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Cruising has become a very popular way to take a vacation in the recent years and that is due to the fact that the number of cruise ships companies has grown considerably. Nevertheless, choosing the right cruise ship company for your cruise can make all the difference in the world between having a good vacation and having the vacation of a lifetime.
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Deal
Cruising has become a very popular way to take a vacation in the recent years and that is due to the fact that the number of cruise ships companies has grown considerably. Nevertheless, choosing the right cruise ship company for your cruise can make all the difference in the world between having a good vacation and having the vacation of a lifetime. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is consider as one of the leading cruise ship companies in the world with 20 operational cruise ships of different sizes offering cruises to most of all the famous and desired destinations in the world. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has their ships divided by family groups so as to mark their capacity and destinations: the smallest of the family is the Empress of the Seas with a passenger capacity of 2,020 guests followed by the Sovereign Family, which has three ships, the Majesty of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and the Sovereign of the Seas, these ships hold approximately 2,700 guests.
The subsequently Royal Caribbean Cruise Line family is the Vision Family, which consists of six ships namely: Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Splendor of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. After which is the Radiance family with four ships, they are, Brilliance, Jewel, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas; Voyager family ships is next with five ships to boats, which are Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator and last but not the least Voyager of the seas.
Lastly, in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line fleet is the Freedom family, which for the present has only one ship, the Freedom of the Seas, which is also known as the largest ship in the world with a capacity of 3,664 guests. The Freedom class family ships are due to make another addition in May of 2007 with a sister ships of the same capacity of the Freedom of the Seas, which will be called Liberty of the Seas.
Caribbean holiday cruises are usually conducted on the eastern and western and southern Caribbean and each itinerary will differ very much in prices depending on the ports of call and the amount spent at sea. Caribbean holiday cruises are normally for three, five, seven and sometimes even up to ten days; the most popular Caribbean holiday cruise consist of seven days because it is made of the right amount of days in port and at sea in order for you to explore and have fun as well as to relax and rejuvenate before getting back at work.
You can make an effort to do some research online and read through some passengers reviews and comments before picking a Caribbean holiday cruise in order to find out which one will suit you and your requirements best or on the particular cruise liner's website. Nevertheless it is recommended to book your Caribbean holiday cruise through your travel agent as that is the only way to get the best deals for any cruise at any time of the year.
Sequentially to fill the ships up there are Caribbean cruise deals that are available until the last moment and some of them can be as low as $99 for a length of seven days cruise with everything included; what more can you ask for. But of course, this is not a deal that you may get everyday but a good Caribbean cruise deal will easily be available from $199 and above depending on the length on the cruise and the cruise liner.
There are generally two ways to go about getting a good Caribbean cruise deal: one way is to try and approach your travel agent who will be able to track down the best deals on the market at any given time and the other way is to make your booking directly with the cruise lines online. There is yet another way to get a good Caribbean cruise deal but, this only applies if you happen to live in Florida and that is to try and get a cruise on the day the ship sails out as they almost always have vacancies and almost always they will sell it for some unbelievable deals. It is on the other hand not recommended to travel all the way to Florida hoping to get a great deal in the last minute as you can get disappointed.
Each cruise ship company caters for a particular type of guests for example; Disney cruises mainly cater for young families, which usually will make the ships activities, food and entertainment around those requirements. It is suggested that you check the cruise liner targeted guest types before you make your booking for a cruise so you don't get stuck on what seemed like a great Caribbean cruise deal with the wrong crowd.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit caribbean cruise specials to learn more about royal caribbean cruise special and other luxury caribbean cruises.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Royal-Caribbean-Cruise-Deal/425563
by Cindy Heller
The subsequently Royal Caribbean Cruise Line family is the Vision Family, which consists of six ships namely: Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Splendor of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. After which is the Radiance family with four ships, they are, Brilliance, Jewel, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas; Voyager family ships is next with five ships to boats, which are Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator and last but not the least Voyager of the seas.
Lastly, in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line fleet is the Freedom family, which for the present has only one ship, the Freedom of the Seas, which is also known as the largest ship in the world with a capacity of 3,664 guests. The Freedom class family ships are due to make another addition in May of 2007 with a sister ships of the same capacity of the Freedom of the Seas, which will be called Liberty of the Seas.
Caribbean holiday cruises are usually conducted on the eastern and western and southern Caribbean and each itinerary will differ very much in prices depending on the ports of call and the amount spent at sea. Caribbean holiday cruises are normally for three, five, seven and sometimes even up to ten days; the most popular Caribbean holiday cruise consist of seven days because it is made of the right amount of days in port and at sea in order for you to explore and have fun as well as to relax and rejuvenate before getting back at work.
You can make an effort to do some research online and read through some passengers reviews and comments before picking a Caribbean holiday cruise in order to find out which one will suit you and your requirements best or on the particular cruise liner's website. Nevertheless it is recommended to book your Caribbean holiday cruise through your travel agent as that is the only way to get the best deals for any cruise at any time of the year.
Sequentially to fill the ships up there are Caribbean cruise deals that are available until the last moment and some of them can be as low as $99 for a length of seven days cruise with everything included; what more can you ask for. But of course, this is not a deal that you may get everyday but a good Caribbean cruise deal will easily be available from $199 and above depending on the length on the cruise and the cruise liner.
There are generally two ways to go about getting a good Caribbean cruise deal: one way is to try and approach your travel agent who will be able to track down the best deals on the market at any given time and the other way is to make your booking directly with the cruise lines online. There is yet another way to get a good Caribbean cruise deal but, this only applies if you happen to live in Florida and that is to try and get a cruise on the day the ship sails out as they almost always have vacancies and almost always they will sell it for some unbelievable deals. It is on the other hand not recommended to travel all the way to Florida hoping to get a great deal in the last minute as you can get disappointed.
Each cruise ship company caters for a particular type of guests for example; Disney cruises mainly cater for young families, which usually will make the ships activities, food and entertainment around those requirements. It is suggested that you check the cruise liner targeted guest types before you make your booking for a cruise so you don't get stuck on what seemed like a great Caribbean cruise deal with the wrong crowd.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit caribbean cruise specials to learn more about royal caribbean cruise special and other luxury caribbean cruises.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Royal-Caribbean-Cruise-Deal/425563
by Cindy Heller
...
When it comes to taking a baby on a cruise it may seem like a daunting experience, but just like every other holiday, it pays to research, plan and be organised. To start with, all cruise lines have minimum age restrictions, and these do vary greatly.
Babies Onboard.
When it comes to taking a baby on a cruise it may seem like a daunting experience, but just like every other holiday, it pays to research, plan and be organised. To start with, all cruise lines have minimum age restrictions, and these do vary greatly.
Disney Cruise Line will accept infants from 12 weeks, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess and Carnival will take babies over six months. You may find however, for Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, children are required to be aged at least one. It is always best to check with your cruise agent, in order to get the most up to date information.
Choosing your cabin can be a bit more tricky when travelling with an infant, having a balcony may be beneficial, being able to sit outside whilst your baby catches up on its well needed afternoon nap, means you can still sit and relax and enjoy the weather, or fresh air, or maybe even just a bit of peace and quiet.
If you do prefer to go for an inside cabin, be aware of the lack of sunlight in the room, this can cause a bit of confusion for the young ones, as they do not know what time of day it is, even an outside cabin has the port hole window to provide natural light.
In most cabins you will find a mini fridge which you can store baby formula and food, it is best to check with your cruise agent for this, but cruise lines that definitely have these onboard are Princess Cruises, Disney Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
You will find that most cruise lines do not have baths in the cabins, apart from the suites. Disney Cruise Line does however have a split bath tub/shower combination. It most cases a detachable shower handle is the best alternative to ensuring your baby can still have a good wash without forcing them under the shower, which many children do not like.
On Disney Cruise Line, they have a curtain that separates off the bed areas, which is great for those with slumbering infants. It is always best to reserve a cot when you book your cruise, I know babies do tend to like their own comfortable bed and blankets; you could bring their favourite blanket with you, to make them feel more at home.
There are onboard activities for children on most ships, so you can take your child to go and play, learn and explore in their own areas. Disney Cruise Line has The Flounders Reef Nursery, which is designed for 12 weeks to 3 years old. With a soft play area, an activity room and even a quiet area for those who cannot stay awake through all the excitement. The parents can leave the children, they will of cause be provided with pagers, this is when the adults can go and have some time to themselves to enjoy.
An hourly rate is charged for the service, currently it stands at $6 per hour, as the service is very popular it is recommended you book up as soon as possible, to reserve your little ones playtime.
Activities will vary onboard, and you will find most cruise lines offer activities for the older children, these being 2/3 and older. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity do however; have a programme aimed at 6 months to 18 months called Aqua Babies. The itinerary and program will vary on each ship, but you and your infant can experience Musical Inspiration, Baby Gymnastics, I Love Animals and much more. These have been developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price and are hosted by trained youth staff. All children at Aqua Babies must be accompanied during all activity sessions.
Other cruise lines with great facilities are P&O, and Carnival. Both tend to have more toddler-focused activities but they do allow playtime for babies, with Camp Carnival offering set times for children under two to play, and P&O’s Ventura with their very own babies’ playroom, Tumblers. This does require supervision by parents, but is full of toys, soft play, and great fun for the infants.
Alongside daytime entertainment, you may want to have a night or two to yourself, to enjoy the shows, casino or to sit under the stars with a cocktail. Babysitting services are available on most cruise lines; Royal Caribbean offer in cabin baby-sitting for over 1’s, there is an hourly rate of $10, it is vital to book ahead.
P&O Cruises have night nurseries onboard, where parents can put their little ones to sleep; this service is available between 6pm and 2am. There is a beeper given to parents in case of an emergency, or even when the infants are playing up. This is a very popular service, and is normally offered on a first come, first serve basis.
It really depends on what sort of cruise you are looking for, some parents will enjoy the time to themselves, whereas others may want to take their infants with them to the shows, and spend time together in the evenings. Some parents take it in turn to do things onboard, giving them both a chance to see the ship.
When it comes to dining onboard, you are able to request highchairs in the restaurants; your waiter will be more than happy to help. Most families tend to go for first seating, which is normally at 6pm; you can even choose to sit just with your family if you prefer to be together.
With freestyle cruises offering flexible dining arrangements, you can choose your dining times and where you want to eat depending on what you prefer, this may suit those who have young infants and babies.
If you like nothing, more than a dip in the pool, you have to be aware of
where your baby can swim. If they are not potty trained (this would apply to most children under two), due to United States Public Health (USPH) Regulations, children are unable to go in the main swimming pools with nappies on. Disney Cruise Line is an exception to this as they have separate areas, which are filtered differently, allowing babies with swim nappies on to use the pool. You may find the shallow, or splash pools allow infants in nappies, but you cannot guarantee this, and you should check before going for a swim.
In regards to nappies, wet wipes and formula it is normally recommended to take your own, the shops onboard will have limited stock, although they can be expensive. One of the best tips I have come across, is to take all your babies things onboard in a box, this can then be disposed of at the end of the holiday, and means more suitcase space for yourselves.
If you are worried about having to take tonnes of clothes, there are public laundries on Disney, Princess and QM2. You can however take detergent and wash any extra bits in the cabin, to ensure you have clean bibs, without having to take huge amounts with you.
In keeping your luggage down, you can hire push chairs onboard Carnival and Disney, Disney do not charge, but you do need to put a $200 deposit down, and Carnival charge $25 per week, and $6 per day. Bouncy seats and travel swings are available for rent as well.
You will be able to head off the ship when you are in port, seeing the sights with your baby experiencing new places, you may prefer to make you own plans at each place, shore excursions are an option, I would go through these beforehand and make sure they are appropriate for you and the family.
The best thing you can do is to think ahead, and try to work out exactly what you will need. Your cruise is about all of you enjoying yourself, and taking a baby onboard does not have to have restrictions. Simply planning your cruise, means as a family you can enjoy your time away from home.
by Laura Scott
Laura Scott, an experienced cruiser, who writes for www.insidecruise.co.uk, and on occasions for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Babies-Onboard./597434
Disney Cruise Line will accept infants from 12 weeks, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess and Carnival will take babies over six months. You may find however, for Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, children are required to be aged at least one. It is always best to check with your cruise agent, in order to get the most up to date information.
Choosing your cabin can be a bit more tricky when travelling with an infant, having a balcony may be beneficial, being able to sit outside whilst your baby catches up on its well needed afternoon nap, means you can still sit and relax and enjoy the weather, or fresh air, or maybe even just a bit of peace and quiet.
If you do prefer to go for an inside cabin, be aware of the lack of sunlight in the room, this can cause a bit of confusion for the young ones, as they do not know what time of day it is, even an outside cabin has the port hole window to provide natural light.
In most cabins you will find a mini fridge which you can store baby formula and food, it is best to check with your cruise agent for this, but cruise lines that definitely have these onboard are Princess Cruises, Disney Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
You will find that most cruise lines do not have baths in the cabins, apart from the suites. Disney Cruise Line does however have a split bath tub/shower combination. It most cases a detachable shower handle is the best alternative to ensuring your baby can still have a good wash without forcing them under the shower, which many children do not like.
On Disney Cruise Line, they have a curtain that separates off the bed areas, which is great for those with slumbering infants. It is always best to reserve a cot when you book your cruise, I know babies do tend to like their own comfortable bed and blankets; you could bring their favourite blanket with you, to make them feel more at home.
There are onboard activities for children on most ships, so you can take your child to go and play, learn and explore in their own areas. Disney Cruise Line has The Flounders Reef Nursery, which is designed for 12 weeks to 3 years old. With a soft play area, an activity room and even a quiet area for those who cannot stay awake through all the excitement. The parents can leave the children, they will of cause be provided with pagers, this is when the adults can go and have some time to themselves to enjoy.
An hourly rate is charged for the service, currently it stands at $6 per hour, as the service is very popular it is recommended you book up as soon as possible, to reserve your little ones playtime.
Activities will vary onboard, and you will find most cruise lines offer activities for the older children, these being 2/3 and older. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity do however; have a programme aimed at 6 months to 18 months called Aqua Babies. The itinerary and program will vary on each ship, but you and your infant can experience Musical Inspiration, Baby Gymnastics, I Love Animals and much more. These have been developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price and are hosted by trained youth staff. All children at Aqua Babies must be accompanied during all activity sessions.
Other cruise lines with great facilities are P&O, and Carnival. Both tend to have more toddler-focused activities but they do allow playtime for babies, with Camp Carnival offering set times for children under two to play, and P&O’s Ventura with their very own babies’ playroom, Tumblers. This does require supervision by parents, but is full of toys, soft play, and great fun for the infants.
Alongside daytime entertainment, you may want to have a night or two to yourself, to enjoy the shows, casino or to sit under the stars with a cocktail. Babysitting services are available on most cruise lines; Royal Caribbean offer in cabin baby-sitting for over 1’s, there is an hourly rate of $10, it is vital to book ahead.
P&O Cruises have night nurseries onboard, where parents can put their little ones to sleep; this service is available between 6pm and 2am. There is a beeper given to parents in case of an emergency, or even when the infants are playing up. This is a very popular service, and is normally offered on a first come, first serve basis.
It really depends on what sort of cruise you are looking for, some parents will enjoy the time to themselves, whereas others may want to take their infants with them to the shows, and spend time together in the evenings. Some parents take it in turn to do things onboard, giving them both a chance to see the ship.
When it comes to dining onboard, you are able to request highchairs in the restaurants; your waiter will be more than happy to help. Most families tend to go for first seating, which is normally at 6pm; you can even choose to sit just with your family if you prefer to be together.
With freestyle cruises offering flexible dining arrangements, you can choose your dining times and where you want to eat depending on what you prefer, this may suit those who have young infants and babies.
If you like nothing, more than a dip in the pool, you have to be aware of
where your baby can swim. If they are not potty trained (this would apply to most children under two), due to United States Public Health (USPH) Regulations, children are unable to go in the main swimming pools with nappies on. Disney Cruise Line is an exception to this as they have separate areas, which are filtered differently, allowing babies with swim nappies on to use the pool. You may find the shallow, or splash pools allow infants in nappies, but you cannot guarantee this, and you should check before going for a swim.
In regards to nappies, wet wipes and formula it is normally recommended to take your own, the shops onboard will have limited stock, although they can be expensive. One of the best tips I have come across, is to take all your babies things onboard in a box, this can then be disposed of at the end of the holiday, and means more suitcase space for yourselves.
If you are worried about having to take tonnes of clothes, there are public laundries on Disney, Princess and QM2. You can however take detergent and wash any extra bits in the cabin, to ensure you have clean bibs, without having to take huge amounts with you.
In keeping your luggage down, you can hire push chairs onboard Carnival and Disney, Disney do not charge, but you do need to put a $200 deposit down, and Carnival charge $25 per week, and $6 per day. Bouncy seats and travel swings are available for rent as well.
You will be able to head off the ship when you are in port, seeing the sights with your baby experiencing new places, you may prefer to make you own plans at each place, shore excursions are an option, I would go through these beforehand and make sure they are appropriate for you and the family.
The best thing you can do is to think ahead, and try to work out exactly what you will need. Your cruise is about all of you enjoying yourself, and taking a baby onboard does not have to have restrictions. Simply planning your cruise, means as a family you can enjoy your time away from home.
by Laura Scott
Laura Scott, an experienced cruiser, who writes for www.insidecruise.co.uk, and on occasions for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Babies-Onboard./597434
Freedom of the Seas, the biggest-cruise-ship-ever
The world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas, left Southampton on May 3, 2006 to make her transatlantic voyage to New York.
At 160,000 tons and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in May 2006, according to chairman and CEO Richard Fain. He noted that in choosing the name “Freedom” for the ship, the line was emphasizing how all-inclusive the vessel will be. “Whatever you want to do, you have the freedom to choose” he said.
In addition to the Voyager-class signature features – such as an enhanced rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and Royal Promenade – the 3,600 passenger ship, will feature a number of innovations: oversized sculptures spraying water in all directions, a circular current pool and a swimming pool fed by a waterfall; a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite to an eager American audience.
Freedom of the Seas’ combined pool area is 43% larger than on Voyager-class ships.
At night, the main pool area will be transformed into an open-air nightclub, with a large dance floor situated between the two pools. Passengers will have access to a water park, a promenade and a casino. She will generate 1,800,000 litres of fresh water and require 35 tonnes of ice cubes every day.
Freedom of the Seas will arrive at the Port of Miami on May 25, where she will make a series of short sailings until June 4, when she will begin her regular sailing schedule of 7-night Western Caribbean tour calling at Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola.
Freedom of the Seas wrest the biggest-ship-ever title from Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
The QM2 was the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ocean vessel ever built until the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas launches in June 2006. While QM2's passenger capacity is 2,620 passengers, Freedom of the Seas can carry 6,000 passengers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. commissioned the world's largest cruise ship, agreeing to pay Europe's biggest shipbuilder a record 900 million euros ($1.1 billion) for a vessel that will carry 5,400 passengers. Oslo-based Aker Yards ASA will deliver the Project Genesis ship in late 2009. At 222,000 gross register tons, the Royal Caribbean International vessel, codenamed Project Genesis, will be nearly half as big again as the Queen Mary 2, and 43 percent bigger than the largest cruise liner, Freedom of the Seas.
The world's two largest cruise operators, Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises, are commissioning larger ships as increasing numbers of customers buy on-board package vacations. The number of people taking cruises surged 5.7 percent to 8.35 million in the first nine months of 2005, according to the New York-based Cruise Lines International Association.
Book a Cruise Holiday at http://www.bookmeacruise.co.uk
Cruise Ship Guide 2009 at http://www.trusslinx.com/travel.html
Book a Cruise Holiday at http://www.bookmeacruise.co.uk
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Freedom-of-the-Seas,-the-biggest-cruise-ship-ever/43910
by Mary Dawson
At 160,000 tons and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in May 2006, according to chairman and CEO Richard Fain. He noted that in choosing the name “Freedom” for the ship, the line was emphasizing how all-inclusive the vessel will be. “Whatever you want to do, you have the freedom to choose” he said.
In addition to the Voyager-class signature features – such as an enhanced rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and Royal Promenade – the 3,600 passenger ship, will feature a number of innovations: oversized sculptures spraying water in all directions, a circular current pool and a swimming pool fed by a waterfall; a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite to an eager American audience.
Freedom of the Seas’ combined pool area is 43% larger than on Voyager-class ships.
At night, the main pool area will be transformed into an open-air nightclub, with a large dance floor situated between the two pools. Passengers will have access to a water park, a promenade and a casino. She will generate 1,800,000 litres of fresh water and require 35 tonnes of ice cubes every day.
Freedom of the Seas will arrive at the Port of Miami on May 25, where she will make a series of short sailings until June 4, when she will begin her regular sailing schedule of 7-night Western Caribbean tour calling at Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola.
Freedom of the Seas wrest the biggest-ship-ever title from Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
The QM2 was the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ocean vessel ever built until the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas launches in June 2006. While QM2's passenger capacity is 2,620 passengers, Freedom of the Seas can carry 6,000 passengers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. commissioned the world's largest cruise ship, agreeing to pay Europe's biggest shipbuilder a record 900 million euros ($1.1 billion) for a vessel that will carry 5,400 passengers. Oslo-based Aker Yards ASA will deliver the Project Genesis ship in late 2009. At 222,000 gross register tons, the Royal Caribbean International vessel, codenamed Project Genesis, will be nearly half as big again as the Queen Mary 2, and 43 percent bigger than the largest cruise liner, Freedom of the Seas.
The world's two largest cruise operators, Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises, are commissioning larger ships as increasing numbers of customers buy on-board package vacations. The number of people taking cruises surged 5.7 percent to 8.35 million in the first nine months of 2005, according to the New York-based Cruise Lines International Association.
Book a Cruise Holiday at http://www.bookmeacruise.co.uk
Cruise Ship Guide 2009 at http://www.trusslinx.com/travel.html
Book a Cruise Holiday at http://www.bookmeacruise.co.uk
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Freedom-of-the-Seas,-the-biggest-cruise-ship-ever/43910
by Mary Dawson
Important Information to Know when Planning a Cruise
The internet has made the process of planning and booking a cruise easy, but there are still several important things to consider, especially if you are a novice traveler. Some of your concerns will be the size of your ship, the overall cost and length of the cruise - and of course, where in the world you want to cruise to. If this trip will be your first on onboard a cruise ship, it is a good idea to consult with and book your cruise through a travel agent that specializes in cruise bookings.
One of your concerns may be whether a cruise is aimed at families, couples or the elderly. Cruise ships offer activities aimed at all ages; and many people with teenage children claim that cruising is the best family vacation option there is. If you specifically don’t want to be surrounded by children while cruising, there are some cruise ships which are aimed at adults only. If you are looking for a cruise with a theme, singles, cooking or educational, you can find one to suit your interests.
If you have no idea of where to cruise to, the choice can be overwhelming. Cruise ships today call at just about every port in the world, including such exotic locations as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. If you want to see them all, and you can afford it, take a six month world cruise. On the other hand, you can choose from one of several inexpensive and short cruises to the Bahamas. Most cruises are between 7 and 14 days. Caribbean and Alaskan cruises are still popular and offer a huge variety of options and cruising around Europe can mean the sunny Mediterranean or the chilly waters of the Arctic Ocean.
Once you have chosen your cruise ship, the decision of which type of cabin to choose is almost as overwhelming. Some larger ships can have 20 different cabin categories. If the cost of the cabin is your most important concern, you may want to choose an inside cabin because a cabin with a balcony can cost up to twice as much. The cabin size is also going to be an important consideration; a larger cabin or suite will obviously give you more room, although if you are not going to spend much time in the cabin, it may not be worth the extra cost.
The third most important consideration when it comes to choosing your cabin is its location on the ship. You may not want a cabin next to or underneath the night club; and a cabin overlooking the promenade deck will generally have plenty of traffic outside the window. Cabins on the upper decks and at the front of the ship tend to give the feeling of motion more, although you may have a better view. Be wary of cabins that are described as having a limited or obstructed view. If money is your major concern, an inside cabin on the lower deck is generally the cheapest option.
Regardless of the cruise you choose, once you are under way, you will generally have a huge choice of activities to choose from, most of which are included in the price. You probably will not need to take much cash with you as most cruise lines have now gone to a system where any extra charges are applied to your credit card. Tipping policies can vary widely between cruise lines, although many cruise ships have now adopted the practice of charging your account a daily flat rate to cover tips.
Also, if you are visiting ports of call outside the US, you will need a valid passport. Check with your cruise line or travel agent whether you need a visa or any vaccinations. Your credit card may already include adequate travel insurance; otherwise you will need to take some out. If you are flying to the departure port, pack all your essentials in your carryon bag, just in case the airline loses your luggage! Don’t forget medication and prescriptions.
A surprisingly large number of people miss their cruise due to a delayed or missed flight. If you are flying from your home town to the port of departure, consider arriving a day or two before you need to. That way, you are protected in the event of delays. These days, most of the cheaper airline tickets are non-refundable and it can be costly trying to change your air itinerary at short notice. Otherwise, make sure that your travel insurance covers this eventuality.
by JoshWebber1
Josh Webber is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry, such as travel websites and booking cruises .
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Important-Information-to-Know-when-Planning-a-Cruise/796251
One of your concerns may be whether a cruise is aimed at families, couples or the elderly. Cruise ships offer activities aimed at all ages; and many people with teenage children claim that cruising is the best family vacation option there is. If you specifically don’t want to be surrounded by children while cruising, there are some cruise ships which are aimed at adults only. If you are looking for a cruise with a theme, singles, cooking or educational, you can find one to suit your interests.
If you have no idea of where to cruise to, the choice can be overwhelming. Cruise ships today call at just about every port in the world, including such exotic locations as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. If you want to see them all, and you can afford it, take a six month world cruise. On the other hand, you can choose from one of several inexpensive and short cruises to the Bahamas. Most cruises are between 7 and 14 days. Caribbean and Alaskan cruises are still popular and offer a huge variety of options and cruising around Europe can mean the sunny Mediterranean or the chilly waters of the Arctic Ocean.
Once you have chosen your cruise ship, the decision of which type of cabin to choose is almost as overwhelming. Some larger ships can have 20 different cabin categories. If the cost of the cabin is your most important concern, you may want to choose an inside cabin because a cabin with a balcony can cost up to twice as much. The cabin size is also going to be an important consideration; a larger cabin or suite will obviously give you more room, although if you are not going to spend much time in the cabin, it may not be worth the extra cost.
The third most important consideration when it comes to choosing your cabin is its location on the ship. You may not want a cabin next to or underneath the night club; and a cabin overlooking the promenade deck will generally have plenty of traffic outside the window. Cabins on the upper decks and at the front of the ship tend to give the feeling of motion more, although you may have a better view. Be wary of cabins that are described as having a limited or obstructed view. If money is your major concern, an inside cabin on the lower deck is generally the cheapest option.
Regardless of the cruise you choose, once you are under way, you will generally have a huge choice of activities to choose from, most of which are included in the price. You probably will not need to take much cash with you as most cruise lines have now gone to a system where any extra charges are applied to your credit card. Tipping policies can vary widely between cruise lines, although many cruise ships have now adopted the practice of charging your account a daily flat rate to cover tips.
Also, if you are visiting ports of call outside the US, you will need a valid passport. Check with your cruise line or travel agent whether you need a visa or any vaccinations. Your credit card may already include adequate travel insurance; otherwise you will need to take some out. If you are flying to the departure port, pack all your essentials in your carryon bag, just in case the airline loses your luggage! Don’t forget medication and prescriptions.
A surprisingly large number of people miss their cruise due to a delayed or missed flight. If you are flying from your home town to the port of departure, consider arriving a day or two before you need to. That way, you are protected in the event of delays. These days, most of the cheaper airline tickets are non-refundable and it can be costly trying to change your air itinerary at short notice. Otherwise, make sure that your travel insurance covers this eventuality.
by JoshWebber1
Josh Webber is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry, such as travel websites and booking cruises .
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Important-Information-to-Know-when-Planning-a-Cruise/796251
Your Cruise Vacation - Cruise Ship Embarkation Procedures For Cruise Travel
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!
by Mary Hanna
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
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Your-Cruise-Vacation---Cruise-Ship-Embarkation-Procedures-For-Cruise-Travel/87259
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!
by Mary Hanna
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
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Your-Cruise-Vacation---Cruise-Ship-Embarkation-Procedures-For-Cruise-Travel/87259
....
Cruising has become an important vacation choice. And an important part of being comfortable on a cruise is to get a cabin that suits your needs. A cruise ship is a huge maze and has cabins of different choices and set ups at all levels.
7 Tips On Picking A Cabin On A Cruise Ship
Cruising has become an important vacation choice. And an important part of being comfortable on a cruise is to get a cabin that suits your needs. A cruise ship is a huge maze and has cabins of different choices and set ups at all levels.
Cruising has become an important vacation choice. And an important part of being comfortable on a cruise is to get a cabin that suits your needs. A cruise ship is a huge maze and has cabins of different choices and set ups at all levels. As a part of the booking process you must make an effort to choose a cabin that will make your vacation cruise a dream one.
1. Try and study the layout of the ship you are traveling in either online or at the cruise line office. Whether a mainstream cruise or a luxury one each ship will have a wide variety of accommodation choices. Find out what are the choices of cabins available on the ship you are booking on. Often you will find that a ship has over twenty different categories.
2. Find out what the differences are between a cruise ship cabin and stateroom. Ask about standard, ocean view, balcony, and suite.
3. Know your personal preferences and needs. Think would you enjoy a cabin with a balcony or one with a large window? Would you like to be situated a little far from traffic or close to where all the activities are?
4. Take into consideration the fact that it is in the cabin that you will be able to relax, watch TV, enjoy a long bath, or read a novel without being disturbed. The cabin will be your haven, home away from home for the duration of the cruise. So, take all your personal needs into consideration when booking a cabin. If the kids are going with you, look for family accommodation suites with adjoining cabins that have connecting doors.
5. Ask which cabins will be below or close to the water line, which ones are located way below deck and close to the engines or kitchens; check out how many stairs you will have to climb to reach deck.
6. Consider location carefully. Find out which cabins are close to the disco or just below a jogging track or close to an elevator or lobby. Remember you may be woken up by the thud of feet while early morning joggers enjoy the sea air. Similarly try and avoid cabins that are at the bow or stem of the ship, here you will experience first hand movement of the seas and ship as well as the drone of machinery such as anchors, or propellers. Most experts would recommend cabins that are mid-ship and recommend against forward facing balconies because of the winds.
7. The price range varies according to size, location, facilities and so on. So, determine how much each kind of cabin will cost and which one will fit into your budget and needs. Think cost and convenience.
Ask while booking about cabin guarantees. This means that you will be allocated the cabin chosen by you or one in a higher category. When a cruise line offers a run of ship guarantee it just means that you are assured a space but not a guarantee of which kind.
While planning a cruise pay special attention to accommodation, it is as important as where the ship will sail and dock.
by Barry Allen
Barry Allen is a freelance writer for http://www.1888cruise.com , the premier website to find cruises, cheap cruise, Discounted Cruises, cruise travel, Luxury Cruise Line, cruise holiday, family cruises and many more.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/7-Tips-On-Picking-A-Cabin-On-A-Cruise-Ship/608308
Cruising has become an important vacation choice. And an important part of being comfortable on a cruise is to get a cabin that suits your needs. A cruise ship is a huge maze and has cabins of different choices and set ups at all levels. As a part of the booking process you must make an effort to choose a cabin that will make your vacation cruise a dream one.
1. Try and study the layout of the ship you are traveling in either online or at the cruise line office. Whether a mainstream cruise or a luxury one each ship will have a wide variety of accommodation choices. Find out what are the choices of cabins available on the ship you are booking on. Often you will find that a ship has over twenty different categories.
2. Find out what the differences are between a cruise ship cabin and stateroom. Ask about standard, ocean view, balcony, and suite.
3. Know your personal preferences and needs. Think would you enjoy a cabin with a balcony or one with a large window? Would you like to be situated a little far from traffic or close to where all the activities are?
4. Take into consideration the fact that it is in the cabin that you will be able to relax, watch TV, enjoy a long bath, or read a novel without being disturbed. The cabin will be your haven, home away from home for the duration of the cruise. So, take all your personal needs into consideration when booking a cabin. If the kids are going with you, look for family accommodation suites with adjoining cabins that have connecting doors.
5. Ask which cabins will be below or close to the water line, which ones are located way below deck and close to the engines or kitchens; check out how many stairs you will have to climb to reach deck.
6. Consider location carefully. Find out which cabins are close to the disco or just below a jogging track or close to an elevator or lobby. Remember you may be woken up by the thud of feet while early morning joggers enjoy the sea air. Similarly try and avoid cabins that are at the bow or stem of the ship, here you will experience first hand movement of the seas and ship as well as the drone of machinery such as anchors, or propellers. Most experts would recommend cabins that are mid-ship and recommend against forward facing balconies because of the winds.
7. The price range varies according to size, location, facilities and so on. So, determine how much each kind of cabin will cost and which one will fit into your budget and needs. Think cost and convenience.
Ask while booking about cabin guarantees. This means that you will be allocated the cabin chosen by you or one in a higher category. When a cruise line offers a run of ship guarantee it just means that you are assured a space but not a guarantee of which kind.
While planning a cruise pay special attention to accommodation, it is as important as where the ship will sail and dock.
by Barry Allen
Barry Allen is a freelance writer for http://www.1888cruise.com , the premier website to find cruises, cheap cruise, Discounted Cruises, cruise travel, Luxury Cruise Line, cruise holiday, family cruises and many more.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/7-Tips-On-Picking-A-Cabin-On-A-Cruise-Ship/608308
...
The cruise industry bills cruising as a great value, for one upfront price, your accommodations, meals and trip are paid for. But most cruisers end up spending more.
How to save Money on Your Next Cruise with Your Travel Buddy Cruises
What's your next trip really going to cost you? Travel expenses can add up faster than you might think.
The cruise industry bills cruising as a great value, for one upfront price, your accommodations, meals and trip are paid for. But most cruisers end up spending more.
Learning how to save money on cruises may seem like navigating a maze. After all, you may hear dozens of different prices quoted -- all for the same cruise!
Brent Vanderstelt, owner of Your Travel Buddy Cruises says his rule of thumb is to assume he'll spend half the amount of the cruise fare on incidentals.
But if you pursue these simple strategies -- from the initial planning stages to the day you disembark from your ship -- you can cruise like royalty and still keep your wallet intact with cash.
First, you want to focus on booking the best deal.
Timing is critical. The best deals are available either by booking early -- a year or so before a cruise departs -- or by booking late, within two or three months of a ship's departure.
Early booking deals are usually available through travel agents, such as Your Travel Buddy Network or directly through the cruise lines. Late booking deals are typically offered online by huge Internet discounters, such as Your Travel Buddy Cruises. If you have plenty of flexibility in your travel plans, late bookings are usually the hottest deals going.
The choice of stateroom is another key. If you plan to spend most of your time on deck or in the ship's public rooms, you can forego pricey extras such as verandahs or even windows -- both of which can add hundreds of dollars to your fare.
Smaller cabins, too, can cost thousands of dollars less than elaborate suites. Yet you might be surprised at how roomy the cabins can be on modern cruise ships.
Second, you'll want to concentrate on tracking down discounts.
You are most likely eligible for discounts on your next cruise:
· If you're traveling as part of a group of friends or family, you can find the best group cruise deals at Group Cruise eBook.
· are past age 55, all cruise lines offer sailing at senior rates, many times with groups
· have served in the military, most cruise lines offer military discounts
· or you have sailed with a particular cruise line in the past (perks and frequent sailer programs)
Policies differ by each cruise line, though, so be sure to ask to your travel agent or online cruise advisor.
You can also find big discounts by choosing off-season sailings or special "repositioning" cruises, in which ships travel from one region to another, such as Alaska to the Caribbean or South America to the Mediterranean.
Most crucial, you'll want to be alert to saving money onboard.
Many cruise lines offer low upfront fares to fill cabins that would otherwise go empty, figuring they'll make up any deficits by charging for lots of extras once you board.
These may include alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, casino gambling, "premium" restaurants, souvenir photographs, and, most expensive of all, organized shore excursions, which can cost hundreds of dollars apiece.
Cruise for free, start a group cruise
If you have enough people who are interested in taking a cruise together, then you can earn a free cruise. The cruise line will award a free berth for every so many cabins your group books. This can be as few as five cabins for longer Caribbean, Alaska and European sailings or as many as eight cabins for shorter cruises. There's typically no cap on the number of free beds you can earn, so as long as you keep booking cabins, you group can keep earning free beds. Visit Group Cruise eBook for more information.
Take Advantage of the FREE Activities
Plenty of things to do on a cruise ship are free, like using the fitness center or catching live performances, from comedy to musical variety.
On Princess Cruises, one way to lure you out of your room is a giant poolside screen, 300 square feet, that shows feature films (including first-run movies and family shows), concerts and even telecasts of events, from the inauguration to the Super Bowl to the Oscars. Princess calls the program "Movies Under the Stars" but there are broadcasts all day as well as at night. The screens are now on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess and Sea Princess, and they'll be installed in 2009 on Golden Princess, Dawn Princess and Coral Princess.
Remember, though, that all these pricey extras are optional. By carefully establishing an onboard budget -- and sticking to it -- you can keep spending way down.
Once you know how to save money on cruises, you're in for smooth sailing with Your Travel Buddy Cruises and Group Cruise eBook.
by Brent7784
Brent Vanderstelt is owner is Your Travel Buddy (http://YourTravelBuddyNetwork.Com), Your travel buddy Cruises (http://YourTravelBuddyCruises) and Group Cruise eBook (http://GroupCruiseeBook.om).
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-to-save-Money-on-Your-Next-Cruise-with-Your-Travel-Buddy-Cruises/717484
The cruise industry bills cruising as a great value, for one upfront price, your accommodations, meals and trip are paid for. But most cruisers end up spending more.
Learning how to save money on cruises may seem like navigating a maze. After all, you may hear dozens of different prices quoted -- all for the same cruise!
Brent Vanderstelt, owner of Your Travel Buddy Cruises says his rule of thumb is to assume he'll spend half the amount of the cruise fare on incidentals.
But if you pursue these simple strategies -- from the initial planning stages to the day you disembark from your ship -- you can cruise like royalty and still keep your wallet intact with cash.
First, you want to focus on booking the best deal.
Timing is critical. The best deals are available either by booking early -- a year or so before a cruise departs -- or by booking late, within two or three months of a ship's departure.
Early booking deals are usually available through travel agents, such as Your Travel Buddy Network or directly through the cruise lines. Late booking deals are typically offered online by huge Internet discounters, such as Your Travel Buddy Cruises. If you have plenty of flexibility in your travel plans, late bookings are usually the hottest deals going.
The choice of stateroom is another key. If you plan to spend most of your time on deck or in the ship's public rooms, you can forego pricey extras such as verandahs or even windows -- both of which can add hundreds of dollars to your fare.
Smaller cabins, too, can cost thousands of dollars less than elaborate suites. Yet you might be surprised at how roomy the cabins can be on modern cruise ships.
Second, you'll want to concentrate on tracking down discounts.
You are most likely eligible for discounts on your next cruise:
· If you're traveling as part of a group of friends or family, you can find the best group cruise deals at Group Cruise eBook.
· are past age 55, all cruise lines offer sailing at senior rates, many times with groups
· have served in the military, most cruise lines offer military discounts
· or you have sailed with a particular cruise line in the past (perks and frequent sailer programs)
Policies differ by each cruise line, though, so be sure to ask to your travel agent or online cruise advisor.
You can also find big discounts by choosing off-season sailings or special "repositioning" cruises, in which ships travel from one region to another, such as Alaska to the Caribbean or South America to the Mediterranean.
Most crucial, you'll want to be alert to saving money onboard.
Many cruise lines offer low upfront fares to fill cabins that would otherwise go empty, figuring they'll make up any deficits by charging for lots of extras once you board.
These may include alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, casino gambling, "premium" restaurants, souvenir photographs, and, most expensive of all, organized shore excursions, which can cost hundreds of dollars apiece.
Cruise for free, start a group cruise
If you have enough people who are interested in taking a cruise together, then you can earn a free cruise. The cruise line will award a free berth for every so many cabins your group books. This can be as few as five cabins for longer Caribbean, Alaska and European sailings or as many as eight cabins for shorter cruises. There's typically no cap on the number of free beds you can earn, so as long as you keep booking cabins, you group can keep earning free beds. Visit Group Cruise eBook for more information.
Take Advantage of the FREE Activities
Plenty of things to do on a cruise ship are free, like using the fitness center or catching live performances, from comedy to musical variety.
On Princess Cruises, one way to lure you out of your room is a giant poolside screen, 300 square feet, that shows feature films (including first-run movies and family shows), concerts and even telecasts of events, from the inauguration to the Super Bowl to the Oscars. Princess calls the program "Movies Under the Stars" but there are broadcasts all day as well as at night. The screens are now on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess and Sea Princess, and they'll be installed in 2009 on Golden Princess, Dawn Princess and Coral Princess.
Remember, though, that all these pricey extras are optional. By carefully establishing an onboard budget -- and sticking to it -- you can keep spending way down.
Once you know how to save money on cruises, you're in for smooth sailing with Your Travel Buddy Cruises and Group Cruise eBook.
by Brent7784
Brent Vanderstelt is owner is Your Travel Buddy (http://YourTravelBuddyNetwork.Com), Your travel buddy Cruises (http://YourTravelBuddyCruises) and Group Cruise eBook (http://GroupCruiseeBook.om).
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-to-save-Money-on-Your-Next-Cruise-with-Your-Travel-Buddy-Cruises/717484
Honeymooning on a Cruise Ship
Getting married? There are plenty of wonderful destinations for your honeymoon. But how are you gone get there? Did you ever think of a cruise ship? Believe me - it's the best way to start your honeymoon. In fact it is the best way to start your marriage!
Every year, thousands of couples get married. If you're planning your wedding, it is likely that you'll plan a honeymoon as well. Honeymoons are often looked upon as vacations. In a sense, they are. But there are two major differences. Number one: romance is in the air. Number two: no kids. The bride, the groom and plenty of time. That makes honeymoons fun, exciting and memorable.
As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options when it comes to planning your honeymoon. Many newlyweds schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or other secluded areas. Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise ship? Cruise ships are increasing in popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a vacation option. And that’s a shame.
You’ll be amazed!
One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is because of their cost. A cruise is considered to be expensive. Well, I´ll let you in on a little secret. They don´t have to be. The competition in the cruise line industry is killing. If you play your card smart, you can be the one that benefits. Do a Google search on discount cruise ship tickets and you´ll be amazed!
Those discount tickets are usually sold fast. So here is the rule. First of all decide where you wane go and set your budget. Then sit down and do your homework on the computer (or with the help of a travel agent). Once you see an offer that fits your needs, do not hesitate. Jump on it and celebrate. You just made a dream reality!
Take it from a pro
Let me raise another question. Are cruises actually pricy? It is important to examine the activities available onboard and the length of the cruise. The longer the cruise and the more services available, the more expensive tickets are likely to be. If you take the time to figure out all the services that are included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see that cruises aren’t all that expensive after all. Do the math and - again - you'll be surprised.
Once you've made the decision to spend your honeymoon onboard a cruise liner, you'll have to book reservations. When examining cruise ship destinations, look for the possibility for romance. As your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing time, you'll want to select destinations that will keep that spirit alive. Those destinations are all over the world. But take it from a pro: for newlyweds the Caribbean is the place to go. There are over 7.000 islands. Pick a couple. No matter what islands you’ll be sailing for, there will be sandy white beaches, the friendliest people you can think of and lots of rum. You can’t go wrong here.
Amorous and intimate
Before I forget: take a close look at the type of cruise you select. Most cruise lines have ships that are targeted to seniors, risk seekers or families. Stay away from the last two mentioned. Remember: you are searching a private, amorous and intimate setting. Hard to find whit kids all over the swimming pool or adventure junkies bungee jumping from the upper decks...
by Capt. Jack Storms
Captain Jack Storms is a retired cruise ship captain. He runs a website called CaptainJacksCruise.info
where he provides information on cruise destinations, preparations for a perfect cruise and much more.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Honeymooning-on-a-Cruise-Ship/152464
Every year, thousands of couples get married. If you're planning your wedding, it is likely that you'll plan a honeymoon as well. Honeymoons are often looked upon as vacations. In a sense, they are. But there are two major differences. Number one: romance is in the air. Number two: no kids. The bride, the groom and plenty of time. That makes honeymoons fun, exciting and memorable.
As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options when it comes to planning your honeymoon. Many newlyweds schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or other secluded areas. Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise ship? Cruise ships are increasing in popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a vacation option. And that’s a shame.
You’ll be amazed!
One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is because of their cost. A cruise is considered to be expensive. Well, I´ll let you in on a little secret. They don´t have to be. The competition in the cruise line industry is killing. If you play your card smart, you can be the one that benefits. Do a Google search on discount cruise ship tickets and you´ll be amazed!
Those discount tickets are usually sold fast. So here is the rule. First of all decide where you wane go and set your budget. Then sit down and do your homework on the computer (or with the help of a travel agent). Once you see an offer that fits your needs, do not hesitate. Jump on it and celebrate. You just made a dream reality!
Take it from a pro
Let me raise another question. Are cruises actually pricy? It is important to examine the activities available onboard and the length of the cruise. The longer the cruise and the more services available, the more expensive tickets are likely to be. If you take the time to figure out all the services that are included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see that cruises aren’t all that expensive after all. Do the math and - again - you'll be surprised.
Once you've made the decision to spend your honeymoon onboard a cruise liner, you'll have to book reservations. When examining cruise ship destinations, look for the possibility for romance. As your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing time, you'll want to select destinations that will keep that spirit alive. Those destinations are all over the world. But take it from a pro: for newlyweds the Caribbean is the place to go. There are over 7.000 islands. Pick a couple. No matter what islands you’ll be sailing for, there will be sandy white beaches, the friendliest people you can think of and lots of rum. You can’t go wrong here.
Amorous and intimate
Before I forget: take a close look at the type of cruise you select. Most cruise lines have ships that are targeted to seniors, risk seekers or families. Stay away from the last two mentioned. Remember: you are searching a private, amorous and intimate setting. Hard to find whit kids all over the swimming pool or adventure junkies bungee jumping from the upper decks...
by Capt. Jack Storms
Captain Jack Storms is a retired cruise ship captain. He runs a website called CaptainJacksCruise.info
where he provides information on cruise destinations, preparations for a perfect cruise and much more.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Honeymooning-on-a-Cruise-Ship/152464
...
With the cost of oil now down to little more than sixty dollars a barrel – that’s half the price it was in July – cruise lines have taken their first steps to get rid of fuel surcharges.
Cruiseline Fuel Surcharges-The End?
With the cost of oil now down to little more than sixty dollars a barrel – that’s half the price it was in July – cruise lines have taken their first steps to get rid of fuel surcharges.
US giant Carnival is being credited with having started the ball rolling, but it appears that the plaudits should actually go to Voyages of Discovery.
Vilified for having the highest fuel surcharge in the industry at a whopping £19 a day, we discovered this week that it quietly dropped them in the summer with immediate effect. Bookings now and for 2009 are guaranteed to be surcharge-free.
Sister company Swan Hellenic removed its surcharges last month, with a no-supplement guarantee in force until March 31, 2009.
MSC Cruises also has an early xmas present for cruisers – as of November, the fuel surcharge has been dropped on all future bookings.
US cruising giant Carnival, which owns Cunard, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Ocean Village, among other brands, is axing fuel surcharges on bookings made after October 31 2008 – but only for cruises in 2010.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is also dropping fuel surcharges, this time on bookings made after November 10 this year, but likewise only for cruises taken on or after January 2010. The change affects Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, which are all owned by RCCL.
There is also a ray of hope to those who have booked a 2009 cruise on either a Carnival or RCCL ship, or who plan to book one for next year.
Fred Olsen a big favourite with older British cruisers, is still collecting £6 per person per night, or £84 over a two-week cruise. NCL continues to levy US$11 (£7.28) per person per night, and there are levies of US$8 (£5.30) on Disney Cruise Line and £3.50 on Star Clippers.
Any cause for celebration has to be taken in context with news that this Friday, at the same time as dropping fuel surcharges across its brands, Carnival is increasing cruise prices for, yes, you’ve guessed it, its two thousand and ten sailings – the ones that should have benefited from an end to the fuel surcharge.
The cruise line has not said what those increases will be – and of course there is the bigger question of whether they will actually stick in the present economic climate – but I suspect what they are really doing is building the surcharge into the cost of the cruise, so it is presented as one price.
by About2Cruise
Danny Smith is the owner of UK cruise specialist About2Cruise
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Cruiseline-Fuel-Surcharges-The-End?/584671
US giant Carnival is being credited with having started the ball rolling, but it appears that the plaudits should actually go to Voyages of Discovery.
Vilified for having the highest fuel surcharge in the industry at a whopping £19 a day, we discovered this week that it quietly dropped them in the summer with immediate effect. Bookings now and for 2009 are guaranteed to be surcharge-free.
Sister company Swan Hellenic removed its surcharges last month, with a no-supplement guarantee in force until March 31, 2009.
MSC Cruises also has an early xmas present for cruisers – as of November, the fuel surcharge has been dropped on all future bookings.
US cruising giant Carnival, which owns Cunard, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Ocean Village, among other brands, is axing fuel surcharges on bookings made after October 31 2008 – but only for cruises in 2010.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is also dropping fuel surcharges, this time on bookings made after November 10 this year, but likewise only for cruises taken on or after January 2010. The change affects Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, which are all owned by RCCL.
There is also a ray of hope to those who have booked a 2009 cruise on either a Carnival or RCCL ship, or who plan to book one for next year.
Fred Olsen a big favourite with older British cruisers, is still collecting £6 per person per night, or £84 over a two-week cruise. NCL continues to levy US$11 (£7.28) per person per night, and there are levies of US$8 (£5.30) on Disney Cruise Line and £3.50 on Star Clippers.
Any cause for celebration has to be taken in context with news that this Friday, at the same time as dropping fuel surcharges across its brands, Carnival is increasing cruise prices for, yes, you’ve guessed it, its two thousand and ten sailings – the ones that should have benefited from an end to the fuel surcharge.
The cruise line has not said what those increases will be – and of course there is the bigger question of whether they will actually stick in the present economic climate – but I suspect what they are really doing is building the surcharge into the cost of the cruise, so it is presented as one price.
by About2Cruise
Danny Smith is the owner of UK cruise specialist About2Cruise
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Cruiseline-Fuel-Surcharges-The-End?/584671
...
What Happen If.....
Cruises are great vacation values, but some of the most popular cruises travel hurricane-prone waters. Hurricanes are seasonal storms and our ability to monitor and predict them (within a range, that is) means they are not big problems to the cruise industry. But what happens if a hurricane delays or cancels your trip? There are ways to protect yourself.
Cruises are great vacation values, but some of the most popular cruises travel hurricane-prone waters. Hurricanes are seasonal storms and our ability to monitor and predict them (within a range, that is) means they are not big problems to the cruise industry. But what happens if a hurricane delays or cancels your trip? There are ways to protect yourself.
Insurance While Onboard Cruise Ship
Tips for Hurricane and Weather Issues for Cruise Passengers
A Caribbean cruise sounds great and summer is one of the peak seasons for cruise lines. It also happens to be peak season for hurricanes and tropical storms. Cruise passengers bound for tropical destinations need to know a bit about tropical weather--which includes hurricanes--and how it could affect their travel.
Stormy weather has always been a problem for ships, but it is less of a problem today than at any other point in history. This is not to say that the weather is any better. It's just that our ability to monitor and predict it has sharpened considerably.
The hurricane season runs from to May to October, with most activity typically occurring in August and September, the hottest months of the year.
Hurricanes form in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic when the waters get very warm. The U.S. Weather Service tracks storms as they start to brew. In the earliest stage, a storm begins as a tropical depression. When it intensifies, it becomes a hurricane. Hurricanes are further classified by category, with Category 1 being the least and Category 5 the worst storm. Storm intensity is measured by wind velocity and barometric pressure.
The good thing about hurricanes is that they do not appear instantly. While they may intensify abruptly and sometimes they travel quickly, hurricanes do not suddenly spring up without warning. This means that hurricanes do not strike without warning or pop up when you least expect them.
Since some of the most popular cruise destinations are located in hurricane-prone waters, cruise ships monitor so-called "weather events" very closely. Should any weather event threaten your ship, the captain has several choices. Whatever decision the captain may reach, the uppermost priority is always the safety of the passengers and the vseel.
Many times, cruise ships can simply change their routes to avoid the path or potential path of dangerous storms. This might change your itinerary a bit. I've been on a cruise ship that could not make one of its ports of its call because of the weather; it was forced to go around a different route. When this occurs, the ship usually offers alternate on-board activities. On my particular voyage, a big on-board bash substituted for the port of call.
For folks who do not deal with hurricanes regularly, it may come as a surprise to know that hurricanes are actually largely predictable--within a range. True, meteorologists cannot pinpoint a hurricane's path precisely. Even our best technology does not help. But if you widen the hurricane's path to a line many miles wide, we can indeed predict its path. In other words, we might not know exactly where a hurricane is going, but we can narrow down its path to a target zone.
For that reason, ships in hurricane-prone waters can frequently "dodge" storms safely. It's not even that unusual. Summertime tropical waters frequently get turbulent and stormy. Sometimes a ship will alter its course subtly to avoid a minor weather event--and passengers never even notice.
Serious storms can delay or cancel a particular voyage. For instance, if you are supposed to leave from your port of embarkation at the same time a hurricane is bearing down on that port city, the trip can be canceled. While this is an extremely unlikely event, it can happen. (If you are due to go on a cruise, follow the weather at the port of embarkation city for at least a couple of days prior to your trip.)
In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, talk to your cruise representative before booking to find out what happens in the event a voyage is canceled. The cruise line has policies and procedures in place that you should know about in advance.
Chances are good that the representative will advise you to consider travelers' insurance as the best way to cover possible storm-related changes to your vacation plans. These policies cover your expenses for your travel plans if they are canceled because of storms or even other problems, which might include personal family emergencies or illness.
Most cruise representatives can direct you to reputable insurance agencies who write these policies, but you can also contact your own insurance agent. Most regular insurance agents will be able to help you (if your regular insurance company does not write such policies, your agent will likely know of an agency that does).
Weather-related decisions must often be made at the last minute, so expect that early information may not always be exactly what happens. In other words, you may embark on your voyage with a seemingly harmless tropical storm on the horizon only to have your voyage altered when the storm intensifies and the ship has to sail around it.
Despite the fact that hurricanes occur every year in cruise ship waters, the disruption they pose to cruise ship traffic is actually minimal.
The best strategy is to inform yourself of the risks and protect yourself, as appropriate, with insurance. Know that if a cruise ship does change plans because of the weather, it is not a decision that is made lightly. It's a safety issue.
Before you book your cruise, get a report on how to make the best choices to meet your needs. There are dozens of cruise lines and hundreds of options--learn to navigate them to get the best package and best deal for you. The report is available for a limited time free at http://www.thecruise-shopper.com/sign_up.html .
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Tips-for-Hurricane-and-Weather-Issues-for-Cruise-Passengers/486056
A Caribbean cruise sounds great and summer is one of the peak seasons for cruise lines. It also happens to be peak season for hurricanes and tropical storms. Cruise passengers bound for tropical destinations need to know a bit about tropical weather--which includes hurricanes--and how it could affect their travel.
Stormy weather has always been a problem for ships, but it is less of a problem today than at any other point in history. This is not to say that the weather is any better. It's just that our ability to monitor and predict it has sharpened considerably.
The hurricane season runs from to May to October, with most activity typically occurring in August and September, the hottest months of the year.
Hurricanes form in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic when the waters get very warm. The U.S. Weather Service tracks storms as they start to brew. In the earliest stage, a storm begins as a tropical depression. When it intensifies, it becomes a hurricane. Hurricanes are further classified by category, with Category 1 being the least and Category 5 the worst storm. Storm intensity is measured by wind velocity and barometric pressure.
The good thing about hurricanes is that they do not appear instantly. While they may intensify abruptly and sometimes they travel quickly, hurricanes do not suddenly spring up without warning. This means that hurricanes do not strike without warning or pop up when you least expect them.
Since some of the most popular cruise destinations are located in hurricane-prone waters, cruise ships monitor so-called "weather events" very closely. Should any weather event threaten your ship, the captain has several choices. Whatever decision the captain may reach, the uppermost priority is always the safety of the passengers and the vseel.
Many times, cruise ships can simply change their routes to avoid the path or potential path of dangerous storms. This might change your itinerary a bit. I've been on a cruise ship that could not make one of its ports of its call because of the weather; it was forced to go around a different route. When this occurs, the ship usually offers alternate on-board activities. On my particular voyage, a big on-board bash substituted for the port of call.
For folks who do not deal with hurricanes regularly, it may come as a surprise to know that hurricanes are actually largely predictable--within a range. True, meteorologists cannot pinpoint a hurricane's path precisely. Even our best technology does not help. But if you widen the hurricane's path to a line many miles wide, we can indeed predict its path. In other words, we might not know exactly where a hurricane is going, but we can narrow down its path to a target zone.
For that reason, ships in hurricane-prone waters can frequently "dodge" storms safely. It's not even that unusual. Summertime tropical waters frequently get turbulent and stormy. Sometimes a ship will alter its course subtly to avoid a minor weather event--and passengers never even notice.
Serious storms can delay or cancel a particular voyage. For instance, if you are supposed to leave from your port of embarkation at the same time a hurricane is bearing down on that port city, the trip can be canceled. While this is an extremely unlikely event, it can happen. (If you are due to go on a cruise, follow the weather at the port of embarkation city for at least a couple of days prior to your trip.)
In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, talk to your cruise representative before booking to find out what happens in the event a voyage is canceled. The cruise line has policies and procedures in place that you should know about in advance.
Chances are good that the representative will advise you to consider travelers' insurance as the best way to cover possible storm-related changes to your vacation plans. These policies cover your expenses for your travel plans if they are canceled because of storms or even other problems, which might include personal family emergencies or illness.
Most cruise representatives can direct you to reputable insurance agencies who write these policies, but you can also contact your own insurance agent. Most regular insurance agents will be able to help you (if your regular insurance company does not write such policies, your agent will likely know of an agency that does).
Weather-related decisions must often be made at the last minute, so expect that early information may not always be exactly what happens. In other words, you may embark on your voyage with a seemingly harmless tropical storm on the horizon only to have your voyage altered when the storm intensifies and the ship has to sail around it.
Despite the fact that hurricanes occur every year in cruise ship waters, the disruption they pose to cruise ship traffic is actually minimal.
The best strategy is to inform yourself of the risks and protect yourself, as appropriate, with insurance. Know that if a cruise ship does change plans because of the weather, it is not a decision that is made lightly. It's a safety issue.
Before you book your cruise, get a report on how to make the best choices to meet your needs. There are dozens of cruise lines and hundreds of options--learn to navigate them to get the best package and best deal for you. The report is available for a limited time free at http://www.thecruise-shopper.com/sign_up.html .
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Tips-for-Hurricane-and-Weather-Issues-for-Cruise-Passengers/486056
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