Mary Hanna asked:


If you are a veteran cruiser or just curious about cruising, the year 2006 will be introducing many new cruise ships for you to consider when planning a cruise vacation. Call your travel agent and ask about the cruise lines and their new cruise ships and then book a cruise vacation. Here is a cruise review of the new cruise line additions.

Holland America is introducing the Noordam. This new cruise ship was launched on February 22 and has been getting very good cruise reviews. It will be the last cruise ship of Holland America’s Vista-class series.

However, it is the first to be designed for the cruise line’s “Signature of Excellence program.”

The Noordam can accommodate 1,848 passengers. For this new cruise ship, there have been some design changes to enhance the cruise vacation. The new designs were focused mainly on the public areas and staterooms, the meeting point of many cruise travelers.

They have made additions to the very popular Explorations Cafe. As veteran cruise travelers are well aware, it is a coffee bar/Internet cafe, game room, and library.

NCL America’s Pride of Hawaii is the newest cruise ship for 2006 by NCL America. It is the sister vessel of the Norwegian Jewel and offers an excellent cruise vacation.

For the cruise line, Pride of Hawaii marks the first new build from the hull up.

It launched was in June. This cruise ship will accommodate 2,224 passengers. It will be another cruise ship in NCL America’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept being offered for your cruise vacation.

The Pride of Hawaii’s interior decor will be, of course, Hawaiian.

This cruise ship will be departing weekly on Mondays for your cruise vacation and travel the islands, calling Honolulu home.

In December the Norwegian Pearl is set to sail in the Caribbean in the winter months and Alaska in the summer months for your cruise vacations. One of their innovations is the Bar Central concept. It features a martini bar, a champagne bar, wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.

The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas was launched in May in time for summer cruise vacations. Cruise reviews call it the most innovative cruise ship for RCCL so far.

This 158,000-ton cruise ship has a capacity of 3,600 passengers. It will actually be 10,000 tons larger than Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. It will be the largest cruise ship to be built so far.

The Freedom of the Seas has an added feature that other cruise ships do not. It actually has a place to surf on the top cruise deck. This is a new and unique amenity for RCCL’s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. Other cruise lines have virtual golf or movies under the stars but no one has a surf park. The cruise line has built the largest rock climbing wall ever.

Following its launching, the Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-day cruise vacations to the Caribbean from Miami.

The Crown Princess, Princess Cruises christened in June. The Crown Princess is expected to accommodate 3,110 cruise travel passengers with 1200 crew.

Princess Cruises lines redesigned the Skywalker’s Disco, which gained popularity from cruise passengers on their cruise vacations. They also have the Lotus Spa which has been expanded on the Crown Princess.

New pastries and snacks will adorn the International Cafe. Crown Princess will have the first ever wine and seafood bar of the entire cruise line.

Expansions were made to other popular features like the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini’s Trattoria, and the Sterling Steakhouse.

Crown Princess cruise vacations will sail roundtrip from the Red Hook terminal in New York. This cruise vacation will make stops in the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos.

MSC will launched their new cruise ship MSC Musica on July 01. Musica is an Italian ship that will bring MSC into the ranks of big cruise ships. It is expected to accommodate 2,550 passengers.

One of its outstanding features will be that a full 80% of its 1,275 staterooms will be outside rooms. In addition, 65% of these staterooms will have verandas.

It will also feature a large spa area. The Musica’s cruise passengers will also have several dining options. They will enjoy a three deck high waterfall and many different entertainment venues.

Musica will sail the eastern Mediterranean from Venice.

The Costa Cruises’ new ship the Costa Concordia is owned by Carnival Corporation based in Miami, while Costa cruise lines is based in Italy.

This will be the largest cruise ship to join the Costa Cruises’ fleet. It will be launched late this year on July 14. It is expected to accommodate 3,000 passengers.

The Costa Concordia will have an European theme for its interior decor. All the room’s names will be European inspired. They will have the Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and the Milan and Rome dining rooms.

A unique amenity to the Costa Concordia is a Formula 1 driving simulator for cruise passengers to enjoy on their cruise vacation.

This new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean. For those taking their cruise vacation on this ship, they will make ports of call in Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar, and Malta.

So much to choose from! Check out other cruise reviews of these new cruise ships to find out on which cruise ship you will spend your 2006 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



Lydia

Mandy Karlik asked:


Shopping for a Mother’s Day present is never easy, but it is particularly difficult for people who want to give their mothers or other special ladies in their life something very special. Cruises are a great way to give your mom Mother’s Day memories she’ll cherish forever. What’s more, they’re surprisingly affordable.

A cruise is best considered as an all-in-one vacation package. If you want to comparison shop, your cruise fare equals hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and entertainment. It does not include alcohol, special amenities (like spa services or casino gambling), or shore excursions, which are optional.

One other factor that influences the total price: you have to get to port city on your own dime, too.

Giving your mother a cruise vacation is a great idea because it is not only an inclusive vacation that most people really enjoy (most people who cruise once become fans and cruise again), it is also a very easy way for you to set up a family get-together or reunion. These group cruises are increasingly popular and most cruise lines encourage them.

In fact, calling a cruise line representative is a good step to see what a particular cruise might be able to offer you for a group package.

There are four ways to give your mom the present of a cruise vacation.

The first method is to let your mother pick out the cruise vacation she wants and then let you come back and buy it for her. This is a bit complicated logistically since there are many cruise lines with many more offerings, and there is no “gift card” option that will let her shop around. About the best gift card you can get is one through a credit card which all major cruise lines accept. The problem with that is that cruise packages can vary a lot in price. Another way to give her this kind of gift is to offer to pay for the cruise she picks out–but your mom might spend more or less than you’d like!

The second choice is that you can be bold and pick a cruise for your mom, pay for it, and give it to her.

Cruises have the “Noah’s Ark Syndrome,” which mean they want everyone to get in the boat by pairs. Cruise fares are always stated for double occupancy (although you can make arrangements to sleep three or four to a state room, too). Besides, cruising alone is no fun. So book your parents a cruise or, if your mom is alone, get her a cruise with a family member or friend.

The third method of getting a cruise for Mother’s Day is a fabulous idea. You pick the cruise and buy it, only you go along with her. Depending on your family structure, it may be just you and your mom or it might be several couples (parents, you and your spouse, maybe a sibling and spouse and so on). These are fabulous adventures and a gift that everyone will always remember. Cruising in a group heightens the enjoyment. Your family can dine together, explore the ports together, take in shows or stroll the ship together, all while somebody else cooks, cleans up, and drives!

The fourth way to get your mom a cruise vacation for Mother’s Day involves creating a family reunion group. In this scenario, you pick the cruise and pay for your mom and her traveling mate. You also arrange to travel with them. After that, you just need to tell the family about the plan to see who can join you. Invite relatives, even friends.

Family cruises of many couples are not uncommon on cruises today, and many cruise lines will work with you to help make the organizational chores of setting up this sort of thing as easy as possible.

If you opt for a large family reunion cruise, book it as far in advance as you can. By booking early, cruise lines will often offer you the very best prices and it gives the other people in your family time to make the necessary work, family, and financial arrangements they need in order to participate.

Picking a cruise can be tough these days because there are so many options. Here are afew different ways to approach it.

Some people pick a cruise by destination: Alaska versus the Caribbean or cities of the Far East versus Europe. Others prefer to pick a cruise by port. If you live at or near a cruise port city, this can drastically reduce your total expense. Still others pick a cruise by type. Some cruises call at many ports, others spend more time at sea. Some emphasize fine dining, formal events, and luxurious spas, others emphasize kid-friendly activity and super-casual fun.

Price is a bit more complex in that there are numerous price levels on any given cruise. Price changes on the type of cabin you want (bigger costs more and windows or even balconies, sometimes called verandahs, cost more) and optional excursions can also drive up the price.

The best place to shop is online, in that every major cruise line runs a great, user-friendly website that allows you to window shop and even compare prices. You can even get a sneak peek at cabin floor plans and find out about activities, ports, and excursions.

Although most cruise lines are online, it is best to book by phone by calling the number provided on the website. In fact, some cruise websites do not allow online booking.

Talking to a cruise representative is a great way to familiarize yourself with the many voyages and options available to you. A family vacation can be one of the most memorable Mother’s Day gifts your mom will ever receive!



Kelly

Mary Hanna asked:


An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship’s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.

What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?

The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.

If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?

No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.

Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?

Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.

Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?

Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.

Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?

No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.

Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?

Here again, use the air deviation plan.

How do I get from the Airport to the ship’s pier?

If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.

Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you’ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don’t book your flight through the Cruise Line?

If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you

use your transfer.

How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?

They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.

How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?

You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.

What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?

If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.

There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.

The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.

There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don’t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you’d pick for yourself.

You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you’ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.

The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn’t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you’ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.

Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor’s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.

When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don’t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.

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.



Roberto

Mike Batta asked:


Everyone needs to get away once in a while and a solo cruise vacation may be the perfect break to ease your soul. One of the primary reasons for a vacation on your own is to collect your thoughts, find yourself, reflect on recent events or just mentally check out. The fact that you are out at sea but safely on board a large vessel is a great situation to do the mental check out. All the choices of activities are available to you if you want, or you can just soak up the sun and stare aimlessly at the sea for hours on end. If you fell a little loneliness coming on your solo cruise vacation, pull up a seat at the bar and open some dialog with one of your fellow cruisers.

A big issue to consider when looking for a cruise line to take a solo cruise is any additional fees applied to occupying a cabin by yourself. Cruise tickets are typically inclusive of meals and lodging at a per-person rate and assume double occupancy. If you want to be by yourself you may pay an additional 25% or so for your ticket. Also, many of the discount rates you see advertised are not extended to single occupancy cruise vacationers. If you’d like the cruise line may try to find you a same-sex roommate, which is typically just another solo cruiser like you!

If you do choose to stay in the cabin on your own be sure to do some good price comparisons with the inclusion of single-occupancy fees. You’ll find that the cruise lines can vary greatly with this fee so you want to shop around considerably before booking your solo cruise vacation.

One option to avoid the single occupancy fee is to look for a last-minute deal. Many cruise lines will wave the fee and even offer a discount if they have vacant cabins shortly before setting sail.

Now you don’t have to be alone the whole time you’re on board. There are so many activities to do you should plan accordingly and sign up a few just to meet some folks that you’ll be sailing with. You never know, you may just meet that special “someone”! The organized dinner function held each night is the ideal place to meet some folks. You will be seated at a table with randomly chosen fellow cruise vacationers to have a nice sit-down meal. This is the perfect place to strike up a conversation with some fellow shipmates and explore the inter-workings of other’s minds. You’ll be sure to run into these people again on your cruise so keep that in mind when your talking. If you don’t like the table you’re on just ask to be seated at a different one the next night. Better yet, sit at a different table each night!

A solo cruise vacation can be an incredible experience. If you always wanted to pen that novel, collect your thoughts, do some self-reflection or whatever, it is the perfect controlled atmosphere that also holds a certain amount of mystery to it.



Sally

Jolana Klobouk asked:


I will admit it, I love cruise vacations. I have been on several cruises including a cruise for my honeymoon, for New Years, and for multi-generational family vacations and I have loved each one.

More and more people are finding out about the pleasures of cruise vacations including singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends or families. Last year alone approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation and here are some reasons why:

1) Cruise Vacations Are A Good Value

The price of your vacation includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your accommodation, activities, children programs and entertainment. Throw in the exciting journey to some of the most fascinating and charming places in the world and you have yourself a deal! You will also know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. Typically, your only extra expenses are alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as a spa treatment.

2) Cruise Vacations Have Amazing Dining

You have so much choice and variety of cuisine on a cruise, you will not be disappointed. From gourmet meals that showcase renown chefs to pizza parlours and buffets. The choice is yours whether to sit down for an delectable five course feast or grab a hamburger at the bistro. The only thing that is guaranteed is that you will not go hungry on a cruise.

3) Cruise Vacations Will Pamper You

Regardless of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. Staff is there to make sure you needs are met. From chocolates on your pillow to your favourite drink waiting for you at your dinner table, you will feel like you are being spoiled day and night!

4) Cruise Vacations Have Tons of Variety

A cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more. You can go non-stop. Enjoy one great show after another, enjoy daily tour excursions, visit the spa, listen to a lecture, shop and then dance the night away. Or you can lie back and just read a book on deck and just let your cares float away…..do what you want to do.

5) Cruise Vacations Are For Everyone

There are over 150 different ships, dozens of cruise lines and over 1800 ports-of-call with hundreds of places to see and things to do. Small, large, formal, relaxed, budget, luxury, there is a perfect cruise out there for you.

6) Cruise Vacations Make Vacations Simple

The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated because a cruise vacation is one convenient package. You don’t have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. Once you’re on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid… it just does not get more carefree than that.

7) Cruise Vacations Are Great For Family Vacations

Families love cruising and often there is a reduced rate for children. Traveling with Grandparents? Even better, they will love it as much as the kids! With a variety of children’s programs geared from little ones to teens, kid-friendly menus, swimming, sports, games, movies, and exploring new places, your kids will not be bored for a second. The experienced child councillors will keep your children happy, while allowing you some time alone. And speaking of some adult alone time….

Cruise Vacations Are Great For Couples And Romance

During the day you can enjoy secluded beaches or romantic villages, enjoy en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean or spa services for two. At night, enjoy dancing, musical shows, gaming or a quiet evening watching the moon bounce off the ocean as the warm breeze drifts over the two of you….do I need to say more?

9) Cruise Vacations Are The Most Satisfying

Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience, once people try it, they come back again and again. It me 10 years to convince my brother and his wife to try a cruise vacation, they finally took one last year and they have already booked another one this year!

10) Cruise Vacations Are The Ultimate Vacations

You can see the world on a cruise. Feel free to completely unwind or take a walk on the wild side. If you want you can dance the night away or go up on deck and steal a kiss from your love. Make new friends, feast on sumptuous cuisine, learn something new, or just hang out and bond with your family.

Whatever your heart desires, it can be done on a cruise so be sure to “choose to cruise” for your next vacation.



Stacy

Martin Haworth asked:


Many families are taking cruise vacations these days. The various cruise lines have taken on board (if you will forgive the pun!), that there is a market out there. And several of them are playing the family cruise vacation card these days.

So, if you are considering this for the next time the family go on vacation, what might you need to consider - and, above all, what will it be important to pack, particularly when you have your kids along, to ensure that everyone has a good time?

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Depending on the age of the kids going on the family cruise vacation, there will be some best practices to make sure that they stay well during the trip. It’s always better to prevent illness, wherever possible, than it is to get into the realms of treatment.

That said, if anyone is going to be sick on vacation, a cruise ship is probably one of the better places, as they pretty well always have excellent facilities to fix you up - and that includes your kids.

Three key areas:-

1) Tummy troubles

Number one issue on any vacation, just as often as a family cruise vacation, is the irritating sickness and diarrhoea that can happen anytime.

Often caused by little more than a change in the chemical balance of the water we drink, these illnesses can be debilitating and need close attention. The rule is the younger or older we are, the more likely the effects are to be severe.

The easiest prevention is to avoid anything that might trigger an upset by drinking plenty of simple fluid. Seafoods, rich and spicy dishes are the most likely foods that can cause problems. Drinking bottled water may help too.

On a family cruise vacation, you need to pack some essentials for kids. The very best thing you can ensure that you have are rehydration salts. Basically, sickness and more particularly diarrhoea prevent the absorption of fluids back into the body, which is how we normally keep the right fluid balance.

When this is not working, due to some bug, overheating or eating something that ‘didn’t agree with you’, kids and elderly especially need to get that balance rectified as soon as possible. So take some rehydration sachets that you can buy from any pharmacy and give small amounts frequently.

If in any doubts, particularly with young children, checkout the sick bay onboard sooner rather than later.

2) Sunburn

A great family cruise vacation will, hopefully, find everyone enjoying a bit of sun, which is great for any trip. In fact absorbing the sun’s rays is good for our health as it promotes the body to make Vitamin D, which is valuable.

Trouble is it is easy to get too much sun. When onboard, it is easy to get burnt unless you make a real effort to get protected. This is for three particular reasons:-

- There may be a breeze on the ocean, which masks the strong rays of the sun. You feel a cooling wind, which stops you feeling the sun as much - then it’s easy to burn, esp[ecially for children whose awareness is not yet fine tuned.

- Secondly, there is a lot of reflected light that comes off the ocean and bounces burning rays upwards.

- Finally, children’s skin is especially susceptible to sun damage, whether on a ship on the ocean or otherwise.

It’s vital to get protected well, with a very high factor and keep protected. Then a nasty attack of sunburn will be avoided.

If burnt, always seek good medical advice. Sunburn is no different from any other burn and can easily lead to serious consequences. Drink plenty of fluid as damaged skin loses fluid far more easily than usual. Seek medical advice early if in any doubt.

3) Travel Sickness

Generally modern cruise liners are very well stabilized, so it’s not that common to have sea-sickness. The routes plied on family cruise vacations are not those where you might expect a rough journey (though it can happen!).

That said, susceptible folk may feel ill even if the ride is on an ocean that’s as smooth as a millpond, so it might be best to take precautions, especially if you know that one of your kids is likely to feel a bit queasy.

You pharmacist will be able to advise you what is available where you come from. One thing that can often work really well are little wrist bands that you can get that have a little dimple on them, facing inwards onto a pressure point on the wrist.

These are non-invasive and non-ingested, so are a lot less likely to cause side-effects. Often available in attractive colors for kids, they might be a solution to a problem that never gets it’s feet wet, because you nipped it in the bud!

Everyone wants a relaxing time when away, so for a great family cruise vacation, have a think about the best ways to ensure everyone, including the kids, feels well too.

Always check with your medical advisor before taking the actions suggested or implied in this article.



Glenn

Cindy Heller asked:


The best part of a cruise vacation is being able to relax because almost everything is planned for you. Imagine being pampered with 5 star service with all sorts of entertainment and recreational facilities available. Plus the thrill of visiting interesting tourist destinations. No worry about food for those with special diet need, the children or the plain choosy eaters. All these details are thoroughly studied and catered for by the cruise lines. Some cruise ships have enough restaurants and eating places that you can eat at a different outlet for every meal for the entire trip.

You need not worry about bring your children as many cruise ship are family friendly with great children activity programs. However be sure to check this out before booking. Perhaps the best holiday many young parents can get is simply time away from their children, to be spent renewing their bond as a couple. Some cruise ships have chaperons or special children program run by trained professionals.

If you are going on a cruise vacation as a romantic getaway, you will not be disappointed. The romantic atmosphere of sunrises or sunsets over the sea is something special to share quietly with your love one. Of course, playing and exploring new places together will help to cement your bond as well.

Many cruise ships are targeted at specific group. So do check before booking. Some are ideal for singles while others are for the young family with kids in tow. Some will have parties and 24hrs entertainment. Some of targeted at the highrollers with their casinos. Some are for the adventurous while others are suitable for the aged. Whatever it is, there is something for everybody in a cruise holiday.

For those with money, there is the luxury cruise, which have as few as a hundred passengers and a high crew to passenger ratio. You can expect food from renowned chefs, cooked from fresh ingredients only, great wines and champagne, customized itinerary and generally, luxurious pampering and pandering to your every wish.

Whatever package you choose, a cruise vacation is a great way to unwind and relax. Do your homework before booking your cruise vacation. You can do your research online. Read the passengers reviews and comments before deciding on a cruise package. Check in with your local travel agent because he or she might be able to offer you a discount.



Juan

Sebastian asked:


Taking a luxury cruise vacation throughout Europe offers a unique travel experience that will not be forgotten soon. In fact, you are likely to be drawn to embarking on even more cruises aboard the luxury liners that glide effortlessly across the high seas.

Cruising above the surface of the ocean waters aboard a luxury ship enhances the value of your vacation by offering you amenities that are not usually found with other vacationing options. Doesn’t the chance to see brilliantly-colored sunrises and sunsets without the usual blockage of city skylines sound appealing? How about the opportunity to truly relax, as you listen to the comforting sounds of the rolling ocean waters?

A cruise offers you this and so much more for your vacationing experience. Sailing the seas aboard a luxury liner is a no-hassle way for travelers to see the different ports of the world. Let the Captain and crew worry about navigating to different areas of interest while you spend your valuable time exploring the different cultures found at each new port along the way.

Luxury cruises provide a wide-range of services that appeal to the variety of tastes and interests among its passengers. Everything from taking it easy poolside, experiencing the exhilaration of sighting a pod of whales, taking advantage of all of the onboard entertainment and activities available, delighting the palette with delicious, fine cuisines, to exploring interesting and spectacular destinations.

European cruising vacations are appealing to a vast number of people because of the many interesting destinations available for exploration by travelers. There are a number of different luxury cruise liners, with itineraries to meet the specific needs and interests of vacationers. The internet provides a wealth of information about the different cruise lines, destinations, and package deals can even be found to help make planning your European cruise vacation easy and most affordable.



Franklin

Dean Caporella asked:


One of the best ways to escape a harsh northern winter is a cruise vacation.

Winter time may not engineer thoughts of beautiful sunny days and warm tropical nights; or maybe it does in one’s mind and in recent years, cruise trips have become the ideal alternative for people looking for some respite from the cold.

For people living in Europe and North America heading towards the end of summer, preparation should really begin now. It might be easy to get caught up in the fact the weather is still currently warm but with just over three months to winter, the cooler weather will be upon us quickly.

Best Cruise Vacation Options

It’s no secret cruise lines go through a transitional period during the fall and make plans to move their huge ships to warmer waters. While the mediterranian is popular during summer, Europeans are on the lookout for warmer climates and did you know this is an ideal time to take advantage of extended trips.

In fact, during this transitional phase, cruise vacations can extend up to 1-2 months as the ships head to their fall/winter locations. For Europeans, destinations in the Caribbean and South America are on offer but you’ll need to check with your travel agents on pricing.

Are there any disadvantages with these transitional cruises. To be honest, if you don’t like spending too long at sea then they may not be an ideal holiday alternative as port stops are few and far between.

For those who enjoy the water and like the idea of spending several weeks on a cruise ship, then they are an excellent opportunity for an extended holiday break.

Getting Great Cruise Deals

North Americans have the option of utilizing the many deals on offer to places such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

It wasn’t too long ago when cruise vacations were restricted to those with deeper pockets but with the advent of new and bigger ships on the water, pricing has come down making these holidays affordable to the masses.

One of the reasons the period from November to the end of the year is a good time to cruise is most people will in in festivities mode and more than likely not thinking about travelling away during this festive period.

For savvy cruise bargain hunters, it’s an ideal time to shop for a vacation because it almost becomes a buyer’s market.

It’s often suggested to avoid booking directly with cruise lines however, for an outline of what’s available, they are an excellent source obviously for the information you’re after.



Josephine

Mary Hanna asked:


When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.

If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship’s departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.

Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:

By purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and from the airport to the pier. If your flights are delayed and arrive past the time of the ship’s departure, the cruise line assumes responsibility for either delaying the ship’s sailing or getting you to the cruise ships first port of call.

You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here’s a cruise tip, for a small additional “air deviation” fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.

If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today’s world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.

You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.

When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta’s airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.

The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.

Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.

It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.

An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.

Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.

When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.

When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won’t disappear without your knowledge.

Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.

It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.

The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

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Angel