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

Mary Hanna asked:


Most of the newer ships offer wheelchair assessable state rooms and can provide dining room seating arrangements to avoid stairs and raised areas. Just be sure your travel agent notifies the cruise line of your wheelchair usage and any other special needs prior to sailing when making your cruise vacation reservations. Cruise travelers with physical challenges should check with the onboard tour office to ensure that all pre-reserve tours can accommodate their needs.

Cruise travel may be the ideal vacation for an individual using a wheelchair, since it provides the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in a relatively short time. A cruise vacation provides effortless travel between locations without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking. You’ll appreciate the choice of experiencing the ship’s destinations or relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being pampered at a “resort at sea.”

Is important that if one of your party uses a wheelchair you want to ask the following questions:

* How many wheelchair accessible cabins on the cruise ship?

* Are the doors to the rooms and elevators wide enough to accommodate a regular wheelchair?

* Can I get my wheelchair out on deck and into the public rooms during my cruise vacation?

* Will I be able to access the dining areas?

In some ports of call, where the ship must anchor, access via wheelchair may not be possible.

Ships generally stock a limited number of wheelchairs but please be aware they must be pre-reserved at the time of your booking.

Due to S.O.L.A.S. (Safety of Live At Sea) Regulations, physically challenged passengers must have partial mobility, and a traveling companion who can assist them, should an emergency arise.

You’ll find that the newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full-accessibility. A new ship will have wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more, and larger, elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated “accessible” cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features that will make your cruise vacation a more comfortable experience:

Stateroom and cabin doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30″) Stateroom dimensions and floor space for maneuverability and bathroom dimensions adequate for maneuvering No “lips” or sills into bathrooms Sink positioned so wheelchair can roll under it Roll-in shower wit a fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead Bathroom walls with handrails Raised toilet seat, at least 17″ inches high Pull-down clothing racks Light switches at wheelchair level Adjustable mirror above sink Portable telephone Blinking lights in staterooms for the hearing challenged

In some ports, ships must anchor offshore due to size of the port or because of extreme weather (if the weather is too extreme they won’t stop at that port at all). They “tender” guests to shore with small boats that may not be accessible to guests in wheelchairs. You’ll want to check with the shore excursions department to determine which shore excursions are most suitable for you. In some destinations, particularly those outside of the United States, you will not always find accessible transportation and facilities.

Some of the Princess cruise line ships have hoists by the pool so a physically challenged passengers can enjoy the pool. Some of Holland American ships have the ability to tender wheelchairs into ports where they do not dock. Ask your travel agent to inquire with those lines to find the ship that is suitable for you.

There is no reason that anyone who is physically challenged should avoid a cruise vacation. Just remember when you are looking into cruise travel that you have your travel agent find the cruise ship that caters to your needs.

Now that you know that a cruise vacation may be perfect for you, call your travel agent and start packing.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 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.

About the Author

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 or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing



Micheal

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

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:


A family cruise vacation is a great way to get away and spend time with your children. Almost of the cruise lines offer packages that cater to families. Surf the web for the right family cruise vacation that will cater to all of your needs. Better yet, talk to a cruise travel agent. Make sure they are a member of CLIA (the industries organization) and have taken many cruise vacations on several cruise lines. The cruise travel agent will be able to steer you to the cruise lines that have children’s programs that are age specific, have trained youth counselors and will fulfill your desires on your family cruise vacation.

The great thing about these programs on the cruise lines is that your children will be with qualified people all day, doing all kinds of activities and you are free to do your own thing with no worries.

A family cruise vacation takes you to many destinations without the rigors of packing and unpacking. A cruise vacation will also alleviate the stress of airport security. You might have to fly to your port of embarkation but after that there will be no more checking in and long security lines.

The cruise ship will take you to many ports where you get off the ship and enjoy your day on shore. Before you leave on your family cruise vacation research the ports you will be visiting. Plan what you want to do in each port ahead of time. Since it is a family cruise vacation, discuss this with all your family members. You can find out what the cruise lines offer in the way of tours on their website. In many cases the cruise lines let you book tours online or by fax.

Here are some guidelines to help you choose the perfect family cruise vacation.

First find out if they allow kids in your children’s age group. Cruise lines may limit the amount of children in certain age groups. This applies especially at times like Easter or spring break

Do some digging to find out what kind of children’s facility the cruise line has. You will want to check what the activities will be, are there play areas, and baby sitting available. Find out the rules for placing your children in the child care center. Most times you must sign your child into the play areas and the kids will not be allowed to leave until you sign them out.

It is important to know the ratio of counselors to children. You want to know that there are adequate supervisors for your kids. Know the qualifications of the care giver. For instance, on the Queen Mary II they have licensed nannies.

If you will need a cot or crib find out if they are available and if there is a fee. Sometimes these need to be reserved in advance of the family cruise vacation. The size of the cabin should be noted. If the cabin is too small, you will be cramped. If you are not taking toddlers it is best to book cabins across from each other. You and your spouse take the outside cabin and give the one across the hall from it to your children. This not only affords you privacy but the kids will feel “grown up” with their own cabin.

Check to see if they have a kids menu. A lot of kids don’t eat a variety of foods. If they are particularly picky it is nice to know that the cruise lines offer food for kids, like hamburgers and hot dogs. Almost all cruise lines offer hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch around the pool but what about dinner? Find out in advance of your family cruise vacation so you know everyone will be happy.

If anyone in your family has special needs make sure your cruise travel agent asks the ship if they will provide for them. There may be two or three formal nights. If you do not feel comfortable participating in them with little children, find out what kind of alternative dining the cruise line offers. Many ships have alterative dining rooms for just this purpose. Some of the cruise lines have kid’s dinners where only the children and the caregivers can attend. If this coincides with a formal night it would be nice to know.

Some of the children’s activity that are offered on cruise lines are scavenger hunts, pizza parties, disco parties for teens, arts and crafts and pool parties. The cruise line will bend over backwards to keep your children entertained. They want you to come back.

So call your cruise travel agent and start planning the perfect family cruise vacation. It will be one vacation that you and your kids won’t forget.

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.



Eleanor

About 2cruise asked:


Make your self pampered with a luxury cruise vacation and feel like heaven while spending your holidays. Thinking of a perfect gift for the ones close to your heart, want to give them relaxation and rejuvenation, a luxury cruise vacation is an ideal gift. Holidays are always enjoyable and loved by every one but cruise vacations makes you feel touched with comfort and value for the money. If we talk about luxury cruise they are the second name of comfort.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing industries around the globe. People now consider cruising as one of the most comfortable and affordable holiday options. Due to the chart busting popularity of cruises a lot of cruise lines are operating and offering cruise vacations at very affordable rates. It is an extraordinary experience to stay on cruise ships that have state-of-the-art amenities with the world’s best cuisines and enjoy the life at fullest. Some of the best cruise lines operating world wide are Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises and Princess Cruise Line.

Cruises are popular holiday options since the old days and still gaining top positions on the popularity charts. Some of the most popular cruise destinations are listed below.

Caribbean

The Caribbean islands are the most spectacular cruise destination all over the globe. The Caribbean country is brimming with many islands and port-of-call to visit in the Caribbean, which makes it the perfect and the most thriving cruise destination.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are just a few hours east of Florida, which makes it a perfect destination for wonderful cruise vacations available. For first time cruisers Bahamas is always been a first choice. Snorkeling, diving, wind-sailing, and swimming with the dolphins and sightseeing are some plus points of the Bahamas

Alaska

A glimpse of interesting culture, a huge variety of activities, and an array of scrumptious local dishes takes you to a wonderful cruise vacations to destinations Alaska.

Antarctica

Antarctica cruise is a medley of abundant wild life and breath taking sceneries. An icy voyage to Antarctica is going to become the most unforgettable holiday destination of your life.

Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is one of the most un-commercialized and most beautiful holiday destinations worldwide till now. The Maldives beautiful coral atolls and luxurious over-water bungalows, Sri Lanka’s exotic scenery, Mauritius lush tropical beauty and Madagascar’s tropical mountains all are exotic and exciting.

Switch off your mobile phone, forget about all your worries and forget about the rest of the world while you are on your luxury cruise vacations. Enjoy the golden sunrise and the marvelous sunset on the cruise with your family and friends.



Herman

Alex Stewart asked:


As a college student who pinches pennies and studies hard all year, you have earned a break - especially after the long, dark and harsh winter that was piled high with exams, mid-term papers and snow. So, why not take a cruise this year?

Typically, most students choose standard “Spring break hot spots” to visit, like Daytona Beach, Cancun in Mexico, South Beach or even Panama City. Granted, all these cities have buzzing night lives, sunny weather and expanses of beach. But, they’re also overcrowded and overdone. Spring break cruising is a great way to enjoy an all-inclusive holiday, hit multiple beaches on one trip, see more of the world and always be just “steps” from your hotel.

Most students might think of a cruise as something only for the elderly, the newlywed or families full of kids. But, as the market of young cruise travelers grows, cruise ship companies are responding with cruise vacations that are tailored specifically toward young adults and students who are looking to have fun and enjoy themselves during a break from schoolwork.

That said, to find the right cruise ship vacation - particularly one geared toward the “Spring break” market, you will need to do some research. Don’t worry, this research will be a lot more fun than the eighteen hours you spent in the library for your psychology thesis! The cruise line market has exploded during the past couple of decades, so the options are plentiful and the availability of their information is easily obtained on the Internet.

Start by looking at individual cruise lines and the homepage of their web sites. Are they geared toward seniors? Do they mostly advertise family vacations? Typically, a cruise line like Disney is going to offer exclusively family-oriented cruises. Meanwhile, other cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises and Oceania tend to offer youth-driven or adults-only cruises.

You will also want to review what some cruise lines consider to be the “adult age.” Some lines require that all passengers under 21 be accompanied by an adult over the age of 25, while other cruise lines require one adult for ever five minors, and others consider everyone over the age of 18 to be an adult. For example, Carnival Cruises typically requires every unmarried guest under the age of 25 to be sharing a room with an adult over the age of 25.

You also need to check the cruise ships’ alcohol policies. Some cruises allow a drinking age-of-majority of 18, while others are stricter and enforce a 21 and up policy only. The drinking age can also depend on the departing port, what port you’re docked in and the flag that your boat is flying. Be sure to verify all this before you book your trip, especially if you’re under 21.

Overall, some of the best youth-drive cruises are those tailored toward adventure travelers. A boat that offers lots of shore excursions that are active - like scuba diving, rock climbing, parachuting and other extreme sports - is more likely to attract an adventurous, fun-loving and young crowd.



Leslie

Pius Victor Ephenus asked:


Once the provinces of the rich and famous, cruises have changed and Caribbean cruises are fast becoming the most popular vacation choice; cruise vacations like these are also becoming more desirable with younger people. There is fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, and exotic Caribbean island locations; on the cruise liner itself you will have entertainment and a full program of activities at anytime of the day or night. There is a great deal of flexibility involved on the part of the liner companies and they can arrange short taster trips or a full fourteen days or more vacations.

Whilst this type of vacation has become widespread each vacationer has diverse needs so there are many different packages available as it is a time for unwinding, enjoyment and revitalization. Don’t think for one moment that there will not be enough to occupy you as cruise liners are the equivalent of floating vacation resorts that have a different view every day.

It is always a pleasant use of your time to see what vacations on ships are available and see what choice of packages there are so why not start at the local travel operator for some advice. Each Caribbean cruise will visit a certain number of islands on that particular voyage so you must decide if you want to visit certain islands like Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas or Antigua for example.

Many cruise vacations cater more for adults and the activities include discos, late night entertainment, casinos and shows with daytime events to challenge those with an excess of energy. Some Caribbean cruise liner companies actually produce virtual tours and other information on DVD’s which can be collected from your travel agent or ordered online.

One important thing to remember is the type of clothes you pack for your trip as you will have the opportunity to wear all you normal holiday clothes plus those for dressing up in the evening. For formal evenings and events a gown is necessary for women and tuxedo for men so that you can be seen in your finest and something you need to be prepared for especially if you are invited to the Captains table.

There are also plenty of activities if you take your children along on a cruise vacation and they will probably burn off all their energy by the time the evening has ended. There will be probably more for your children to do than at a standard resort, in fact you probably won’t see them much during the day.

But Caribbean cruises can be for adults to and there are those that do not have children on board. Other cruise liner packages are available and have been created for special occasions like weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.

A Caribbean cruise vacation is the ideal venue for singles, couples and for families as everyone is looked after with a multitude of activities available; no-one ever feels left out.



Joel

Julie Palmer asked:


Shortly before midnight on April 14th, 1912, the largest, most luxurious passenger ship in the world, the Titanic, struck an iceberg and sank on her maiden voyage. The Titanic was built by England’s great White Star Line and was heralded as being “unsinkable.” What’s difference between the Titanic and today’s cruise ships? Everything! Unlike the Titanic, modern cruise ships are unsurpassed in design, safety features and emergency operations. Not only are they beautiful and luxurious, these ships have come a long way since 1912!

Cruise vacations have steadily risen in popularity since the 1960’s. Early ships carried between 600-700 passengers; today’s cruise ships carry as many as 5,000 passengers. They typically contain swimming pools, movie theaters, restaurants, live music and dancing entertainment, five-star cuisine, casinos, an ice rink, nine-hole miniature golf courses, beauty salons with spas, barber shops, and retail clothing and accessories stores. For the duration of your cruise you’ll find every luxury accommodation and service that you’d ever want!

In addition to elegant and safe designs, cruise ships today can take you to ports of call never imagined in 1912. World travel aboard these seafaring cities can take you to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Costa Rica, Jamaica, South America, Mexico, Alaska, Central America and even Antarctica. Such excursions are not as costly as one might think; many cruise lines offer discount travel packages that are very affordable.

The best way to book a cruise is through a travel agent. The agent will describe cruise lines like Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and others, plus all the amenities available to you on these lines. For example, the U.S. liner Queen Mary 2 is the largest of all cruise ships in length, width and height. In addition to other luxuries, this stunning ship has four outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool, a 20,000 square-foot spa, and a six-story high atrium! Your travel agent will also explain pricing options, passport requirements, all ports of call, currency exchange, travel insurance, and many other details of your selected vacation.

When you think of the cruise of your dreams, imagine relaxing on an outdoor deck watching the azure sea roll by as the playful dolphins and the majestic whales surface alongside you. Imagine luxury accommodations, exquisite cuisine, all sorts of sports, entertainment and self-pampering. Most of all imagine the exotic and beautiful ports of call your cruise ship will visit. If ever there will be the premiere vacation of your lifetime, this is the one!



Heidi

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