Cabin Pressure - Which One For Your Cruise?
For three, five, seven or however many days, the ship’s cabin will be your second home. Depending on your plans for rest and relaxation, you might want to give some thought to your choice of cabins. If you plan to be on the go, go, go and partake of all the ship has to offer, then pay for the cheapest cabin rate. After all, you will only be in your cabin to sleep and change your clothes. However, if you need to be alone and plan to huddle in your cabin at times, reconsider your options.
All cruise cabins are created for comfort with a sensible design where you can move with ease. Nonetheless, all cruise cabins are not the same. Your normal, average cruise ship cabin is going to be smaller that what you would find at some landlocked hotel. To compensate for the size, cruise lines spoil the passengers with mints on their pillows, shampoos, bath gel, fluffy robes and other amenities.
The cruise ship cabins were designed to make the best of the least amount of space possible. Sure some cabins have more room than others, but in any case, not a square inch is wasted. The cruise literature depicts a roomy cabin but that is just trick photography. The furnishings are utilitarian, but attractive. There is often a queen or king sized bed that could be broken down into twin beds if you were traveling with a companion other than a spouse or significant other. A closet or wardrobe is also in the cabin with a desk, bathroom, shower and chair. Depending on the size of your cabin, you might even have a little nook with a small couch and table.
Inside cabins tend to be the most economical. If you do not mind not having any windows or portholes to see outside, then this might be the choice for you. Inside cabins are usually about the same size as the outside cabins. It does tend to be darker when you have an inside cabin, so keep that in mind.
Outside cruise ship cabins have a window or a few portholes, which allow the sunshine to come into your cabin. If you are susceptible to claustrophobia and the thought of an inside cabin with no window gives you the shakes, book an outside cabin.
If enjoying the ocean views in the privacy of your own cabin is a must, consider booking an outside cabin with a balcony or terrace. This option is pricier, but it gives you a private view of the ocean with your own little deck.
If you have the expendable cash and want the “ooh-la-la” factor, consider the cruise ship suite option. Just picture the usual amenities along with some excess square footage. You definitely have room to maneuver! You’ll have extras like a mini-refrigerator and a private veranda.
The only thing about booking a cabin is that you cannot pick what part of the ship you want. You pay the going rate for the kind of cabin you want and hope for the best when it comes to its location like being near elevators or the bow are of the ship. If you are worried about seasickness, request a cabin on the lower decks. You may not be able to be accommodated, but it never hurts to ask. Just remember to keep in mind why you are on the cruise in the first place. Choose the best type of cabin for your needs and enjoy your cruising experience.
Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.
Celebrity Cruises, Your Most Wonderful Vacations.
Why Take a Celebrity Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there are cruises to please every traveller, no matter how jaded.
In our fast-paced society, it’s an very cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think about the time involved in driving yourself to many different destinations, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to find restaurants and personal services. On a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for 7, 10, 14 days or even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with someone else doing the driving , you haul around your suitcases and repack it all at each new destination. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it automatically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You’re at home and don’t have to pack for the duration of the cruise. And the food is legendary! Each ship has many restuarants staffed by world-class chefs, and the cost of the food is included in the cost of the cruise. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t miss any of the local attractions. You won’t have to mind your children constantly, either. Supervised activities like water skiing are available to keep them occupied. And at the end of your holidy staff will retrieve your luggage and place it on shore at the intended pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from so many of the worries associated with traveling, and leaves you with even more time to relax and enjoy your destination.
Celebrity Cruise Lines offers the most competitive deals in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates Celebrity Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship lines. Services include informative lectures about your location, upscale boutiques, and Las Vegas style entertainment created for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil. Try your luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at an onboad auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at The Bar At The Edge of the Earth.
There’s an overdose of pampering awaiting you at the world-famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. Try a deluxe manicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing massage. Celebrity offers acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine as well. You’ll feel renewed and invigorated.
But Celebrity isn’t just for the grown-ups. Kids feel right at home on these cruises. The Celebrity X-Club Youth Program has age-specific activities and entertainment for each age group. Science and nature exploration, talent shows, treasure hunts, children’s dinner parties, slumber parties and a lot more are all arranged by professional staff. Favorite areas of the ship are set aside for the younger seafaring set only, like the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center and pools. When the ship is docked, adults have the option of going on cultural tours by themselves without bored children tagging along. And the children can enjoy vigorous, noisy activities without wearing out the parents. What a relief for both generations!
Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Ships are designed for mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help with passengers’ medical needs. Celebrity Cruise Lines accommodates those who want dialysis or supplemental oxygen, and more medical services can be arranged if requested beforehand. Emergency care is always available on board, saving you the trouble of finding a doctor who speaks your language in a foreign country.
Dinner is a vital event in itself on a cruise ship, a tradition dating back to the late 1800’s when cruises were for royalty and the wealthy who expected elegant formal dinners. Again, in today’s lifestyle the elegant dinner is optional, and for those who like to dine casually, food is available around the clock from cafeterias and room service . All the same, for those who like a ritzy event where they can show off their best attire and jewelry, there are optional formal dinners where ladies put on long formal evening dresses and gentlemen have on tuxedos.
And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Celebrity Cruises dock at a different port of call every few days, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You are able to stay aboard the ship all day or go ashore. You are free to investigate each destination on your itinerary as long as you return to the ship in time for departure.
Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and Celebrity offers adventures geared toward the unique features of every destination. As an illustration, Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling, diving or even beach excursions while Alaskan cruises offer helicopter tours or even sea kayaking. For the less adventuresome, normally there are bus tours or supervised shopping excursions in the local port. Each and every detail, including meals, is prearranged. All you have to do is line up at the correct spot onshore and an let anexperienced tour guide look after everything else.
With all these unique and wonderful services available at such a reasonable price, why not think about a Celebrity Cruise for your next vacation?
Frank Hague www.celebrity-cruise-now.info www.condo-cruise-ship.com www.royalcaribbeanreview.com
Take The Kids On A Cruise? You Bet. Here’s A Few Tips.
A cruise offers the chance to enter a totally different world and that’s appealing to all ages. So bring the whole family along. Most cruise lines have special children’s rates and provide lot’s of entertainment specifically aimed at youth.
Many cruises have trained personnel whose sole job is to supervise the wide variety of children’s programs. One example is Princess Cruises’ Love Boat Kids program. It includes complete Youth and Teen Centers and a toddler’s play area and theatre. The kids can enjoy movies, games, arts & crafts, computers and more.
Teenagers are notoriously difficult to entertain. Being stuck with Mom & Dad for a week is especially hard their mood. Cruise lines such as Disney, Carnival, Princess and others have set up adult-free zones and special “nightclubs” that provide a wide range of activities and a place to hang out with other teens.
Of course, you would expect that a Disney cruise would be geared towards kids. And you are right. They provide a whole array of age-appropriate activities including children under three.
When dining onboard with the family you will normally find that the earlier dinner seating is less formal. There will be more families present so it makes it much easier to get a table with other kids close to your own children’s ages. If you ask, the server may be able to seat your family alone.
Even though many cruises cater to kids, it’s not a good idea to bring small babies. They demand so much attention that you just cannot enjoy the cruise experience.
Children are usually more prone to sea sickness so it’s a good idea to discuss with your doctor what medication to bring.
There are a lot of amenities that are not necessarily obvious like ice, extra blankets, pillows, games, crib or high chair, etc. Just ask your cabin steward what’s available. The crew is more than happy to help you have a pleasant stay.
Stops at ports of call are typically brief. You don’t have to spend your brief visit browsing the same old duty free shops. Do a little research ahead and you can find some interesting local spots for the family to visit such as a museum, zoo or beach.
It’s a good idea to get the kids involved in the activities immediately rather than waiting a day or two. This gets them involved and lets them feel a part of the program. Joining in later they may feel like outsiders and have a more difficult time interacting with the kids who already know the ropes.
Even though the programs are there to be used, don’t forget that this is a family vacation. Be sure to allot plenty of time together. The kids can have a lot of fun with the planned programs but they also need time with Mom & Dad.
Before you book a cruise, be sure to ask a lot of question of your travel agent or the cruise line. Don’t accept vague answers. You want to know exactly what the cruise lines attitude is towards families. Let them know what ages your children are and get specifics on the activities, programs and training of supervisory crew. Choosing the right cruise line and ship can make all the difference in the world.
The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.
You Too Can Live On A Cruise Ship
Have you ever dreamt about living on a Cruise Ship forever?
Traveling the world, seeing all kinds of exotic places, cruising forever with not a care in the world.
It is now a reality, and several possibilities exist.
1. The World of ResidenSea was launched in 2002 as a condominium-style residential community contained on a 644-foot cruise ship, complete with restaurants, a spa and fitness center and other amenities similar to what you’d find on a typical mid-size cruise liner.
As with land-based condo resorts, short-term rentals of a week or more may be arranged without committing to ownership, and a wide range of ports is included on The World’s ongoing circumnavigation of the globe.
Residensea has problems.
-disputes between owners of Condos on the ship and tourists.
Owners want to stay in exciting ports for several days, tourists that the ship needs to get full occupancy to cover the cost of unsold suites want to move from port to port every day.
Sales of actual condos on the ship have stalled due to fears of terrorism, uncertainty in financial markets and uncertainty about the future of the ship.
Annual maintenance costs run at $100,000 per suite while an actual suite now costs 1.9 to 4 million dollars. This ad recently appeared on the Internet:
“Rent an outside luxury cabin from $600 a day”
From somebody who owns 2 cabins on the ResidenSea. That runs to $18,000 per month.
2. Join an organization that will buy a used Cruise Ship and convert it to Condos.
This concept has been tried and failed.
The practical problems were just too great.
-Trying to get enough people interested
-Trying to get commitments from people
-Trying to find a ship that was not going to fall apart immediately upon leaving the harbor.
-Trying to get cash from people before a ship was bought.
And these were just problems BEFORE a ship was even bought.
Think about the problems there would be after the ship was bought.
3. Buy regular cruises on an on-going basis.
This seems the only practical way in which you can live permanently on a Cruise Ship.
Here are the estimated costs based on double occupancy starting on the cheap:
Basic Cruise Costs; $100 per day x 2 people = $6000 per month
This includes gratuities, all you can eat and port costs.
Independent costs of living for Seniors seems to be about $2000 per month per person = $4000.
This includes food.
So for $2000 per month extra a couple can live on a Cruise Ship (or ships) forever.
The advantages of this type of living if you have that extra $24,000 per year to spend are these:
-Quality of the meals on a Cruise Ship is probably a lot better than what you would get in an independent living type of situation.
-You can vary cruise lines, use a Caribbean Cruise Line this month, an Alaska Line next month and a European Line for the next 6 months.
-Shows every night.
-Built-in new friends every week or so. Most cruises end within 7 days and a new crop of potential friends arrives for you to interact with.
-An entire Cruise Staff to help you with ANYTHING if you have a problem.
So, if you want to live on a Cruise Ship: $24,000 a year extra is all it takes for 2 people.
Celebrity Cruise History Living on a cruise ship Condo cruise ship living
Crown Princess Debuts June 14th With a Host of Firsts
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
From a shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the Crown Princess has been taking shape over the last year. Though you would never know it from seeing construction photos, this massive body of steel beams will soon be sculpted into a luxury vessel boasting a list of firsts including innovative features, fresh amenities and new ports of call that will sail you off into the sunset of your choosing.
Several distinctive differences are noted about Crown Princess. Upon her maiden voyage in June 2006, she will be the first in the Princess Cruise fleet to sail roundtrip Caribbean itineraries from New York (Red Hook, which is located in Brookland). Unique destinations await passengers including the Eastern Caribbean port of Bermuda. Equally fascinating are the added ports of Grand Turk and the Turks and Caicos Islands which have been virtually undiscovered until now.
Along with the Grand Turks port comes 20 new shore excursions. As innovative as the port itself, adventures of all activity levels will be available to passengers from exhilarating Harley rides to relaxing super-sized pools.
According to Princess Cruise Line, “Hop-On/Hop-Off Island Tours are first of their kind island tours that operate as a hop-on-hop-off tour which includes stops at a restored 1800s prison and a historic lighthouse.” Also available: Harleys In Paradise, where passengers to St. Maarten can tour the scenery on Harley-Davidson motorcycles; zip line tours amid the canopy of St. Lucia’s tropical rainforests; river tubing on Grenada’s Balthazar River and more.
If you think you’ve heard the name “Crown Princess” before, you are correct. Initially built in 1990 by controversial designer Renzo Piano, the original Crown Princess has been transferred to a sister cruise line where she serves under a different name. As for the new Crown Princess, she is totally redesigned with cruising in mind and features numerable amenities not found on other ships.
Onboard the Crown Princess you’ll find more firsts including Movies Under the Stars - an exclusive to Princess Cruise Line - where you can view blockbuster hit films outdoors on a gigantic, 300 square foot, LED screen. Passengers can make complimentary chaise lounge reservations for available features. Cocktail specials are available as well as free popcorn and other movie munchies. Atrium dining is also a specialty of Princess Cruises as well as Personal Choice Dining that allows you to choose seating at any restaurant at any time.
From exciting nightclubs to digital golf simulators and a nine-hole putting course, from four pools to a sports court and jogging track, you’ll find something for everyone, including one of the largest casinos afloat.
Kids and teens even get their own special spaces with The Fun Zone, Off Limits Teen Center, a video arcade and the Chill Out splash pool. That’s the perfect place for them to hang out while adults visit the Sanctuary - a quiet poolside area of the ship just for adults to relax and unwind.
According to Princess officials, Crown Princess’ summer season will include 12 departures from New York between May 12 and September 6 on the Eastern Caribbean. Ports include Bermuda, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk. In fact, her inaugural season is expected to be such a success that a second season in New York has already been slated.
Departing from New York in June 2006, the all-new Crown Princess offers a host of firsts designed to captivate passengers and provide exciting new adventures on and off the ship.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals on
Alaska cruises and
Hawaii cruises. You’ll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
Cruise Vacations - Our Top 10 Reasons for Choosing to Cruise
Anyone who has taken fabulous Cruise Vacations can give you a hundred reasons for cruising your vacation time away. Once you have taken a cruise vacation, you’ll know why. Cruising has so much to offer a vacationer it’s no wonder that cruises have become so very popular.
We will look into just ten reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. These may not be your top 10 once you have cruised, but you will certainly understand why we say there are hundreds of reasons!
10. Cruising variety!
There are hundreds of cruise ships and boats to choose from. Small charter cruisers to the mega ships, cruising gives you a tremendous number of options. Then you can look at the destinations and ports-of-call depending on your taste and desires. From a cruise to nowhere, to a world cruise, you have almost unlimited options! On the mega ships, you have a variety of dining venues to enchant with exquisite cuisine. These ships also offer a wide variety of activities and even evening entertainment. Choose a cruise vacation for its variety!
9. Cruise vacation value!
A vacation cruise offers tremendous value. With the price of your cruise ticket, you get your efficient yet comfortable stateroom with housekeeping that seems to be never ending. The pampering service that you receive is exceptional in terms of resorts. You receive all on-board meals. In the case of the mega ships, this can mean a choice of elegant dining rooms with mouth watering presentations. These floating resorts provide a number of athletic activities that can range from volleyball and basketball to rock climbing and ice skating! And when the sun sets, the ships turn into “entertainment central”. From Broadway and Vegas style shows to intimate lounges to rocking discos, the mega cruise ships offer it all!
8. Vacation activities while cruising!
What is your idea of vacation activities? Is it water sports? Cruising certainly has that with swimming pools and resort beaches. How about sightseeing? Do the historic cities of Europe intrigue you or would exotic ports of call be more enticing? Think vacation cruise! How about cultural lectures and educational tours? What about golfing on a different island every day in port? Does your vacation include a visit to the casino? Or, is your idea of vacationing soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach or by the pool? You guessed it. You can have any of these vacation activities by choosing an appropriate cruise vacation!
7. Cruising for family vacations!
Cruising is fantastic for family vacations of all ages! (See Family Cruise Vacation.) Many of the larger cruise lines and cruise ships offer special programs for children and teens. Kids get to get away from mom and dad, and mom and dad get some free time to relax and enjoy each others’ company. With all of the activities available on board ship, no one should become bored. Add the interesting and educations shore excursions at the various ports-of-call, and everyone gets an appreciation of how others live. Special menu offerings for children make dining a breeze. And on some ships, there are 24 hour pizzerias! Ice cream stations add to the enchantment. Some cruise lines also offer a special coupon or ticket for soft drinks at a minimal cost. Some ships offer babysitting as well - but it’s best to check first. Choose a cruise for your next family vacation!
6. Choose a cruise to experience new horizons!
Unpack your bags when you arrive on board your cruise ship and that’s it! On some itineraries you will be in a new port-of-call every day. But you won’t have to pack… unpack… pack… unpack… - you get the idea! Experience some of the best destinations the world has to offer while relaxing and enjoying your time between ports! No more long waits in airports or cramped seating on trains or busses. Relax by the pool, work-out in the gym, enjoy some free time gaming, read a good book - you decide how you use your time between the fascinating and intriguing ports. Go to sleep in your comfortable stateroom in one port and wake up in a new port with adventure ahead!
5. The simplicity of cruises for vacationing!
With a little investigation up-front, your cruise vacation is as simple as booking… then enjoying! Once on board, your time is your own - no pressure to be here at this time and there at that time. Enjoy your vacation and return from your cruise refreshed (not needing a vacation from your vacation). Do as much - or as little - as you like! Nearly all expenses are paid for with your cruise ticket. A little spending money is about all you need. Talk about simple - come on board and have everything looked after for you! Now that’s a vacation!
4. Romance and cruise vacations!
For hundreds of years there has been a romantic mystique about the seas. What could be more romantic than sailing off into the sunset while sipping a glass of fine wine on your private balcony? Perhaps strolling arm in arm on an elegant formal night with your better half dressed to the nines. What about a honeymoon to some of the most romantic ports in the world? Perhaps a quiet secluded cove with white sandy beach. Enjoy each others’ company at a quiet table in one of the intimate lounges. Or dance into the night under the stars. Take a while and lose yourselves while utilizing the spa services for two. Nothing could be more romantic than a cruise vacation!
3. Vacation cruises’ pampering service!
For many people, nothing is more important for enjoyment while vacationing than service. If you receive good service, you are content. Be prepared to have your socks blown off! Most cruise lines train there staff in the fine art of customer service. Your room steward or stewardess will do their absolute utmost to ensure that your stateroom is kept just the way you like. From the bartenders to the wait staff to the activities staff, each cruise staff member’s aim is to please. On our last cruise, our wine steward and the table staff in the dining room were absolutely wonderful. When you board your cruise ship be prepared to be pampered!
2. Cruise vacation dining!
Many people will tell you that this is the number one reason for taking a cruise. The fabulous menu options have your mouth watering. Then the presentation arrives and you are certainly not disappointed. The main dining rooms are places of elegance and formality. Most ships have alternate dining options as well - some with a small cover charge. There are usually casual dining options as well. Some ships have poolside grilles and some even have 24 hour pizzerias as mentioned earlier. Most offer 24 hour in-suite dining as well. And don’t miss out on the midnight buffet! Special menus can - in most cases - be provided with advance notice. Pack a pair of stretchy pants or slacks - just in case !
1. Because YOU deserve it!
The number on reason for taking a cruise vacation is because you deserve it! You work hard all year long for your vacation time and money. Vacation cruises provide you with tremendous value, variety, comfort and enjoyment. There are itineraries that will elate almost any vacation traveler. Whether your cruise vacation is a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life, you deserve this fantastic escape!
If you have any questions regarding choosing the right cruise line for you, send us a note at info@a1-discount-cruises.com using the subject line “Questions”.
Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! To check out great cruise information and great Cruises On-Line Deals see our discount cruises main pages! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.
What Cruise Documents Will We Need?
In today’s highly sensitive security world taking the proper documents is paramount. Your Cruise agent may say to you that it’s not necessary to take a current passport for instance but we advise the opposite. And a very prudent thing to do first while in the planning stages of your cruise is to find out where your US embassy is located in the areas you will be traveling around, through, near…just in case! One never knows! And wouldn’t it be comforting to just have that needed extra bit of information in lets say a moments notice. That information is at this site http://usembassy.state.gov/.
Now which documents do you actually need? Visa, Passport? Birth Certificate? How about the kids? Inquire and prepare for your children thoroughly. For instance, in certain countries, adoptive parents, legal guardians or persons separated or divorced are advised to keep legal and other relevant documents available in order to clarify custody rights. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID card according to the International Council of Cruise Lines. However! We wouldn’t dream of not taking a photo of our little loved ones, PLUS also leaving that same photo copied and left in charge of responsible hands back home. That just seems obvious and logical.
How about driving permits in case you want to drive around while visiting a port? An excellent site for all this kind of information is CIBT Global Visa and Passport Professionals. http://www.cibt.com/ There you will discover most the major Cruise Lines and what each document requirement is. The perfect place to GET your Birth Certificate, Visa, Passport and learn actually what you need and what you don’t is here, “Travel Documents” click to solve all your document needs: http://www.ourfirstcruise.com/cruise-articles.html.
Few people EVER think about this little extremely important tip…whatever documents you do take with you on your Cruise, always leave a photo copy of each document in reliable hands back home hopefully including a handy fax machine for a split second fax source. The more you can think ahead and anticipate the worst case scenario the better off you will be and fellow travelers who do get stuck will think you are a genius for preparing so insightfully!
What if you are a non-US Citizen or are traveling with one? Valid passports and Visas ARE required in addition to “green” cards. These cards are called by the authorities, ARC or Alien Registration Cards. That’s only if the individual is a RESIDENT ALIEN living in the US. If not a resident of the United States, then documentation must come from the individual’s country and be approved if traveling within the United States, and other countries included in the voyage.
Preparing responsibly will allow you to sleep very well each cruise night so that you can relax, laugh and play each day. Have an outstanding Cruise!
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Claudia Chestelson is a “Renaissance Woman” covering the gamut of challenging careers of actress, model, builder- re-modeler, B&B owner in the world famous Napa Valley, Weight-Loss Consultant for Women, and current Netpreneur and Advocate of leisure and vacation..Claudia loves navigating people to the right Cruise including the best Cruise insight and advice at http://www.ourfirstcruise.com (if you are taking your very first Cruise Vacation go to Claudia’s web site. Save yourself from all the stressful details.) |
Cheap Caribbean Cruises
It is a myth that cruises must be expensive. The fact is that there are many types of cruises, all suited for different wallets. On one end of the spectrum you have the budget ones, while at the other end you have the frightfully expensive ones. It is true that the higher-priced ones offer you a host of services like your personal butler, private balconies and lavishly decorated suites, but then if you are traveling in economy class you wouldn’t be treated like a castaway.
True, you won’t have a butler to tend to you or your own bar in your suite, but you would still be visiting new places, taking part in the deck games and enjoying good food and wine. When bitten by the travel bug, luxuries don’t matter. And the liners will ensure that you get all the comfort that is required.
The good news is that there are a lot of packages, especially in the Caribbean cruise segment, that offer a host of amenities even with the budget cruises. These are excellent deals, for not only are they easy on the pocket, but they take you places in style. You have Norwegian Dawn’s western Caribbean package that will take you to Jamaica, Mexico and Grand Cayman. This cruise is among the cheapest that is available, and it is well stocked with restaurants, pools and entertainment options onboard.
Then there’s the good bargain from ShermansTravel.com at $199 a night for three days of sailing around the Bahamas aboard the sophisticated Costa ship. Many cruises drop their prices for the fall-summer months, for this is the off-peak season in the Caribbean. It is a good time to visit the Caribbean, for many luxury ships continue to offer the same high-end amenities at reduced values. But then there’s a catch to this. Fall-summer months are peak times for tropical storms and so one needs to be careful while planning a trip during this time. After all, a cheap cruse will not at all be pleasurable if you are marooned in a port for days on end.
Cheap options abound on the web, you just need to cruise around and pick up the inviting ones. Given the tourism boom these days in the Caribbean region, many tour agents are offering good bargains. You can definitely find a good deal.
Caribbean Cruises provides detailed information about Caribbean cruises, Caribbean cruise deals, Caribbean cruise lines, luxury Caribbean cruises and more. Caribbean Cruises is the sister site of Working On Cruise Ships.
Places to See On Your Alaska Cruise, Welcome To Juneau!!
Well my sister in law is in town this week and we’re playing tourist here in Juneau. Very funny how folks react to us because we’re locals.
Anyway, we went to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau last night and we had a blast. You have to think of it not as a dinner but more of an experience. The grilled salmon was very good although I was disappointed that they were using Chum Salmon as the choice of the evening. Local Alaskans don’t eat Chum Salmon!!
It wasn’t until I finished eating that I noticed that it was Chum and actually it was rather good. It depends on what time of year that you come here as to what kind of salmon that you’ll get. Early in the Alaska cruise season (May-June) you’ll get King Salmon but in early July Chum salmon are more available. Sockeye salmon are next in line and they happen to be my personal favorite. They call them reds because their meat is more of a red color then the traditional ’salmon’ color that you get from Chinook (Kings) or silvers (Coho) or even humpies (Pink Salmon). Chum tends to have more of a whiter color and most of the seafood processing plants actually add food coloring to spoof people into buying Alaskan Salmon for next to nothing.
With that in mind for around $25.00 per person you get an all you can eat meal of grilled salmon, potato salad, Caesar salad, baked beans, cornbread as well as cole slaw. It’s a pretty good deal and the salmon is usually wonderful and cooked to perfection. The cooks there know how to cook the salmon right since they barbecue so much of it on a daily basis.
You can treat yourself to an Alaskan Amber or any of the local award winning Alaskan Brewery’s products or get a glass of wine if you choose. They also have coffee, tea and hot chocolate for the non-drinking folks.
While eating you’ll be treated to a live performance of folk music, there’s always someone playing a guitar for entertainment.
After dinner you can walk by the side of Salmon Creek all the way up to the waterfall which by the way is a beautiful place to take some pictures, it’s the perfect backdrop. Once at the waterfall you can try your skills gold panning and even a beginner can find some powdered gold here. Salmon creek was actually one of best place to find gold in Juneau around the turn of the 1900’s.
All along the trail (which is only a couple hundred yards in length) they have information plaques that display information on the local plants as well as stories complete with pictures of the life cycle of the salmon.
Once back to the ‘camp’ don’t forget to check out their little gift shop! The shop is first class and my wife dropped about $50.00 in gifts that incorporated Alaskan gold in them. Overall she got a great bargain for the gifts.
And before you leave don’t forget to take the kids over to the fire pits where there are plenty of marshmallows and sticks to roast them on. My kids absolutely loved this part of the trip and we thought that we would have to hose the stickiness off of them before we left.
The whole experience should take you about two and a half hours to complete and it’s well worth the price. So when taking an Alaskan cruise and stopping in Juneau don’t miss the Gold Creek Salmon Bake!!
Earl Lear lives in Juneau year round and enjoys writing about the joys of living in Alaska. You can preview his site for up to date information on the Alaska Cruise industry and visiting Juneau at http://www.touring-juneau.info or learn what it’s like living in “The Last Frontier” at http://www.touring-alaska.com
Disney Cruise - Bahamas
Our Anniversary vacation started on Sunday with a surprise to my husband of a trip to Orlando, Florida, where we stayed for 4 nights at Walt Disney’s Beach Club Resort. We reluctantly packed our bags on Wednesday night for pickup and transport to the cruise ship on Thursday morning. Since we had rented a car, we drove back to the airport to return it, and took the motorcoach from there for the 45 minute ride to Port Canaveral, arriving just before noon. A special video plays during the trip with highlights about the ship and all the activities you can expect once onboard.
Our trip included a stay at Walt Disney Resort, so we were already “checked-in” for the cruise, and our WDW resort room key was also our boarding pass and stateroom key on the ship, eliminating the need to check in at the port; we were among the first to arrive onboard. Your stateroom key also allows you to make purchases onboard without having to carry any cash.
We each had a day bag with the essentials we would need upon boarding, and after stopping for a pre-boarding photo at the gangplank, we made our way on to the Disney Wonder. The staterooms would not be ready to occupy for several more hours, but we were directed to one of the restaurants where a sumptuous buffet awaited us. Mountains of Shrimp, carved beef, every kind of salad imaginable, decadent deserts, and festive tropical drinks were just a few of the offerings. We then toured the pool deck, and found some comfy lounge chairs to soak up some more sun, and even played a little ping-pong.
When the staterooms were ready, we found our luggage had already been delivered and settled in. A list of the daily activities is available in each room, and one of the television stations has information about on-board entertainment. We had pre-booked a special dinner at Palo’s, an adult’s only dining experience, as part of a specially purchased package - though normally you would have to make those reservations as soon as you board. We also had a spa treatment booked for the following day, and again, you would normally book that upon arrival. A life raft drill is held, then it’s on to the Sail Away party, and finally departure from the port in the late afternoon.
Disney Characters are on hand, and there are ample photo opportunities for your family. Ships photographers are available at every occasion, and photo’s can be viewed that evening and purchased if desired. Photo packages are available and allow you to select the best of the shots from your trip.
The unique dining experience rotates between 3 dining rooms for each night, and your waitstaff “travels” with you each night. The first night we enjoyed Animators Palate, the next night was Palo’s, and the third night was at Tritons.
The first night sailing takes you to Nassau in the Bahamas, where you can spend the entire day as you choose, departing around 7:00 p.m. — be sure to allow plenty of time to re-board! There are so many on-shore excursions to choose from, the hard part is deciding which to choose. We selected the Thriller Power boat tour that reaches up to 60 mph and tours Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, and highlights nearby private islands. This thrilling morning tour is a great way to start the day, and leaves plenty of time to explore Nassau in the afternoon on your own. We walked around the shops in Nassau then headed to Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, where we toured the grounds, scoped out the casino, bought a few trinkets, then took a cab back to the ship.
This was also our spa day, and we enjoyed a facial (for me) and both had a relaxing massage, then on to the steam room. Although the on-board gym was well equipped, we never had the time to enjoy those facilities.
There are plenty of activities on-board to keep you entertained even while in port. This was our 6th day of perfect weather -high 70’s, sunny, and clear skies. Every minute was filled with plenty of activity, and we also had plenty of relaxation time. Even though there were nearly 1,000 children on board, we never felt over-run by kids, and thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Kids have their own private deck on board, and activities designed to keep them entertained throughout the cruise.
There were nightclubs, bingo games, movies, character appearances, deck parties, live shows, and more than you could possibly fit into each day. Whatever your desires, be it a romantic honeymoon cruise, romantic anniversary trip like ours, or a family getaway, you’ll find it all onboard the Disney Wonder.
This second night onboard was our night at Palo’s, and we enjoyed the quiet adult’s only dining capped off with a special chocolate soufflé. The service is particularly attentive here, and the meals are superb. We had purchased a wine package upon boarding, and the wine selection was especially paired with the meals we ordered. They’ll even re-cork a bottle for you, if you don’t finish one during the meal.
We set sail that evening for Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where unfortunately the weather Saturday morning turned windy and rainy, and most of the day was spent on-board the ship. Ever attentive to the needs of the guests, the crew kept everyone on-board fed, active, and happy throughout the day. When the weather cleared some in the afternoon, we headed on-shore and enjoyed a leisurely walk around the island and along the sandy shores. Barbecue lunch was available, but we opted for room service in our stateroom onboard instead.
This was to be our final night on-board and we were rotated into the more formal Tritons for dinner, and a special formal portrait was available beforehand. The meals are lavish, and you’ll never leave the table hungry! Each night you can select your appetizer, entrée, and desert from the menu provided, so you always get exactly what you’re hungry for.
The Disney Wonder is meticulously maintained to Disney’s normal high standards, and the service on-board met or exceeded every expectation you could have. The ship is a delight, beautifully appointment, with gorgeous teak decking, those special Disney touches, and again because it was early December decorated for Christmas.
We reluctantly packed our bags for the final time, in preparation to depart the ship early the next morning. Sunday dawned sunny and warm as we head to our assigned breakfast seating, where you eat in the same restaurant as the final night, then immediately disembark at Port Canaveral. A 45 minute motorcoach trip back to Orlando International Airport completes your journey, with Disney cartoons playing to pass the time.
One final day remains on our Central Florida vacation - in Part 3.
Bryn Hiner - read more about Walt Disney World at our website http://www.cheapdisney.info