled with great information about Hawaii vacations and cruises. Check it out at CruiseHawaiiVacations.com.

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Cruise to Cold and Beautiful Alaska

Cruise to Cold and Beautiful Alaska
By Graham Grant

Alaska is an amazingly popular cruise destination. Hundred of thousands of cruise revelers go there every year and this is due to the breath taking beauty of the Alaska landscape as well as the fact that it has a large coast line ideal for cruising. On those cruises you will not only enjoy the wonderful scenery but you will also enjoy non stop entertainment to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

The itinerary for Alaska cruises are usually via Vancouver and Seattle which take approximately a week from start to finish. Along the way there will be further stops that vary from one cruise line to the next. Other cruise liners could offer other types of round trips from busy North American ports. Different cruises will typically go to visit different beauty spots of Alaska like the Sawyer Glacier, Glacier Bay, the Hubbard Glacier etc.

As said many different companies offer Alaska cruises each having their own distinct routes to attract different kind of customers. The most popular cruise liners are Celebrity cruises, Holland America Line as well as Royal Caribbean. So depending on what kind of cruise you wish to go on you most definitely would need to check the itinerary offered by each of these companies to see which one you would like the most. Also at different times each of these cruise companies offer different special offers which you may want to take advantage of.

Once you planned the route you want to take, it is important that you pick the best time to go and this is during the northern hemisphere summer or between the months of May to September. During the winter it would be almost impossible for the cruises to make the trip due to the very freezing weather which can in places freeze up the water. To this end it is very important that you book your cruise well in advance of the summer months which is also a good idea because the earlier you book the more likely you are of also picking up a special discount.

Graham Grant is the owner of Cruises - Articles, News, Information,which specializes in providing useful information and resources forpeople who are considering a cruise for their next vacation. For more details click here: Go On A Cruise

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Best Cruise Lines Choose Cruise Lines That Are Best For You

Best Cruise Lines - Choose Cruise Lines That Are Best For You
By Brian Schmidt

We all hear and read articles about the worlds best cruise lines. But what criteria is used for this determination? Is the Conde Nast winner the best cruise line for you? The answer is not necessarily. So how do you know which cruise line to choose for your special cruise vacation?

We all have very specific ideas of what would make for the very best vacation cruise. Even people who have not taken a cruise yet will have some pre-conceived ideas about what they expect or require to make their vacation enjoyable.

A retired top executive may wish a more traditional type of cruise experience where dress casual is the attire of the day. On the other hand, a twenty-something couple may wish a party atmosphere where they can let-their-hair-down.

Cruise lines actually cater to different passenger demographics. Some like Cunard offer a more traditional style of ocean liner cruise experience. Others are geared toward a more family vacation atmosphere while still others provide an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

In order to decide on which cruise line would offer you the best vacation experience, you will have to examine your expectations and desires. This is a very important step in planning your cruise vacation. The last thing you may wish is to be on a party boat full of young revelers when you are looking for an intimate, romantic cruise vacation.

Certain cruise lines only offer the smaller ships which tend to be more elegant and intimate and slightly more expensive. Other cruise lines offer the mega-ships with resort like atmosphere and a huge number of amenities including rock climbing walls and ice-skating rinks. Some of the cruise lines only offer sailing vessels to please the old salts and the romantics of days-gone-by ocean travel.

Some of the cruise lines only operate in certain areas of the world as well. Your destination may therefore dictate which cruise lines you can choose from.

With the tremendous number of cruise lines and specific cruise ships, it may be a daunting task to try to choose the right cruise line and ship for your vacation. Most potential cruise passengers will be able to quickly narrow the choice to two or three cruise lines that will provide them with a wonderful cruise experience. Thats the time to compare the amenities, itineraries, and actual ships to find one the best suits your cruise vacation desires. Then book your cruises on-line and get excited!

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous cruise vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages. If you have questions regarding choosing a cruise line contact us at info@a1-discount-cruises.com using the subject line Questions.

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Alaska Cruises with Land Tours

Alaska Cruises with Land Tours
By Jennifer Bailey

An Alaskan cruise can be a memorable experience combined with snow-capped mountains, pine forests adorning the coastlines, sparkling glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife. The towns and villages are full of historical interests to attract tourists in their exploration.

The cruising season starts with the advent of summer, as winter is harsh and cold in Alaska. The cruises depart from Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver in Canada. The peak season is considered to be between the months of May and September. An Alaska cruise usually last a week taking the tourists along the Alaskan coastlines, through the Indian Passage. The ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka are usually covered in the cruise. Other cruise routes may include Prince William Sound, located near Anchorage, and run through the Alaskan Peninsula to the Bering Sea. In case of long tours, passengers are required to return via train or plane, as they are usually a one-way trip. Each port visited has historical relevance and offers varying attractions, to impart different tastes of the individual towns and cities.

The largest mountain of North America, Mount McKinley located in the interior regions of Alaska, between Anchorage and Fairbanks, can also be visited during the Alaska Cruise. Seeing whales from the deck of the ship is part of the Alaska cruise, where sometimes tourists even hire small boats, for a whale watching tour. This is one of the most exciting parts of such cruises.

These cruises do not just provide an onboard sailing experience, but also land tours and on the shore activities. Boating and whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the most popular activities. Underwater sightseeing in submarines, snorkeling, and scuba adventures form the adventures included in these cruises.

An Alaskan cruise can be very expensive, and hence, people are advised to check very carefully, while deciding on the plans and arrangements.

Alaska Cruises provides detailed information on Alaska Cruise Lines, Alaska Cruise Reviews, Alaska Cruise Ships, Alaska Cruise Specials and more. Alaska Cruises is affiliated with Alaska Vacation Packages.

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Caribbean Cruise Routes

Caribbean Cruise Routes
By Gary Sargeant

The Caribbean Islands are some of the best cruise destinations in the world. With over 50 islands to choose from, visitors are offered a wide choice of vistas, people, and places to meet and mingle. For those people who like to go to the beaches the Caribbean cruise routes are the perfect spots. Their are plenty of relaxing and nice beaches in the Caribbean due to the fact that they are comprised over over 50 islands. The possibility of visiting the same island twice on the popular Caribbean cruise routes would not most likely happen.

Here is a list of just some choices offered on your basic Caribbean Cruise Routes.

There are the Western Caribbean Cruise Routes which all leave from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana ports of call. Western Caribbean Cruise Routes will go to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and then on to the island of Cozumel from there. Leaving from the island of Cozumel the cruise will head to Jamaica and then on to the island's of Honduras and Belize.

Then there are the Eastern Caribbean Cruise Routes which are the most popular amoung the choices available for Caribbean Cruise Routes. These all leave from Florida and other seaports in the eastern part of the US. The Eastern Caribbean Cruise Routes will take you to the Key West Sea, and from their to the Bahamas. hen you will cruise on over to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and on to the Virgin Island's including Puerto Rico.

And third you have the Southern Caribbean Cruise Routes. These all leave from the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Southern Caribbean Cruise Routes cruise over to the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles and then extends on up to the west going to Aruba.

Finally their are the exotic and long-duration Caribbean Cruise Routes. You can begin one of these from any one of the previous ports of call we mentioned above. These Caribbean Cruise Routes can go in any direction and most of the time these cruises do not end at the place where it began.

When it comes to these Caribbean Cruise Routes it can be very hard to determine which island and which route one should take as there are so many available awesome destinations. It is better that you you take some time and gain a little knowledge of the places that you want to go. To even make it tougher to choose there are lots of different activities that you can do on the various different cruises. When it comes to the Caribbean Cruise Routes are lots of wonderful places to see. If you are planning to have a vacation, you can't go wrong by choosing a Caribbean Cruise Routes experience.

Below is a small list of some of the must see islands when attempting to choose one of the Caribbean Cruise Routes.

1) Jamaica - Make sure you stop by and see the Montego Bay. While there make an effort to experience their Bamboo Rafting. It will be an awesome time you will not soon forget!

2) Puerto Rico - While their you will want to visit Condado Beach which is on of the most famous beaches in the world.

3) Grenada - If you want to experience scuba diving at it's finest then Grenada should be your choice of destination. Greada holds one of the largest shipwrecks in the whole of the Caribbean's, and has plenty of underwater volcano's to visit when you scuba dive. Even though Grenada has been devastated by hurricane Ivan in 2004 it is still a top place worth visiting.

4) Aruba - The dutch island of Aruba contains some 365 islands. If you are looking for a place to relax and to be one with nature then you can't possibly go wrong with the beaches of Aruba. It is the paradise of the Caribbean Cruise Routes.

5) St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands - This is perfect place for snorkeling. The water around St. Thomas is shallow and so crystal clear that you can see numerous underwater species. And there is no better place to go snorkeling while there then at the Cinnamon Bay National Park.

6) St Croix in the Virgin Islands - In St. Croix you can go kayaking, visit the landing site of Christopher Columbus, and go to the Salt River National Park.

7) St Kitts - St Kitts is a one of a kind island on the Caribbean Cruise Routes experience. Here you can see lots of turtles and pink sand beaches. Make sure this is to be one of your must visits during your next choice of Caribbean Cruise Routes.

Find more information about cruises, caribbean cruises, and lots more by visiting our Info-Clinic.com website. We are the premium online information resource.

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Make Your Dream Island Cruise Vacation Come True

Make Your Dream Island Cruise Vacation Come True
By Joseph Ducat

Wouldnt it be lovely to go away on a trip to some idyllic island location, far away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday? I think most of us dream of doing that at least once in a lifetime. Perhaps the dream of an island getaway is fueled by the media images imprinted in our minds by shows like the TV series Love Boat of the 70s and 80s, or more recent fare like Pirates of the Caribbean. But then, such cruises have been popular going back into the 19th century. In any case, an island cruise is seen by many to be the quintessence of a relaxing vacation.

What many people do not know is that there are alternatives to taking a traditional cruise ship. These options, known as alternative cruises, involve passage on the kind of ship that is not commonly used in tourism.

One example of an alternative cruise is the increasingly popular freight cruise vacation. As the name implies, this is a cruise package that will have you staying on board a commercial freighter. Although that may not sound very appealing to you, it is actually better than it may seem. On a freight cruise vacation, you will enjoy the kind of deluxe accommodations that are generally provided to the ships officers. Of course, the surroundings will still be a little different, and you may not find the same entertainment options available on a cruise liner. But if you can live without shipboard bingo and buffets, then you really wont be missing much.

After all, what really matters on a cruise is the destination. And if your dream is to travel to faraway islands, then a cargo vessel can take you there as well as any luxury liner. In fact, an alternative cruise usually makes stops at alternative ports of call that traditional cruises do not visit. That can be especially appealing to the traveler who wants to get off the beaten path--or sea routeand explore places that are not yet too inundated by Western tourists.

So go ahead, find the adventurer that lurks inside of you and stow away on a ship voyage to some enchanted isle. The romance of the great age of exploration lives on up to this day.

Read articles about The Exotic Adventure of an Island Cruise and Royal Caribbean Cruises to Australia and New Zealandand more available at http://www.thecruisetravelguide.info/

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How To Pick Your Perfect Dream Cruise

How To Pick Your Perfect Dream Cruise
By Jerrick Foo

If you have caught the cruise bug like us, you will find yourself swarm with many things to consider before you can even set sail. One of the most important things you need to consider out of the many issues is the cruise ship itself. There are certainly a lot of cruise ships to choose from, and you will need to cast your vote on which type of cruise ships suits your cruise taste.

Here are some groupings of cruises that will help you find your perfect cruise.

Family Cruises

Cruising is a great choice for a family vacation, with activities aplenty for both adults and children alike. Try to choose a cruise liner that offers teens programs so that kids can engage in learning activities such as snorkeling, dance lessons or learning a new language. It may be wise for you to pick one that offers babysitting assistance if you are bringing along infants or toddlers along.

Costa cruises has a unique Costa kids club program catering to different children age groups. Your kids can get to learn face painting, make ice cream sundae and pick up some guitar lessons during the cruise. Theres also kids menu, pizza party and junior swimming pool in this cruise ship to keep the young ones on the go. Group baby sitting is also available but you need to make prior arrangements beforehand.

Luxury Cruises

Indulge in the finest cuisine with top notch personal service, thats what a dream luxury cruise ship can offer you. Luxury cruises offers all extra treats and perks not found in other mainstream cruise ships. Cruise ships of this type can be either mega ships or traditional style small ships. The difference is the attention to details and the opulence atmosphere on board these cruise ships. If you have the money, luxury cruise ships is a magnificent way to pamper yourself.

Crystal series of dreams ships is frequently mentioned whenever it comes to the luxe cruise market. Try Crystal Symphony or Crystal California, two of the best luxury cruise ship in the world.

Romantic CruisesCruising is one of the favorite activities of most couples. Taking a leisure walk on the promenade deck with the cool ocean breeze with the view of the mesmerizing sunset always helps to turn up the romance factor. If you want a sentimental and romantic cruise line, you may want to consider Cunards Queen Mary 2 and Seadream Yacht Club. Both offers some of the most intimate settings, with plenty of opportunities for couples to have passionate moments together.

Visit www.cruise-ships-vacations-guide.com, offers cruise ships reviews and cheap cruise deals. Find Queen Mary 2 and other cruise ships information here.

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Alaska Cruising 2006A Quick Overview With Links to All the Cruiselines

Alaska Cruising 2006-A Quick Overview, With Links to All the Cruiselines
By Michael Miller

Thinking about an Alaska cruise this summer? You've got tons of options along the sea routes of he Great Land in 2006. And few, if any, passengers who make the trip will return home disappointed in this region of towering mountains, lush forests, endless acres of untrammeled wilderness, whales in the water and brown (grizzly) bears on shore. Equally exciting: Alaska Native cultures still vibrant and living, and Sourdough goldrush history still reflected in many structures and sites connected to the Klondike stampede to the Yukon.

16 Cruiselines, 47 Vessels

Among voyaging choices: No fewer than 16 cruiselines will dispatch a total of 47 big and little vessels on literally hundreds of sailings this spring, summer, and fall. And that doesn't include Alaska's 11 wide-ranging state-owned passenger and vehicle ferries, most with staterooms and food service. You can board a couple of these ships as far south as Bellingham, Washington.

Some of the major vessels in the cruiseliner fleet -- floating grand resorts actually, with swimming pools, fitness centers, Vegas-style shows, casinos, movie theaters, and lounges -- will accommodate more than 2,000 passengers per sailing. In contrast, some of the smallest ships will pamper only a dozen or so.

Cruiseship ports of departure include Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Prince Rupert, plus a number Alaska coastal communities - among them Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Cordova, Whittier, and Seward.

Cruise lengths: 3 Nights to 24

Cruise lengths vary. You can book a short cruise of three nights/four days in Prince William Sound or you can sign up for a traditional seven-night/eight-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Seattle or Vancouver to Southeast Alaska and return (longer from San Francisco). Or you can book a seven-night/eight-day one-way Gulf and Glaciers cruise between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier. If you have the time (and budget) you may opt for an expedition sailing. Longest is 24 nights/25 days and includes the Bering Sea and even Russian ports and cruising areas.

Glaciers

Of course, an Alaska cruise would hardly be an Alaska cruise without a day or more at major glacier viewing sites, among them: Glacier Bay National Park north of Juneau; Hubbard Glacier, which flows off Wrangell-St.Elias National Park into Disenchantment Bay and Russell Fjord north of Yakutat; twin Sawyer glaciers within the U.S. Forest Service's Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness Area between Juneau and Petersburg; and Southcentral Alaska's Prince William Sound with College Fjord and other glacier-rich sites.

Cruisetours

If you want more than sea travel you can book the increasingly popular option of a cruisetour. That is, before or after your cruise you can experience the likes of a tour to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Prudhoe Bay (on the shores of the Arctic Ocean), Canada's Yukon Territory, or other popular land destinations.

For cruiseline-by-cruiseline itineraries and options, following are the names, phone contacts, and websites of the 16 companies cruising Alaska in 2006.

Large-ship Cruiselines, 1,000 to 2,672 passengers

Carnival Cruise Lines, 1-800-CARNIVAL (http://www.carnival.com)

Celebrity Cruises, 1-800-437-3111(http://www.celebrity.com)

Holland America Line, 1-800-637-5029 (http://www.hollandamerica.com)

Norwegian Cruise Line, 1-800-327-7030 (http://www.ncl.com)

Princess Cruises, 1-800-PRINCESS(http://www.princess.com)

Royal Caribbean International, 1-800-722-5045 (http://www.royalcaribbean.com)

Companies With Mid-Size Vessels, 300 to 999 Guests

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, 1-866-314-3213(http://www.rssc.com)

Silversea Cruises, 1-800-722-9955 (http://www.silverseacruises.com)

Smallship Lines, Serving a Dozen Guests to 299

American Safari Cruises, 1-888-862-8881 (http://www.americansafaricruises.com)

American West Steamboat Co., 1-800-434-1232 (http://www.americanweststeamboat.com)

The Boat Company, 1-360-697-4242(http://www.theboatcompany.com)

Clipper Cruise Line, 1-800-325-0010(http://www.clippercruise.com)

Cruise West, 1-800-888-9378 (http://www.cruisewest.com)

Discovery Voyages, 1-800-324-7602 (http://www.discoveryvoyages.com)

Lindblad Expeditions, 1-800-EXPEDITION (http://www.expeditions.com)

Maple Leaf Adventures, 1-888-599-5323 (http://www.mapleleafadventures.com)

Ferries

Alaska Marine Highway System, 1-800-642-0066 (http://www.FerryAlaska.com)

BC Ferries, 1-250-386-3431(http://www.bcferries.com)

Copyright 2006 by Mike Miller. All rights reserved.

Alaskan travel writer Mike Miller lives in Juneau where his current passion is publishing what he believes to be the most information-packed website about Alaska cruising and ferry travel on the web:http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com Miller has authored or contributed to a number of books (Fodors, Sierra Club Books, Globe Pequot, The Milepost and others) and contributes to TravelAge West (for travel agents). He frequently writes for major newspapers and magazines.

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Alaska Cruise FAQs

Alaska Cruise FAQs
By Jennifer Bailey

Alaska, along with its breathtaking scenic beauty, is also known for its unpredictable weather and fluctuating temperatures. Therefore, it is essential for the tourists to have some general information about the state, its weather, seasonal temperature, and clothing required. Before planning a trip to this beautiful spot, it is important to go through extensive information on Alaskan cruises.

The most important information sought is what would be the best season for such a cruise. Tourists usually enquire about the weather conditions, and general temperature levels, in order to prepare for the tour accordingly, with sufficient and appropriate clothing. People also enquire about the cruise lines sailing to Alaska, including the availability of small ships. The duration of these cruises is another factor in case of families with toddlers.

It is said that it never gets dark in Alaska, and hence this is one of the most frequently asked question by the tourists, to check if it is true. The visibility time and period of the whales, and other sea-creatures, can be some of the most relevant, of the various other questions concerning the cruise. Parents try to find out whether it would be ideal for small kids, as the weather conditions are extremely cold and difficult to manage. Fun-lovers usually enquire about fishing and casino provisions. The appropriate side of the ship, offering the best views of the glaciers and Mount Mc Kinley are also enquired about. Cases of seasickness require serious consideration before planning an Alaskan cruise.

The most important part of the cruise would be the bookings, without which the experience cannot happen at all. Therefore, it is imperative to find out the booking options, payment methods, and availability of the cruise bookings. Considering all the conditions, whether Alaska can be an ideal vacation spot, has often been one of the major points for travelers to think upon. Tourists also enquire about the options of extending the vacation, and people from other countries tend to find out about the necessity of a passport for the trip.

Alaska Cruises provides detailed information on Alaska Cruise Lines, Alaska Cruise Reviews, Alaska Cruise Ships, Alaska Cruise Specials and more. Alaska Cruises is affiliated with Alaska Vacation Packages.

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Cruise Routes of the Caribbean

Cruise Routes of the Caribbean
By Graham Grant

When it comes to cruise destinations, the Caribbean is at the top as far as being on of the most sought after destinations. There are in excess of 50 islands that can be visited giving the tourist a really great variety of tropical and exotic scenery. As well as that, there thousands upon thousands of unspoiled beaches and crystal clear waters to cool off. The very fact there are so many islands makes it possible that you could go on a cruise each year and not have the same route making each cruise holiday different.

These following 4 Caribbean routes are usually the most commonly found:

Route #1: This is the Eastern Caribbean Cruise Route from Florida which sails to the Key West Sea the tropical Islands of the Bahamas and then to the neighboring Turks and Caicos Islands and to the Virgin Island including Puerto Rico. This route is the most popular cruise route among all the other Caribbean routes.

Route #2: The Western Caribbean Cruise Route. This starts from Louisiana, Texas and Florida toward the Western Caribbean Cruise routes touring the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. From there you stop over to the island of Cozumel and after that onward to Jamaica and then down to the Central American beauty spots of Honduras and Belize.

Route #3: The Southern Caribbean Cruise route. This starts from Puerto Rico's main port at San Juan and goes to the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles and Curacao finally ending up towards the west in the island of Aruba.

Route #4: The Long duration Caribbean cruise. This is basically a hybrid of all the above cruises. It can start and finish at any of the above routes taking all the above or a selection of those. For this reason it will be a longer lasting cruise which does not necessarily finish from the same destination it started from.

Graham Grant is the owner of Cruises - Articles, News, Information,which specializes in providing useful information and resources forpeople who are considering a cruise for their next vacation. For more details click here: Go On A Cruise

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Activities for Seniors Aboard Cruise Ships

Activities for Seniors Aboard Cruise Ships
By Tamra Cantar

If you are a senior citizen, you are likely to know that there are a number of fun and exciting activities that await you. One of those activities, is of course, travel. Each year, a large number of seniors take a vacation getaway. Many go on guided tours, travel with friends, and some even enjoy vacationing solo. But, if you are looking for extra excitement, you may want to consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship.

There are a large number of cruise lines. These cruise lines often operate multiple ships. With a large number of cruise ships, you are sure able to find ones that will fit your needs. When selecting a cruise ship, you should review the services, facilities, and activities that are offered. Many cruise ship activities are geared towards senior citizens.

One of the many activities for seniors, which is found on most cruise ships, is fine dining. Fine dinning halls and restaurants are often elegant in design, dcor, and food. Many of the fine dining restaurants found on cruise ships have a dress code, usually somewhere in between elegant evening wear and jeans and t-shirts. If you enjoy dining with a touch of class, you many enjoy these elegant dinning restaurants found on most cruise ships. Many cruises ships offer an upscale cocktail party. These parties will enable you to socialize with other guests and cruise ship employees.

Believe it or not, gambling and drinking alcohol are both popular senior activities. Many cruise ships are able to note the difference between partying and social drinking. That is why a large number of cruise ships have multiple bars and restaurants.

Cruise ship casinos are often filled with roulette tables, blackjack tables, poker tables, and slot machines. You may find a number of these gaming activities exciting. In addition to traditional casino gambling, a large number of cruise ships are targeting bingo lovers. Bingo halls and other similar gaming halls are becoming increasingly popular aboard cruise ships.

Dancing is another cruise ship activity that may offer you and other seniors some enjoyment. Almost all cruises come equipped with a dance hall. In fact, many cruise ships have multiple dancing facilities. You may even be able to receive dance lessons with a trained professional or spend the night dancing away with your friends and family. Themed dances are exciting too. On extended cruises, you may find that the crew designates a specific type of dancing for the night.

A spa visit may put the finishing touches on your cruise ship vacation. Almost all cruise ships come equipped with a spa. Cruise spas are similar to the day spas that can be found in or around your hometown. At an onboard spa, you could get a haircut, have your hair styled for an elegant event, or get a massage. Spa visits are enjoyed by individuals of all ages. If you book a cruise and you are interested in visiting the cruises spa, you should make a reservation ahead of time. Your reservation will ensure that you are able to enjoy this popular cruise ship activity.

Cruise ship activities, services, and facilities are important, but so are the destinations you will be visiting. Depending on the length of the cruise, most cruise ships stop at numerous ports along the way. At these ports, you are usually granted time away from the ship. Selecting a cruise ship with the right destination is important. If the right cruise ship is selected, you could spend your time away from the ship walking along the beach or visiting with local residents.

Cruise ships are one of the safest places to vacation in the entire world. Whether you vacationing alone or with someone you know, you are sure to have a fun and memorable experience aboard the cruise ship of your choice.

About the Author

Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources Cruise Vacations. Visit FabCruiseSite.com for more information and resources for your next cruise vacation.

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A Panama Cruise Is Something That Everyone Should Experience

A Panama Cruise Is Something That Everyone Should Experience
By Anne Clarke

Whether you have never yet been on a cruise before, or whether you are cruise junkie, you need to take a cruise to Panama. There are few people on this planet who would not enjoy a Panama cruise.

And there are so many options for Panama cruises! You can start your cruise from San Francisco, Ft. Lauderdale, Vancouver, and many other starting points. You can find a starting point that is close to your location, or you can travel to a starting point and spend a few nights there, turning into and extra, mini-vacation.

There are also a variety of lengths of cruises. You can even find Panama cruises that last for longer than 20 days! Of course, the majority of us cannot afford such a luxury as a 20 day cruise, so do not worry if you cannot, either. There are plenty of shorter cruises that will only require you to take a week or less off from work.

There are also Panama cruises to suit all different styles and budgets. You can find cruises that require formal wear and cruises that require no more than a nice pair of slacks.

Remember, the cost of a cruise includes much more than just the cost of your transportation: it also includes your food, your lodging, activities, entertainment, port taxes, and so much more. In other words, you know in advance (and pay in advance) for all of the major costs of your trip, so you know exactly how much cash you have left over for other things like excursions and souvenirs.

On a Panama cruise, you have plenty of opportunities to explore other cultures, new environments, and that famous man-made wonder, the Panama Canal. There are also adventure opportunities for those who need an adrenaline rush. And Panama cruises do not simply let you explore Panama, but other places, as well.

A sample Panama cruise might take you to: the Panama canal, Golfo Dulce, Corcovdo national park, Darien Junble, isla de Coiba, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica, and other fantastic places

To find the best Panama cruise for you, it is best to talk with a travel agent. A travel agent will help you find exactly which cruise line fits your personality (and age) best. A travel agent will help you make sure that your Panama cruise hits all the destinations that you want to see, starts when and where you want it to, and is as long as you want it.

Life is in the journey, and that seems to be one of the themes of Panama cruises the destination is perfect, but the journey of getting there is just as good.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on cruises and travel, please visit Panama Cruises.

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A Cruise Through Royal Caribbean's History

A Cruise Through Royal Caribbean's History
By Lucky Balaraman

* Introduction *

Ever heard of a luxury hotel that moves every half hour?

You guessed it: its a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, a mass of one hundred thousand tons, that glides on the ocean between Florida and the islands of the Caribbean on a regular basis.

Royal Caribbean International is the second largest cruise ship operator in the world with revenues in excess of $4 billion. It owns 28 ships with more than 65,000 berths on them and is growing. Heres their story.

Flash back to 1969. An idea suddenly struck Arne Wilhelmsen and Edwin Stephan (Arne was a Harvard-educated investor and Edwin a famous Floridian businessman). The idea was that there was a large community of extremely wealthy Americans in Florida, and that this community would put down top dollar for a short, relaxing luxury cruise to the nearby Caribbean.

Arne and Edwin marketed this brainwave to some of the shipping magnates in Norway who readily bought it and came up with large investments. After a short gestation period, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (and an entire new industry) was born.

By the next year (1970), the infant company could speak of its first possession: The SONG OF NORWAY, a splendid cruise ship, weighing 18,500 tons and equipped for 700 passengers, custom-built in Finland. The most stunning feature of it was a cocktail lounge cantilevered around the smokestack (Edwin Stephen got the idea from the Seattle Space Needle). This lounge was built into many of the Lines later ships and became the hallmark of the Companys fleet.

* Growth, Growth and More Growth *

The founders of the Company pursued their vision of achieving market dominance through a continual program of adding ships and services. A consolidated record of this, which is very difficult to find elsewhere in the media, is presented below:

1971Cruise ships NORDIC PRINCE and SUN VIKING arrive

1978SONG OF NORWAY cut in half, 75-foot piece with 164 cabins introduced in between

1980NORDIC PRINCE augmented the same way

1982SONG OF AMERICA arrives with a larger, more luxurious lounge around the smokestack

1988SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS, the largest cruise ship ever built at 73,162 tons for 2,276 passengers, arrives at a cost of $150 million

1990- NORDIC EMPRESS arrives- The Company expands beyond the Caribbean: Mexico, Alaska, and Europe are added as destinations;- Industrys first computerized booking system introduced

1991- MONARCH OF THE SEAS arrives, ready for 2,354 passengers

1992- MAJESTY OF THE SEAS delivered, equipped for 2,354 passengers

1993- The Company goes public

1995- LEGEND OF THE SEAS arrives, built for 1,804 passengers

1996- GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS arrives at 74,000 tons and for 2,440 passengers- SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS, in the same class as GRANDEUR, delivered

1997- Name changed to Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL)- RCCL buys Celebrity Cruises and its four working ships from Chandris Lines at a cost of $1.3 billion- RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS, at 79,000 tons and for 2,435 passengers, is delivered- ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS, at 74,000 tons and for 2,440 passengers, arrives

1998- Enter VISION OF THE SEAS, 79,000 tons and to carry 2,435 passengers- Joint ownership agreement signed with Chicagos Pritzker family (that has $15 billion in assets) and Haifas Ofer family (that owns one of the worlds largest shipping companies, Ofer Brothers Shipping Co)

1999- VOYAGER OF THE SEAS comes in at a whopping 140,000 tons for 3,114 guests

2000- EXPLORER OF THE SEAS arrives; in the VOYAGER class, it has marine laboratories on board as well

2001- ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS arrives: 3,114 passengers accommodated per cruise- RADIANCE OF THE SEAS delivered: 2,100 passenger capacity at 90,000 tons, with gas turbines, it is the first in its class- The company buys 20% of UK tour operator First Choice and launches a joint venture cruise line. It offers land-based tours in Alaska through Royal Celebrity Tours.

2002- BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS, a vessel in the RADIANCE class, arrives and is ready for duty

2003- SERENADE OF THE SEAS, the third RADIANCE class vessel, is delivered

2004JEWEL OF THE SEAS, RADIANCE class, makes its debut

and of course, more ships, even larger that the earlier ones, are on order!

* Conclusion *

With revenues in excess of $4 billion, RCCL is a juggernaut which will not slow down.

Its ships are floating cities, boast amenities such as rock climbing walls, miniature golf courses, swimming pools, ice skating rinks, sun decks, basketball courts, beauty salons, exercise and spa facilities, gaming facilities, lounges, bars, cabaret performances, cinemas, shopping arcades, multiple restaurants and casinos.

Most importantly, when on a cruise, one experiences some priceless bonuses: unpolluted air and a virtually noise-free environment. These are truly, in the modern context, balm for the soul.

If you can afford the entirely reasonable average fare of $400 per person for a 3-night cruise in a luxury stateroom dont think twice about it, sign up for a cruise and gain the experience of a lifetime!

Copyright 2005 http://royal-caribbean-world.info

Lucky Balaraman has a Masters degree from a prestigious US university and writes on several subjects. To learn more about Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, please visit the websitehttp://royal-caribbean-world.info

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