Megan asked:


I have a problem. My parents are very last minute people and all of our vacations are planned within a week before the actual event. Therefore, it ends up costing us a lot of money…example: plane tickets, hotel rates, cruises, etc… each 1 week vacation we take outside the US ends up costing us about 30, 000 if we are lucky. My dad refuses to plan them earlier because he doesn’t know if he’s gonna have meetings… how can I save money if our family is such last minute people? I want to save money now so that I can use it in my will. Thanks.

Anna

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


sion is made on a cruise. All cruises provide useful facilities like rooms, airfare, meals, entertainment and boarding packages but the thing is which one suits you the best.

Many people have cruising vacation only because it provides them entertainment, relaxation and comfort and make the vacation a pleasant experience. So these are essentials that must be provided by a cruise line to its clients.

Some important factors and things that must be kept in mind while planning a cruise vacation are given below

• First and foremost decide on the destination to which your cruise should be headed and with that choose a cruise line. This will help and ensure maximum enjoyment. Different locations across the world are offered by cruise liners in various packages. Some of the popular places like Alaska, Panama Island, Mexico channel and Caribbean sea are the ones that are most favoured by vacationers.

• The number of people who are going to accompany you on your vacation also plays a major role in the selection of cruise lines as well as destination. Different ships are offered by various cruise lines for various purposes like honeymoons or family getaways. For example, for the whole family, there are family oriented ships, where adults and kids alike can enjoy. There are also romantically themed cruise ships in which there are activities like dances and romantic dinners meant only for couples to participate.

• The choice of a cruise vacation must be made, based not only on your budget. While choosing a cruise line, go for the best. Look for the best that is affordable by you and go for it. There are cruise lines that offer maximum excitement and fun for every kind of people and within their budget at that.

• Another thing that must be determined before the vacation is the duration of the cruise. Being in an island, instead of being at work, and worrying about what await you when you return will spoil the whole vacation. Cruise lines offer various sailing schedules that are a variety of lengths. Choose the one that suits your schedule best. There are cruises that offer 4 month world tours as well as those that offer a few weeks’ local tours.

• While choosing a cruise ship, consider the activities in a particular ship. Basic facilities like good accommodation along with a proper bath should be present. There should be various recreational activities like ice skating, rock climbing, scuba diving, swimming pools, gambling facilities, spas and gyms and others. Choose the cruise line that satisfies your needs as activities differ in each company’s ships.

• Also particular ships of companies must be considered. Its inauguration dates must be checked and details as to age of the ship must be collected. Go on a tour of the ship if possible and note how staff work and check if the staff practices cleanliness.

• Try to obtain an early reservation in a cruise line. It means less difficulty getting a cruise, wider variety and cheaper packages. If the reservation is done well in advance, you can avail a load of discounts. Visit any cruising line’s website for schedules of cruises. Online booking is also offered by many cruise lines. Knowledge of cruise schedule can also be obtained from travel agents who specialize in cruise vacation.

• Make a reservation as early as possible if you wish to have a shore excursion to avoid disappointment and frustration. These are great opportunities to visit and know about the culture of other countries. Also, best bargain shopping is available there.

These are just a few tips for planning a cruise vacation. The best deal available can be obtained by hiring a travel agent who specializes in cruise vacations for you.

Ask about particular cruises and the amenities provided by them to the travel agents, for they can be very good advisors.



Clara

George R asked:


I just got a call that I received a “free” cruise from Sundance vacations. I am scheduled to go to their 1 hour pitch. It would include a 3 day cruise and roundtrip airfare for 2. I would be responsible for taxes, fees and port charges.
I am wondering if anyone has actually taken one of these “free” cruises and how much everything cost them, don’t include taxi fees, dinner, yada yada yada.
I know I’ll have to jump through a few hoops. Thats fine with me. I am a college student and won’t be going on a cruise this summer otherwise, (dude my tuition is 32,000 a year)… and if I have to pay a couple hundred bucks for my wife an I to go thats reasonable to me.
I think people who have complained about these “free” trips have never been on a cruise before…
My wife and I went on a cruise last August. The cost for the cruise was about 800 per person . The flight to florida and back was about 250 a person + 15 for each bag after the first. Plus about $300 for a couple of nights a a hotel. That doesnt mean my whole trip only cost 800 x 2 + 250 x2 + 300 = $2400. We had to pay tips, for alcoholic drinks, a couple of excursions, yada yada yada. So maybe another $1000 or so. If sundance will make me jump through a few hoops but cover the airfare and cruise cost then it will make it affordable for me to take a cruise this summer.

Albert

Golden Girl asked:


My husband and I try to take one big vacation a year. We can afford it, and we are trying to get the traveling done before the kiddos get here! lol

This year, we were thinking about a cruise, but I’m not 100% decided on that yet. Basically I am open to all options in the continental U.S. We usually do budget traveling so I can usually find someway to make it work! Last year we did a couple of days in New York.

Any ideas for a romantic few days?

Laura

Gen Wright asked:


Many of us take the sea route to quench our thirsts. No we are not talking of the normal thirst. (Sea water any ways is salty) We are talking of the thirst of adventure, respite, holiday fun. Cruises all over the world offer delightful experience. You can get through the best deals from various travel agents who work diligently to help you get the best rates. Moreover, you can directly contact the luxury liners and get the most special rebates.

Getting cruise vacations booked online is also a nice means to get the best deals. The travel agents float the best cruise bargains online hence there is plenty on the offer only at the click of a mouse.

You can ask the travel agents to book you in a group deal. This way you get the most rebated prices. The logic is simple. Agencies have fixed deals with cruise liners and sending passengers in bulk provide them with better chances of higher rebates. Though this is not the best idea; it leads to vacationing in herd. You may want to pursue things for your personal pleasure most of the times; you may wish to see individual destinations. Booking yourself in a group deal will force you to share the excursions. Firstly, the place of visit might go against your inclination and secondly visiting everywhere in group does not seem to be the best idea for spending a vacation.

A good deal is all-inclusive. Yes you might end up paying a little more moolah but at the same time you would not have to worry about separate set of expenses. You do need to keep a couple of things in mind. The listed cruise price does not include taxes and port fees and your should also expect to spend additional money while you are on board. Things like alcohol and the specialty restaurant is only available for an extra fee, It is a great feeling for a holiday-seeker to know that he will not have to worry about the transportation costs, food and beverages while enjoying his vacation.

Another thing which must be kept in mind is the need for Presidential accommodation. If we think that most of the times, outdoor lobby and ship decks will be our idea of enjoyment and further we are looking forward to various outdoor excursions, then we should try to book a deal with minimum room tariff. Yes, if it’s a recent wedlock and the idea of fun is to keep indoors then you might look to get the deluxe rooms booked.

Few people who have couple of or more children can opt out for “children are free option” this can help them in getting fairly discounted deals. Do not forget to check the local newspapers; they often come up with the best formula.



Kelly

Daniel Millions asked:


The cruise vacation has become more and more popular in recent years. Many people are considering the cruise as the vacation of choice during any time of year. It is important if you have children to select the best family friendly cruise to be sure everyone will be satisfied. Not every cruise is family friendly, some cruises are meant strictly for singles or just for couples. You’ll want to double-check and be certain the cruise you are selecting is ideal for families.

Every family is different, so keeping in mind what your children like to do is critical. Some children love outdoor activities and others like creative activities such as arts and crafts. Visit the cruise line’s website and see exactly what activities are planned for children to see how children will be entertained. You’ll want to be sure that your children will enjoy the activities and entertainment that will be on the cruise. After all, once you are on the boat there is no way you can simply pack your family up and drive them somewhere else for the afternoon! Whatever the cruise line provides you with is what you have to enjoy.

Some potential guests are hesitant to ask questions before booking a trip. Asking questions can help you find exactly the right cruise line for your family. Ask your travel agent which cruises they would suggest for your family. Give them the ages of your children and describe their personalities and what they like to do. This will help the travel agent have some idea of the best cruise line and ship to suggest to you. Fortunately, there are many trips to select from — and certainly there is bound to be a cruise that will please your family.

There are cruises for all sorts of people and all types of themes. Families with *** parents can enjoy cruises specifically for these families. Cruises also exist for vegetarians and those that enjoy specific sporting activities. There are also family friendly cruises that feature popular cartoon characters that your children have most likely watched on the television set and video literally since they were born. These cruises are ideal for families as they offer great entertainment for children.

Talk over the idea of taking a cruise with your family. When you have never gone on a cruise, sometimes the idea seems very new and foreign. It may be a great idea to consider taking a short cruise to “test the waters” so to speak and help decide if your family enjoys cruising. Remember that larger cruise lines will most often offer the most options and everyone’s experiences are different. A shorter trip is an excellent way to get a sense of what your toddler or teenager would feel like on a cruise ship and how your family feels about the cruising experience.

Many families consider cruising the ideal vacation. Everything is planned for you when you take a cruise. Your meals are prepared for you and your activities are all available for you, all you have to do is simply sign up and enjoy. Cruises are typically all-inclusive for most services. Many families feel that they get a real bargain in many ways for the type of vacation they wind up enjoying. Cruising is a wonderful way to visit just about anywhere in the world, at just about any time during the year.

There are family friendly cruises that will appeal to many. Choosing the best cruise for your family is critical. You deserve to be happy and relaxed on your family vacation. Like every family that has tried cruising you’ll certainly discover it is the best way to take a vacation!



Vincent

Mary Hanna asked:


The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.

Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.

If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.

Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.

If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.

When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.

This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.

Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.

Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.

The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a 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



Jeanne

Selvyn Patterson asked:


Every year more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of cruise vacation.Last year alone, more than 7 million people took a cruise, more families, singles, honeymooners, couples and groups of friends are taking cruises, plus company sponsored cruise vacation for employees

Cruise Lines are experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 10 days. The demand for world cruises is on the increase, Cunard lines is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary II’s first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.

One of the very exclusive Cruise Lines has just launched a series of voyages of greater than 50 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007. Cruise bookings are up says one cruise line spokesperson there has been a record number of bookings for this year’s world cruise.

No one likes to fly anymore. It is not relaxing, you are packed in like sardines in a tin, and must bring your own lunch, and they even ask you to remove your shoes. With cruising, you have got everything with you, you are in your house wherever you go. You are taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is available, plus the night clubs and restaurants.

You don’t have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days swimming and sun-bathing and relaxing with just met friends. You can see and do exotic things from 8 AM to 12 Noon, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till you’re tired and then have a 7 course meal.

After supper there is always a show every night. Entertainment is also second to none. Rather than sitting in a hotel room watching TV, on a cruise your social life is built in, with 1800 possible friends some of whom are always ready to party.

Cruise lines echo the fact that one of the key attractions is that now you can visit many exotic destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without having to deal with airport security and the hassles that one encounters going through customs at foreign ports.

Today, these Cruises are no longer exclusively for the retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by young singles, couples, triple honeymooners and families, who can turn the ship into a virtual city shopping and pleasure center.

For those who are unable to cut their business ties and really relax, you can virtually run your business from the ship’s Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on-board these Cruise Ships.

It’s easy to see why cruises are so popular today. First off, your all inclusive package price includes all meals and snacks, cabin or stateroom, activities, entertainment and parties plus your visit to some of the most enchanting places on the planet.

The cruise ship is a floating four and five star top quality resort and more, where you can associate and meet many new friends of like tastes and interests. On a cruise you completely eliminate all the hassles of an ordinary vacation.

This is one convenient all-inclusive package where you don’t have to make any reservations at all for dinner, night clubs or having to get in your car and drive anywhere for anything. This is a laid back atmosphere, where you are completely pampered, dine constantly, enjoy one excellent show after another and just let your cares float away.

Cruising, this excellent way to take vacations has encouraged many more people to book a cruise vacation over the ordinary fly, drive, hotel vacations, where you must decide what to do each day. Your cruise can be as long or short as you can afford, typically 7- 14 days although, 17 to 21 days are available.

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. Some cruises offer soft adventure expeditions to exotic places, while for some experienced vacationers, the cruise is focused on specialized culturally-rich ports of call with tours centered around history, treasures and antiquities.

From all indications, cruise vacations have a much higher percentage of satisfied customers than other types of vacation. Cruise vacation is a better value for your money and there is a cruise package for every budget.

Since the cruise fare includes all your meals, living quarters and all on-board activities and entertainment, you know what your cruise will cost before you go and your only incidental spending, which is optional, is on souvenirs, specialty restaurants, shore excursions and personal services, such as health spas and beauty salons.

To book a cruise, simply call your travel agent or one of many cruise lines. Their professionals will help you to pick the best fit for your pocket book and schedule.

So, what type of cruise vacation do you want? For many people the perfect cruise vacation centers around the non-stop sun and fun Caribbean cruises coupled with Island cultures and cuisines, along with that fabulous tan in paradise.



Terri

Gen Wright asked:


is talking about how bad the economy is doing and to prepare for tough times ahead, some families are even thinking of skipping the annual family vacation altogether. But having a holiday at least annually is good for the family. It helps everyone bond together better, and improves relationship. The children always look forward to the once a year getaway because it is a time when they can really stop thinking about schoolwork and enjoy themselves.

Therefore, it is not necessary to cancel the vacation just because everyone is worried about the future. In fact, this may just be a good time to reconsider your travel options. For sure, if you take a little more effort to find great travel bargains, there will be just one for you and your family round the corner. Here is an example.

Have you thought of taking your family on a discount cruise vacation?

A cruise vacation is one of the best gift that you can give to your family. You and your family can enjoy all the facilities onboard the cruise ship. A cruise ship is like a self sufficient paradise. You cruise to the sea leaving all your worries behind. Once on the cruise ship, you will be in a totally different world. Well trained cruise crews work hard to pamper you in every possible way. You can dine and wine onboard, and participate in all kinds of activities. For example, you can choose to participate in a painting auction, or watch the show at night.

Formal dining is always a big part of the whole cruise experience. Many travellers choose itineraries based on previous dining experiences. This is because if the food isn’t of excellent quality, it’s difficult to enjoy the stay. Therefore, place dining as one of your priority items when considering cruise packages. If you are unsure, you can always ask the cruise experts at Cruise Vacation World.

Depending on how much you spend and schedule, there are several packages that you can choose from. For instance, there are 1 to 5-day trips, 6 to 9 day cruises, and so on and so forth. Of course, the longer the duration of the stay, the higher the price. You can also choose based solely on your available budget. In this case, you just need to browse cruise trips that falls within a certain range. For example, if you have a $1000 budget, simply look for discount cruises that fall within this range. This will help make your decision a whole lot easier.

But bear in mind that usually, for longer cruises, there is more in store for you and your family. For instance, you can visit more ports if you sign up for a 7-day cruise vacation. There are many destinations that you can choose from, depending on where you reside, and where you wish to sail to. You can cruise to Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe and many other destinations.

Who knows, you may find a cruise vacation so enjoyable that you want to make it an annual affair for the whole family.

Andre

Shimmy asked:


I am looking for an inexpesive vacation for 2, would like it to be an all-inclusive if possible, and I am not wanting a cruise. Would like to go somewhere warm, Mexico, Hawaii, Vegas, Bahama’s. I think you get the picture. This will sort of be a ‘Honeymoon’ so the more romantic the better. Any help would be great….thanks!!

Sherry