A cruise ship provides a great, one price, vacation, and one of the main attractions to booking a cruise ship is that just about everything is included in the price. When many people think about a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most thrilling – the cruise vacation. Cheap Accommodation In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the food on cruise vacation ships are often better-quality to those in all but the best land locked restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price. Traveling Off-season Of course, it is possible to save money by traveling in the off-season, and this can often be a great plan. For instance, even though it is the middle of the winter and most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it may be warm and tempting in many tropical cruise ship destinations. It is important, however to check out the local weather, and to avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering. Steering clear of hurricanes, tropical downpours and other weather problems can help you get the most out of your cruise ship. Cabins If you have never taken a cruise ship before, it is a good idea to get advice from those who have experienced cruising. These people can give valuable insight on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise ship experience. The location of the cabin is another important consideration when booking a cruise ship. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive. Discounts and Cheap Cruise ship Deals It is not always necessary to shop early, of course. Cruise ship lines have been known to offer some fantastic discounts at the last minute in order to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with a less than full passenger load. There are many last minute travel newsletters that provide details on these types of cruise ship deals, and these last minute travel deals are a big hit with retirees and others with the time to see the world. Food and Gym After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise vacation also typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise vacation it is generally included. Shipboard Entertainment The cost of a cruise vacation also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options of a cruise vacation are often one of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theatres, spas, nightclubs, discos, and even casinos. There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise. Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise vacation are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks. It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise vacation by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time. For all these reasons, cruise vacation can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week cruise vacation at one low price is one more reason to love cruising.
I’ve cruised dozens of ships on various lines and in my opinion this is as good as it gets on a mega-liner of 2200+ passengers with 920 crew. Costa’s Atlantica was a floating palace of art deco furnishings, marble inlaid floors and millions of dollars invested in original works of art. It exceeded my expectations. Also I normally loose weight on cruises shunning the ships artificial fare. This time I over indulged on varied menus of fresh food. I ate enough prosciutto and ice cream to last a decade. The Italian accented cuisine was prepared by Euro-chefs and culinary graduates of the world famous Chaine des Rotisseurs. We had an awesome group of 60 who blended harmoniously. No love connections occurred (that I know of), but friendships developed as we bonded on our AFS private shore excursions and parties onboard. This group was blessed throughout with the best weather the Baltic region could ever provide - 68є daily and no rain. The First Officer said “this was the best weather of the summer.” Each country visited was a lesson in culture and history. We saw an eyeful along our 1987 nautical miles. In Copenhagen Denmark - with it’s Mermaid, Stockholm Sweden – the archipelago referred to as “Venice of the North”, Helsinki Finland – so friendly, modern and clean, Grand St. Petersburg Russia where we squeezed in a full power tour of the Hermitage, palaces, onion domed churches, canals and an evening ballet. Our final port was charming Tallinn Estonia where the entire walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was like walking through a fairytale. For our days at sea there was never a dull moment with 3 pools, shops, casino, luxurious spa and contests with the crew. The 2 story gym was so high tech that I didn’t know how to turn on the equipment, so the only exercise I got was jumping to conclusions. The midnight buffets were the most magnificent I’ve ever witnessed with countless ice sculptures. There was a house baked out of bread and piano shaped from white chocolate. On our last night we attempted to pack all our trinkets collected: faberge egg, Russian nesting dolls, Swedish crystal, Finish glassware, Nordic pewter, lingonberry jams, amber jewelry, hand knit sweaters and a million T-shirts. Many things such as our fur hats may end up in a garage sale some day, but the bargaining sure was fun. We tasted just an appetizer of this 5 country smorgasbord but leave perfectly satisfied. As I say Bon Voyage to this unique part of this world, I am able to remiss another journey well done.
Many parents of small children find that their idea of a dream holiday differs somewhat from that of the children. For kids from tiny babies up to teenagers, the world of Disney holds an appeal that is universal. While this is great for the kids, and the parents would have a great time too, many adults would prefer to go on a relaxing cruise vacation. The luxury and opulence of this lifestyle appeals to many but when sacrifices are to be made, it is the parents who usually end up making them. Disney, being the clever company that they are, have managed to provide both parents and children with their holiday of their dreams, combining the magical world of Disney characters with a cruise holiday. These Disney cruises offer families the best of both worlds and ensure that all of the members of the family have a holiday never to forget. The Disney Cruises offer breaks from 3 to 7 nights in duration. These include a variety of off-shore and on-shore options and allow you to choose the cruise which is truly right for your family. The shorter 3 or 4 night cruises take in the Bahamas and call into port at Nassau and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. The longer cruises of 7 nights offer you the choice of eastern or Western Caribbean seas and islands but whichever you choose you can be confident that your views will be breathtaking and that you are almost certain to experience the beautiful sunshine that this part of the world is famous for. In between the island exploring that these cruises offer you, you will be aboard a truly spectacular cruise liner. There is no need to worry about what you will do to occupy your time when sailing as there is a whole host of activities available for all the family. Activity groups are provided for children through to teenagers, and these groups are divided into ages so that you can be sure the activities on offer will stimulate and entertain your child, whatever their age. Disney cruises even offer parents their own club which is just for adults, allowing them to spend some quality time away from the children whilst remaining confident in the knowledge that they are being cared for by fully qualified staff. Activities available just for the adults include a spa and salon, nightclub and adult-only restaurant. Family time is also catered for onboard the cruise liner. Live entertainment is provided daily, beginning with a Welcome Aboard show and ending your cruise with a Magical Farewell. In between you can be sure to be introduced to all of your favorite Disney characters and songs in shows which live up to and exceed the reputation Disney has for superb live entertainment. The only problem you will have when it comes to food is deciding which restaurant to eat in. Catering for all tastes and palates, the cruises offer an exciting variety of menus and world cuisine. This gives everyone a real opportunity to try something new and the exceptional chefs on board will ensure that it is all prepared to the highest standard. Only the finest ingredients are selected for every dish, as you would expect from Disney. With so much to see and do on a Disney cruise, you will have very little time to spend in your room and when you return there you will want to fall straight to sleep so that you can be up and ready for your adventure the next day. However, you can rest assured that the same attention to detail is found in the rooms as it is everywhere else on the cruise. When booking, you can select the type of room you require and you can be certain that it will exceed your expectations.
Planning to go on a Caribbean cruise? You need to decide two things in advance – when you’re going and where. Read on for useful information to help you make those choices. Many people say that the Caribbean islands are best enjoyed during summer, but keep in mind that Caribbean cruises during this time are usually jam packed. This is when families, tour groups, and even corporate assemblies prefer to visit the islands, so if you’re planning to join the pack, be sure to book your cruise in advance. The average cruise length is about seven days. If you want to enjoy big discounts, though, then try Caribbean cruises during the fall. Rates are substantially lower (sometimes half the regular rate), and you usually don’t need to wait in line for slots to free up. When deciding between Eastern or Western Caribbean, your decision should depend on what you intend to do during the course of the cruise. As a general guide, you should go for a Western Caribbean cruise if you want to spend more time sailing (rather than going on land for other activities). Western Caribbean cruises start in either in New Orleans, Texas, or Florida, and then make their way to Palaya del Carmen in Mexico, the Caymans, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, among many other destinations. There are many things to do in a Western Caribbean cruise, and toping the crowd favorite are tours of the Mayan ruins. If you want to do more shopping, though, then you might enjoy an Eastern Caribbean cruise better. This way, you get to see the shopping spots and fantastic beaches of the Bahamas and Puerto Rico (among others). If you can’t decide, it might be a good idea to buy guide books to Caribbean cruises. Many books offer you great advice on the itinerary and the cruise ship to tally with your goals and interests.
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.. A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.. More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East.. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you're after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.. History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona, before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.. A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.. In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.. A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt's Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.. The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you've ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity..
Celebrity Cruises are special cruise lines with a semi-formal atmosphere. These types of cruise lines are specially designed for celebrities and equipped with excellent food, service, and attention to details. Celebrity Cruises are often awarded with the coveted "5 star" ratings. Art auctions, arts, dance classes and crafts, pool, volleyball, golf putting, bridge lessons, bingo, and trapshooting are just some of the many activities that Celebrity Cruises offer. Celebrity Cruises offer a new level of premium cruising at an intelligent price. All forms of luxurious amenities are ready for the celebrities thus making their trip a memorable one. Celebrity Cruises boast of ten glamorous cruise ships (Constellation, Millennium, Infinity, Galaxy, Summit, etc.) that cruise to destinations around the world such as Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, South America, and the Panama Canal. Celebrity Cruises has always been known for its award winning cuisine. The cruises are dedicated to meet the highest standards and are famous for the wide varieties of food seasoned with fresh herbs, and prepared with only the finest produce and provisions. In addition to the traditional main dining room Celebrity offers their guests a selection of casual and poolside venues, comprising a poolside grill, pizza, sushi bar, pasta bar accompanied by the salad, soup, and sandwich bar. Celebrity guests can also enjoy different types of lunch featuring Italian, Asian, continental etc. A world-class beauty salon with a full menu of spa treatments and fitness programs are also arranged in the Celebrity cruises to enhance guests' vacations. The spa treatment includes various offers like thalassotherapy pool, jasmine flower baths, rejuvenating facials, and exotic massage treatments like the aromatherapy, Hawaiian massage or a refreshing Egyptian ceremony of ginger and milk. Celebrity Cruises' fitness center features magnificent floor-to-ceiling views and state-of-the-art equipment will all the latest exercise rowers, step units, bikes, benches, treadmills, and free weights. Onboard personal trainers are 24hours on duty to assist their guests. There is also cafe that serve with excellent food service. The cafe generally serves healthy entrees and snacks including chilled soup, smoothies, fresh-baked breads, gourmet salad, fish, fruit, and made-to-order specials. There are also special types of Celebrity cruises which are exclusively for adult guests and no children onboard. Where as in other cruises Celebrity's family can come and join them on all sailings. All children below the age group of 18 can happily participate with the Celebrity's unlimited soft drinks program. Children are free to take onboard soft drinks.
Alaska - The Great Frontier Aw Inspiring scenery, glistening glaciers, plentifull wildlife, and Native American culture are only some of the marvelous attractions that attract cruise vacationers to Alaska. With so much to see and do in Alaska, it's no wonder the state's official flower is the alpine forget-me-not! Cruise Lines that sail to Alaska on a seven-day itinerary usually cruise along the Inside Passage and visit Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, stopping at four ports along the way. Most cruise lines also offer a arrange of extended cruise-tour package options which take passengers deeper into Alaska via train and include land stays at lodges and sightseeing in Denali National Park - making their trip to Alaska even more exciting. For weather and sunlight purposes, cruises to Alaska cruise strictly during the summer months, from early May to mid-September. June, July and August can be known as peak season when average daily high temperatures can reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so those looking for the best rates should check sailing dates in May and September when temperatures settle around 50 degrees. A variety of ships & cruise lines sail to Alaska, including luxury vessels and midsize ships - most of which offer expanded kids activity for family vacationers. While the majority of cruise ships sail from Vancouver, BC, Seattle is increasingly becoming a favorite summer homeport for many lines. Both embarkation/disembarkation points allow cruise ships to visit the most popular ports on an Alaska cruise, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.
Alaska is truly a special place, it has been said that the people that chose to live in Alaska are trying to run away from something and avoid it, or that these people are trying to get as far away from society as they possibly can. Alaska is still, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states in the USA. The impressive mountains, the snow and ocean power make many people come visit Alaska to see and experience it first hand, you will be surprise to learn how many people choose Alaska as their vacation destination. This place is chosen because of its difference form anything else, it is unlike any other state in the U. S., and in fact it is unique to anywhere else in the world. Many people who experienced the close contact with the Alaska glacier will tell you that it is an experience unlike any other and that the visit to the glacier is a close look at something amazing, most of the people who just looked at a glacier form far away are not aware of this since they have not seen the glacier from that close, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. The numbers talk for themselves, as many tourists to Alaska as flocking to the Alaska glacier cruise. Unfortunately the weather conditions and some new threats are making the glaciers something that needs to be seen now, and not something that we can assume will always be there for us to visit, the global warming effect is just starting to claim it very high toll on the glaciers and because of its effect we know that many glaciers are losing great parts and melting into the ocean. Other problems that raise a serious concerned for the glaciers are new decisions by the U. S. congress makes difficult decisions about the right to drill in glaciers. This situation causes some people to go and see the wonder before it will be gone, or even out of a great concern to the environment. The way to travel to the glacier by cursing next to it and slowly observing every activity that is happening around it or on it is just perfect, not only perfect it is the natural way to observe these giants since they also have a rhythm of their own, and not rushing to watch the whole glacier as fast as possible will provide you with a much more fulfillment than any other way. This travel method does cost a little more and demands more time, but it is certainly worth it. There is a very good chance that in your cruise you will witness very special events that take place on the ground, Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat, behaving as they would weather or not you would have been cruising in a considerable distance from them is something as unique as the glacier visits. In conclusion, the Alaska glacier cruise has something unique to offer, it can be a special vacation for you and you family, the cruise itself is an experience and the glaciers are phenomenal, enjoy this remarkable way to travel and you will not forget it for the rest of your life.
Alicante is perhaps best known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca, famed more for its airport than for the tourist trapping provided by more familiar neighbours, Benidorm and Denia. Most visitors to Alicante use the town as an arrival and departure point, not stopping long enough to see what the area has to offer. But whilst the bright lights of the aforementioned neighbours beckon for most, Alicante is beginning to garner a reputation for having more to offer than the biggest airport for charter flights in Spain. Alicante offers a more subtle break in the Costa Blanca. The beaches and coastal attractions remains constant in the region, but the area is slightly more laid back than its’ noisy neighbour. Alicante has moved upmarket in recent years with a multitude of exclusive restaurants and bars popping up around the marina and commercial port area. The boulevard meanders pleasantly past the marina and beachfront area which merges into the charming Old Quarter. From a pleasant base in Alicante, Costa Blanca offers much to the more discerning tourist. The church at Altea is renowned and presents one of the most enduring and symbolic sights in the Costa Blanca. The regions old towns are typically a mix of traditional Christian and Moorish architecture with narrow, cobbled streets and plazas offering a pleasant atmosphere to while away the hours ( costablanca. org ) Further South lie Murcia and Valencia – a thriving modern city which has benefited from regeneration in recent years. Valencia is a cosmopolitan city which juxtaposes the traditional and modern features of Spain in miniature form. Alicante provides the ideal base for exploration of the region. The town offers a fine tourism infrastructure itself but the best way to explore the Costa Blanca is by self drive. There are several options for those willing to travel out with Alicante to discover the Costa Blanca on their own terms. The reliable train service meanders up and down the coast, taking in Altea and Denia as well as the bright lights of Benidorm. For a more authentic experience, hire cars are readily available ( easycar/aspx/car-hire/location/Alicante. aspx/EN ). Driving in the region has much to offer with pleasant coastal roads allowing you to explore on your own terms. The roads are generally safe, but some of the more mountainous areas should be traversed with some additional caution. When you have clocked up the miles and soaked in all that the region has to offer, Alicante provides a relaxed and pleasant base to unwind in. Unless you fancy a night on the town amid the bright lights of Benidorm, that is….
Cruise ships are rated on a 100 point scale. They need to maintain a health score higher than 86 out of 100. Cruise ships are a great location to have your next vacation. If given the opportunity, many parents would choose to take a cruise alone. Cruise ships are very safe as well. They are equipped with life boats, life jackets, emergency personnel, doctors, and firemen all on the cruise ship. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. Cruise ships are required to follow strict environmental regulations that ensure that treated sewage and wastewater from showers, sinks and kitchen galleys are discharged properly at designated offshore perimeters. In fact, cruise line waste management is so highly regarded that cruise lines are often consulted by state governments on pollution abatement and sewage control. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the amenities fine resorts have to offer. Passengers are invariably assigned to lifeboats or similar survival craft. The total capacity of all the survival craft on board will exceed the total number of persons on the vessel. Passengers become friends; they are never just cabin numbers. Unlike other larger ships, they are proud of the intimate world they offer, where modern-day conveniences sail in harmony with traditional values. Statistically, cruise ships are safer than hotels and resorts when it comes to fires and violent crime. However, it is in your best interest not to abandon common sense just because you board a cruise ship for a wonderful vacation. Staterooms will receive upgraded soft goods, Shear Butter bathroom amenities from L'Occitane, flat screen TVs and DVD/CD players, and Bose Sound Docks for use with iPods, which can be borrowed at no charge from reception. Wireless connectivity in public areas is promised for all three ships. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. Staterooms on all of today's modern cruise ships are equipped with satellite televisions and in some cases in-cabin internet connections. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of appetizers, salads, soups, main courses and desserts. Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different.
Vacations can become costly. The cost is often associated with extra expenses such as food, beverages, and entertainment. If you plan vacationing aboard a cruise ship, you do not necessarily have to be worried about the cost. All inclusive cruise ship is a ship where just about everything is included. The cost of your drinks, food, and entertainment are often taken care of. Many people wonder whether or not they you should book reservations aboard a traditional cruise ship or an all inclusive cruise ship. There are many advantages and disadvantages to an all inclusive cruise ship. The biggest advantage is that the majority of your needs are taken care of. Most all inclusive cruises cover food, drinks, and entertainment. If you plan to drink a large amount of alcohol or feasting on the amazing onboard food, you may be able to do so free of charge. You may also be granted exclusive admittance into movie theatres and video arcades. While many of your food and drinks are included in an all-inclusive package, not all are. It is possible that you may be required to pay for your alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise ships where alcohol beverages are included in the package, but on others it is not. When it comes to food, your food at a sit-down restaurant may be provided free of charge, but your snacks are typically not covered. This often includes snacks or small meals purchased at onboard specialty shops and vending machines. You can save money by brining your own snacks onboard, if the cruise ship allows it. Entertainment is often included in an all inclusive cruise ship package. As with food and drinks, the entertainment is often limited. It is likely that you will gain free admission into a dance or ball, but you will not be able to gamble free of charge. To find out whether or not you will save money aboard an all inclusive cruise ship, you should estimate your cost of food, drinks, and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise. By comparing the two, you can determine which cruise package offers the better deal.
With all the cruise offers out there in the market, there are everyday more and more people demanding the complete cruise vacation experience. All inclusive cruises born in the fashion of all inclusive vacations, with the goal of providing all the services and offering significant savings at the same time. An all inclusive cruise is a sort of a “just pay and relax” vacation. No extra worries before or after the cruise, the right kind of cruises for people who have all budget planned. Most cruises are in a way all inclusive, because the price usually includes all the basic stuff like rooms, basic meals, etc. But all inclusive cruises take it a step further and their programs feature full trips and excursions at the cruise destinations, meals and fancy dinners, aboard-cruise activities, beverages and night entertainment. More expensive packages go as far as providing alcohol, shore excursion, scuba equipment and more. You should keep in mind what type of vacation you are going to have in order to choose the right all inclusive cruises. There are packages to meet every need: family cruises, adult-only, golf cruises, honeymoon cruises, spring break cruises and many more. You definitely won’t run out of options. When choosing all inclusive cruises for your vacation, be sure to check all the offers available according to your budget. There are a lot of options because there are a lot of cruise ships as well. Searching in internet can result in a whole set of varied offers that you can then search more deeply. You may also like to contact a travel consultant who will be of immense help to find the perfect all inclusive cruises for your vacation. In the end, remember that all inclusive cruises are the perfect way to have a no worries cruise vacation. Just take your time choosing the right package for you and you are guaranteed to have the time of your life.
