Celestial Seas

Mary Hanna asked:


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!

O. Cruise asked:


One of the many advantages of a cruise is that everything is organised for the tourist if the person wants it to be so. They can also choose how long they want to be away for, whether it is a mini cruise, a seven day cruise or even longer. Reserve an European cruise in North or South Europe, sail to the famous Mediterranean with yachts, mouth-watering food, mountains, lovely historical buildings, perfect beaches and friendly folk.

The Baltic Sea area

Starting in Northern Europe, do not miss the Medieval Baroque architecture of Norway and Finland and also its dramatic scenery and rich history. Visit St Petersburg, Russia s most beautiful city and a most in any tourists itinerary. Enjoy the wild night life of Hamburg or Copenhagen in Germany and Denmark respectively.  Explore one of the richest areas in the world and take advantage of the cruises’ facilities.

Europe

Departing from Southern England, visit the Atlantic ports of France and Spain –experience the world famous fine cuisine and wine culture!  Cruises sail through the Bay of Biscay and the Straits of Gibraltar, where tourist can also enjoy the most beautiful ports of Portugal and Southern Spain.  Finally some cruises also visit the well renowned Spanish islands including Mayorca and Ibiza.



The Mediterranean

Visit historic places, romantic cities and beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, but also enjoy the top quality resorts and sandy beaches. The Mediterranean has been divided into three main areas, as follows:  Western Mediterranean cruises include the French Riviera, la Costa Brava and volcanic Sicily. Southern Mediterranean sails through Northern Africa, including the most important ports in Egypt and Morocco. Eastern Mediterranean cruises travels along the Aegean Sea covering most of the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy; expect to find amazing ruins from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians

Denny Phillips asked:


So, you want to go on a cruise! It’s exciting, it’s fun and it’s your way of enjoying the great life. But how do you make the choice of where to go, when and with whom? There are so many choices with respect to cruising nowadays that it can be very confusing. Here are a few tips to consider helping you decide which cruise is right for you.

Listed below are few examples of the types of cruise you may wish to take:

1. Mediterranean cruise

2. Caribbean cruise

3. an Alaskan cruise,

4. a cruise down the Amazon or Panama Canal

5. a Transatlantic ocean crossing

6. South Pacific or Hawaiian Island cruise

7. River cruises (the fjords in Norway, the Danube in Europe, the Nile in Egypt, the Mississippi in United States)

8. Polar cruises to see the penguins in the Antarctic

9. Russian waterways cruises

10. Galapagos Island cruises

11. New Zealand or Australia

Each can be very appealing but are also very different.

1. The first thing to consider in taking one of these cruises is when you want to go—the time of the year can dictate the type of cruise. Some cruise ship lines do not offer cruises to the Mediterranean in the winter months, but transfer their ships to the warmer waters of the Caribbean. Alaskan cruises only run in certain months also due to weather conditions. Ocean crossing cruises (Transatlantic) take place only as the seasons change so that cruise ship companies can reposition their ships to match the high seasons’ tourist industry.

2. You also have to decide on the length of your cruise. A typical choice is a 7-night cruise, but you can take cruises from 3-4 nights to over a month in length, or more. The length of your vacation time available may limit you, but taking a cruise for the first time may also be a consideration. Limiting your cruise to a manageable shorter cruise may help you decide whether a longer cruise at another time may be more advisable. In other words, do you get seasick? Do you like the variety of visiting different ports? Do you wish to simply stay at one destination and relax? Do you like the busy atmosphere of the many activities on a ship?

3. Next, the ports that you wish to visit can be a great part of which cruise is the right choice for you. Have you always wanted to visit Tortugas, the Bahamas or Cayman Islands? Here is your chance to get a taste of it. Make sure that one of your chosen destinations is on your cruise itinerary, and there are endless choices of various itineraries available. Cruises are great ways to experience various places. Then you can decide which destination you would like to see more of on a future vacation.

4. Another consideration in choosing a cruise is the amount of time you wish to be “At Sea”. For a Transatlantic voyage you are at sea for many days at a time, which limits you to being within the confines of the ship at all times. This can be a bonus if you don’t want the hustle and bustle of visiting different ports, but it can also be a downside if you want a lot of variety on your vacation. Some cruises offer very little time at sea, being in a different port every day, and this flurry of activity can be too overwhelming for some vacationers. I would recommend a bit of both—for a 7-night cruise a good happy medium would be 2 days at sea with the other days stopping at various ports of call.

5. Once you have narrowed down your choice of cruise to when and where you wish to visit, the next hardest choice is the cruise line and size of ship you want to use. The size of ship can dictate the cruise line, as some cruise lines offer significantly larger ships than others. Some cruise lines only use smaller, more intimate ships for smaller groups of people. Other cruise lines offer huge ships with passengers in the thousands. You must decide whether you like a small personal touch or like the larger groups. (We found that even on a larger ship, there were still areas where we could go to get away from the crowds. Crowding on the huge ships was not a problem at all.)

6. Fitting the cruise line to your individual personality is perhaps the most important factor in determining your cruise enjoyment. There are many different types of ship lines that cater to varying personalities. Of course, the Disney Cruise Line caters to families, but others such as Carnival Cruises cater to more of a party atmosphere for adults, or Norwegian focuses on a more conservative group. Discuss with your travel agent which cruise line fits you best. Cruise lines also offer themed or special interest cruises, such as an art collectors cruise, golfer’s cruises or culinary class cruises. These may be great to fit in with the interests in your life-style.

7. Once you have found the best itinerary for you on the cruise line that suits your personality, at the best time of year for you, there are still other choices you need to make. Some cruise lines offer “freestyle cruising”, which simply put means that you don’t have a set dinner time at a set table, but you can choose to eat whenever you wish. On most cruises, however, you have a preset dinner time at an assigned table. You can choose an early dinner (usually around 6-6:30) or a later dinner time (7:30-8:00). In choosing your dinner time, take into consideration your off-ship excursions. You don’t want to have to rush back from your shore excursion just to get back in time for dinner. You also usually have a choice of how many people you wish to sit with (usually from 4 to 8 -10 people at a table.) Our travel agent suggested a table of 8 on our cruise—she stated that if you were at a table for 4 and you didn’t get along with the other couple you were stuck, but a table for 8 offered more chance of finding congenial soul-mates.

8. Shore excursions can also be a major part of your cruise experience. There are many different shore excursion packages available, from visiting butterfly farms, swimming with dolphins, exploring ancient ruins, to snorkelling or scuba diving. Of course, if you wish you do not need to go on any shore excursions. You can simply choose to stay on-board and take advantage of the ship’s amenities, or you can simply walk around and visit or shop in the port-of-call.

Choosing a cruise can seem overwhelming, but the main point is to suit the cruise to what you want to get out of the experience. If you want a whirlwind of activity choose a party cruise line with that in mind. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, choose more time at sea. If you want to sample various cultures, choose a destination-rich cruise. Different types of cruises offer at of those things, and more. Hopefully the above has given you an idea in the choices you need to make to get the most enjoyment out of your cruise. Happy cruising!

James Perry asked:


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This will definitely help you avoid costly mistakes.

You need the important information on this webpage if you are interested in knowing about the following:

• Where to get correct information on “cruise ship employment”

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• The little-known blockbuster method which will enhance your chances of getting a job on a cruise ship by over 247%!

• The real TRUTH about cruise line employment agencies

• The real TRUTH about cruise line employment agencies - and how to use them CORRECTLY!

• Two important “words” that you absolutely must understand before applying for cruise ship jobs. And why not knowing them could mean failure before you even get started!

• An insiders register of which cruise ship jobs you should absolutely NOT apply for. Don’t find out these things the hard way!

• One “secret” to know BEFORE you apply that will almost guarantee you work the minimum hours possible. And get more free time than you’ll ever need!

• The very true-story of the crewmember who got seven marriage offers during his first 6-month contract. And it wasn’t because of how he looks and no he wasn’t even the captain! It was the “special” job he did!

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• Complete in-depth review of the over 180 cruise ship jobs with exact descriptions, duties, benefits, requirements and typical salaries. 

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• DIRECT contacts to the EXACT people who do all the hiring. This is for every major and minor cruise line, concessionaire and staffing agent! (The only way to be successful is by contacting the RIGHT people for the right job)

• IMPORTANT but little known ‘live’ web links. Just “point and click” on these links and you’ll be taken directly to the recruitment page of major cruise lines (you need to understand that these web pages are kept deliberately out of site from the general public, so the websites won’t be bombarded with applications!)

• DIRECT email addresses of people who recruit for cruise ships (and what you should NEVER put in your email!)

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• DIRECT office phone and fax numbers and the CORRECT way to use them (making a call to cruise lines directly can seriously impede your chances of success – unless you know this inside strategy!)

• Insider’s report on the best Cruise Lines: their customers, where they travel and whether they recruit for your type of job. 

• Actual interview questions that cruise line companies prefer to ask! No one has ever released this to the general public before - until now. Can you see how useful this rare inside information is? “It’s like being handed a cruise ship job on a gold plate!” And it will help you to effortlessly pass any cruise ship job interview

• The secret step-by-step secrets to creating a winning cruise ship job CV!

• The three most common mistakes made by cruise ship job seekers that guarantee their failure –and how to avoid them!

• Why the CV tactics that most people use are a complete waste of time in the cruise line world.

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• Why mentioning a degree or certain qualifications can actually PREVENT you from getting a job on a cruise ship!

• More than 30 insider secrets to give you the “advantage” over all the other cruise ship job seekers!

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• What critical documentation you really must have in place - and how to acquire it without stress!

• How the cruise ship medical examination works - and how to sail through it with flying colors!

• Which cruise ship jobs are best or most lucrative

• When to submit an application for cruise ship employment

• And much more

Getting a job on a cruise ship has been one of the most sought after things in the world. It’s one of the most amazing experiences in life. Just imagine the experience of working and enjoying a holiday at the same time. Just imagine getting well paid to cruise around and have fun.

Just imagine the great contacts, friendships and professional networking opportunities that would be available to you. 

This is indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on! I can truly reveal to you that the experience is amazing.

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Cruise Ship Employment

Zark Barker asked:


As great as taking a vacation on cruise ships may seem, you still need to know how to plan a cruise ship vacation properly so you have the perfect cruise experience. You need to know about the different types of packages the cruise lines offer.

When planning a cruise ship vacation you need to know how to choose one that will meet your expectation or tailor to your needs. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to plan your cruise travel and enjoy the perfect cruise experience:

Think of who you want to take with you on your cruise vacation. There are many different packages offered by cruise lines. There are packages for the whole family and there are packages for single travelers.

Will you be taking the cruise vacation with children? Maybe you will take your significant other for a romantic getaway. There are cruise ships that are tailored for children and there are cruise lines that cater to single cruisers and honeymooners. There are even some ships that offer wedding services. What could be better than to get married on the ship and have your honeymoon built in?

Decide how long you want to cruise. If you just want to try it out, opt for a three day cruise. Normally, cruises start at three nights and can go anywhere from seven to fourteen days. But there are also world cruises that can last as long as three months. My advice is if you are going to cruise in Europe you should pick a fourteen day cruise because of the expense and long plane rides to get to your port of embarkation. If you live near a port and you just want to take a long weekend choose of three or four day cruise. Decide what cruise travel is best for you.

Choose the perfect destination for you and your family. Alaska is beautiful but can only be cruised in the summer months. If you live in the colder climes you may want to take a mid winter cruise to the Caribbean or even South America. If you want your cruise travel to be in the Caribbean and you want to spend two weeks on your cruise vacation, choose a line that alternates between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. This cruise vacation takes you to many different islands.

The cruise lines have a variety of destinations to choose from. Visit your cruise travel agent to go over the different itineraries or check out the individual websites of the cruise lines.

Consider the port of departure. Since 9/11 cruises have been emphasizing home port cruising. Now there are many cruises that depart from Bayonne, New Jersey, Galveston, Texas, or Seattle, Washington, not just Miami and Fort Lauderdale.. Depart from the one closest to you and you will save money on expensive airfare.

Speak to a knowledgeable cruise travel agent. Make sure they have personally sailed on many different cruise ships so they can give you an honest opinion on what each cruise line has to offer and which would give you the perfect cruise experience.

A cruise travel agent will also be able to supply you with cruise tips. Scour the cruise reviews for additional cruise tips.

Large cruise lines have a variety of activities and facilities that you can use on the ship. If you like to gamble then choosing a cruise ship with casinos is probably right for you. Or if you are taking your kids with you, a cruise ship that offers activities and facilities for children would be the best choice for your cruise travel. For instance, Disney is, of course, geared toward children but they do not have casinos. So if you are taking the family but you want to gamble steer away from Disney and choose one of the other major cruise lines. Almost all of them have children’s programs. If you don’t want to be on a ship with children sail on one of the fancier lines that don’t cater to children. Here, again, it pays to read as many cruise reviews as you can to pick up additional cruise tips.

Cruise vacations do not necessarily mean that you have to spend all your vacation time onboard. All the cruise ships offer land and shore excursions. The cruise lines offer pre and post cruise land vacations usually for two or three days.

Mary Hanna asked:


Cruise ports of call from close to home are what cruise passengers are choosing on a more frequent basis. It has been a steadily increasing trend according to CLIA, the cruise lines official organization. Cruise ports of call close to home gives the cruise passenger many more choices and eliminates the hassle of heightened airport security.

Cruise lines have caught on to this trend of cruise passengers using cruise ports of call close to home and are positioning their ships up and down the East Coast, the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. This allows cruise passengers the option of traveling to their cruise port of call by car, train or bus. It will also save you some money since you will not be buying expensive airline tickets. With the money saved on airline tickets it allows the cruise traveler the choice of picking a pricier cabin, a more luxurious cruise line, or more cash to spend at their destinations.

Following are description of the various cruise ports of call that are now offered to the cruise passenger on the East Coast. We will start in Florida since that is by far the most popular port of embarkation for the cruise traveler.

Miami is the busiest of all ports on the Eastern Seaboard. Miami is a world class attraction offering incredible beaches, the Art Deco section of Miami Beach, a widely diverse culture and marvelous food. Having left this port on numerous occasions, it is one of the most efficiently run ports.

Next is Fort Lauderdale which many cruise travelers choose as a departure port. It has miles of beautiful beaches, the trendy Los Olas district, and many chic restaurants. On Saturdays and Sundays there can be more that eight cruise ships departing Port Everglades. If you have time before your cruise adventure, go out to the Everglades and take an airboat tour over this spectacular nature preserve.

Up the coast is Port Canaveral. It is called the Space Coast and has many attractions including all of Orlando’s theme parks. If you can, visit the fascinating Space center along with the Astronaut Hall of Fame. This port does not have as many cruise lines as the previous ports but it is a viable option for people all over Florida and adjacent states who wish to take a Port of Canaveral cruise.

Further north is the Port of Jacksonville. They only offer one cruise ship but is very convenient for anyone living in that area. They have a very mild climate so all sports are available. There is also Gardens and the Crummer Museum.

Across the state of Florida is the Port of Tampa. There are many attractions here, too, including Ybor City, the cigar capital of the world, Busch Gardens and towards the center of the state Cypress Gardens. Having revamped its terminal to the tune of $6.5 million dollars it has more than doubled its size. The Port of Tampa cruises are centrally located on the West coast of Florida

Let’s keep going up the East Coast to Charleston, South Carolina. There are two cruise lines in the Port of Charleston that take cruise passengers to Bermuda or the Caribbean. Nothing can beat the Southern charm and flavor of the city of Charleston located conveniently close to tour for you, prior to your Port of Charleston cruise. Tour the beautiful streets and estates like Boone Hall or Magnolia plantation. If you have time go out to Fort Sumter National Monument for an interesting tour of a Civil War memorial.

In the fall of 2006 the port in Norfolk, Virginia will offer several cruise lines for the cruise traveler to choose from. Norfolk is loaded with all things to do with the Navy. If you take a stroll down Cannonball Trail, you willview in depth the history of Norfolk’s history. The cruise lines offer the cruise passenger itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Now, further north to Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor. They have a dedicated cruise terminal for any cruise passenger that lives around this area. The beauty of the Chesapeake Bay is renowned, and some of the most delicious seafood can be found in this port. Don’t miss the aquarium with over 10,000 sharks, stingrays, dolphins and tropical fish.

Just up the road is the Philadelphia Port for cruise travelers. Currently there are two cruise lines offering cruise passengers trips to Bermuda. Philadelphia is where the Constitution was signed so don’t miss Independence Hall and, of course, the Liberty Bell. South Street has lots of funky shops and cafes. There is the 9th street market which is always very colorful. And don’t leave on your cruise until you have had a cheese steak and an Italian hoagie.

We are still going north, this time to Bayonne, New Jersey to Bayonne Cape Liberty Cruise Port. This is the newest cruise terminal and is good choice if you do not want the hassle of New York. Bayonne used to be the home of oil refineries but now it is the place for Port of Bayonne cruises. There is only one cruise line departing from this port but in a way that is a good thing, since there will be less congestion. And it is only 7 miles from New York and three miles from Newark. You will see stunning views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Cross the George Washington Bridge and you are in lower Manhattan. There are a couple of cruise lines offering cruises from this port including the Queen Mary II. You can do a Broadway show, visit some of the excellent museums or visit the Empire State Building. Nothing is as dazzling as sailing our out of this port past Lady Liberty.

Our last stop is Boston, Massachusett’s Black Fountain Cruise Terminal located in the industrial center. Cruise travelers are offered cruises to New England and Canada. Luckily downtown Boston is only a few miles away. This city is so rich in history. Take a tour on the Freedom Trail to see many of the important historical sites. Don’t miss Faneuil Hall Marketplace and do a little pub hopping, Bostonians favorite pastime.

Well, now you can choose your cruise from a close to home port, and this is only the East Coast. Next we’ll explore the Gulf of Mexico.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Selvyn Patterson asked:


Every year more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of cruise vacation.Last year alone, more than 7 million people took a cruise, more families, singles, honeymooners, couples and groups of friends are taking cruises, plus company sponsored cruise vacation for employees

Cruise Lines are experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 10 days. The demand for world cruises is on the increase, Cunard lines is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary II’s first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.

One of the very exclusive Cruise Lines has just launched a series of voyages of greater than 50 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007. Cruise bookings are up says one cruise line spokesperson there has been a record number of bookings for this year’s world cruise.

No one likes to fly anymore. It is not relaxing, you are packed in like sardines in a tin, and must bring your own lunch, and they even ask you to remove your shoes. With cruising, you have got everything with you, you are in your house wherever you go. You are taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is available, plus the night clubs and restaurants.

You don’t have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days swimming and sun-bathing and relaxing with just met friends. You can see and do exotic things from 8 AM to 12 Noon, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till you’re tired and then have a 7 course meal.

After supper there is always a show every night. Entertainment is also second to none. Rather than sitting in a hotel room watching TV, on a cruise your social life is built in, with 1800 possible friends some of whom are always ready to party.

Cruise lines echo the fact that one of the key attractions is that now you can visit many exotic destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without having to deal with airport security and the hassles that one encounters going through customs at foreign ports.

Today, these Cruises are no longer exclusively for the retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by young singles, couples, triple honeymooners and families, who can turn the ship into a virtual city shopping and pleasure center.

For those who are unable to cut their business ties and really relax, you can virtually run your business from the ship’s Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on-board these Cruise Ships.

It’s easy to see why cruises are so popular today. First off, your all inclusive package price includes all meals and snacks, cabin or stateroom, activities, entertainment and parties plus your visit to some of the most enchanting places on the planet.

The cruise ship is a floating four and five star top quality resort and more, where you can associate and meet many new friends of like tastes and interests. On a cruise you completely eliminate all the hassles of an ordinary vacation.

This is one convenient all-inclusive package where you don’t have to make any reservations at all for dinner, night clubs or having to get in your car and drive anywhere for anything. This is a laid back atmosphere, where you are completely pampered, dine constantly, enjoy one excellent show after another and just let your cares float away.

Cruising, this excellent way to take vacations has encouraged many more people to book a cruise vacation over the ordinary fly, drive, hotel vacations, where you must decide what to do each day. Your cruise can be as long or short as you can afford, typically 7- 14 days although, 17 to 21 days are available.

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. Some cruises offer soft adventure expeditions to exotic places, while for some experienced vacationers, the cruise is focused on specialized culturally-rich ports of call with tours centered around history, treasures and antiquities.

From all indications, cruise vacations have a much higher percentage of satisfied customers than other types of vacation. Cruise vacation is a better value for your money and there is a cruise package for every budget.

Since the cruise fare includes all your meals, living quarters and all on-board activities and entertainment, you know what your cruise will cost before you go and your only incidental spending, which is optional, is on souvenirs, specialty restaurants, shore excursions and personal services, such as health spas and beauty salons.

To book a cruise, simply call your travel agent or one of many cruise lines. Their professionals will help you to pick the best fit for your pocket book and schedule.

So, what type of cruise vacation do you want? For many people the perfect cruise vacation centers around the non-stop sun and fun Caribbean cruises coupled with Island cultures and cuisines, along with that fabulous tan in paradise.

Prince Cruise asked:


To many mothers, planning a birthday party can be very daunting. You need to have a theme and location in mind. These days, with birthday parties becoming more and more elaborate and different, why not do something different? Why not have the celebrations on a cruise? Everyone is sure to love the change and yes, they will enjoy themselves too.

If you’re an adult celebrating your birthday, one great birthday party idea if you are in Sydney is to book the Sydney Showboat. It’s also known as the “party boat” and is a good choice for an evening of fun with a dinner cruise thrown in with a three-course menu and a live international show.

Alternatively, you could choose a disco cruise as a Sydney Birthday Party Cruise, if you’re in London, UK. All you need to have is a group of six people and take a cruise down on the Thames, with lots of food and drink thrown in, not to forget the music. This Birthday Party Cruise sails down the Thames and has a DJ playing the latest music to put you into the party mood. And this includes enjoying a large buffet dinner which then goes on to non-stop partying, eating, drinking and dancing down the river.

Things can get slightly different if you’re taking a cruise with your family and celebrating one of your little kids’ birthday parties on board the cruise liner. For all of you, it’s a wonderful idea to celebrate the little one’s big day on a Birthday Party Cruise liner. But wait-first find out just how safe the ship is for little children.

For one, find out if they have day care facilities. If it does, it’s going to take the strain off you of looking after your kids-you can concentrate on enjoying yourself you’re your friends. Follow the steps given here and have a relaxing time cruising on your kid’s birthday. Here you go:

” Find out all you can about the Birthday Party Cruise liner you’re interested in. Ask if your friends who took the cruise you’re interested in have children who enjoyed themselves on the cruise?

” Ask if there are child care rooms and up to what age kids are allowed in here. How much does it cost to use a child care room? Should you book one in advance?

” Is the child care staff trained and are the children supervised? How are they kept busy? How many kids does each staff member look after?

” Is there any set check-in and pick-up procedure for kids in the child care room? Are they safe? Should children using this facility be potty-trained? Should they be vaccinated before they embark on this cruise?

If all your queries are answered satisfactorily, look beyond this and get cracking on the birthday celebrations. Remember, you’ve got a cake to think of, the other eats, games and take home gifts. What are you doing? Get up and get going. There’s not much you can get in the middle of the high seas-so go well prepared and have a good time.

Sarah Martin asked:


As the sparkling blue waters beckon, along with the promise of luxurious dining and entertainment, how can you make the best choice in a 5-star world cruise? The appropriate answer stems from the goals you wish to achieve from the cruise.

Are you enjoying your honeymoon or renewing your vows? Is the cruise a much-needed vacation, or a time for the family to bond together over lifetime memories? The right cruise liner for you depends upon your reason for boarding a 5-star world cruise.

There are several trusted ship lines that offer 5-star world cruises. Some of the most popular ones are Celebrity Cruises, the Holland America Line, the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Each of these lines has a fleet of seaworthy ships, experienced captains, diligent crew, and luxurious onboard accommodations. Yet each of them offers a unique type of cruising experience.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises Around the World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfJi0-mtsTI) has nine 5-star luxury hotels that are disguised as 5-star world cruises ships. All of their ships offer star power - meaning that if you are not a Hollywood celebrity, you will still be treated like one onboard the ship.

In fact, many celebrities are known to embark upon Celebrity Cruises to enjoy several days of pure relaxation. Some celebrities provide entertainment onboard, while others will indulge guests on behind-the-scene secrets on how movies are made.

In addition, Celebrity Cruises maintains ships that offer unique features. For example, Constellation has a thalassotherapy pool within a huge AquaSpa. Using seawater for healing, their pool and AquaSpa help all guests indulgently unwind.

Holland America Line

The Holland America Line is ideal for people who wanted to see the world in style. With over 130 years of experience under its belt, Holland America Line’s fleet of 5-star world cruises ships assures a comfortable, enjoyable, and unforgettable cruise. In fact, the cabins are among the most spacious in the cruising industry, and no passenger will feel cramped or claustrophobic.

All of Holland America’s 5-star world cruises ships are designed to provide luxurious dining options. If you want to meet new friends, consider dining at the indulgent main restaurant. Or if you want privacy with your loved one, take your meals inside the intimate gourmet grill.

One of the best features of Holland America is that its cruises can take passengers to several private islands in the Caribbean - ensuring that your experience is exclusive and indulgent.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Cruise Line invented the concept of “freestyle cruising.” This cruising philosophy forgoes any type of predetermined schedule or seating arrangements for the passengers - which ensures that the cruise vacation will be extremely relaxing and pleasurable.

The Norwegian Cruise Line has 12 5-star world cruises ships that sail to more than a hundred ports all over the world. These 5-star world cruises ships usually have ten gourmet restaurants on board, satisfying even the most discriminating palate. Their ships also feature casinos, spas, fantastic production shows, and much more.

Oceania Cruises

The ships of Oceana Cruises take luxury to a higher level. These 5-star world cruises ships offer cabins with 5-star hotel room amenities, including a tranquility bed.

This feature is excellent for romantic cruises. And if the couple managed to win against the intimate temptation of the cabin, they can also enjoy other facilities, such as the spa, the fitness center, and the casino.

In addition, the 5-star world cruises ships of Oceania Cruises make it a point to stay overnight in ports to give the passengers more time to explore the locality.

Princess Cruises

The 14 5-star world cruises ships of the Princess Cruises Around the World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfFDapcscS8) belong to the original fleet of love boats. In fact, for love birds, the ships’ captain officiates delightful wedding ceremonies.

Afterwards, the newlyweds will be delighted by the spectacular sceneries that the ship will find for them, including whales and glaciers. Or, for the more adventurous couple, you can embark upon helicopter rides and other exciting activities.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Hailed as one of the best cruise lines in the world, the 5-star world cruises ships of the Regent Cruise Lines Around the World offer a chance to visit exotic destinations. The ships will even sail to Antarctica, making this cruise line perfect for the adventure-seeker who still enjoys luxury.

Brian Jenkins asked:


With thousands of vacation options around the world, it can be difficult to narrow down your options to just a single destination. However, one of the most popular choices for leisure travel is the cruise. Cruises leave from ports all over the world, and for many vacationers, this is the best travel choice. Could a cruise work for you? Consider the many benefits to this kind of trip.

Primarily, with a cruise, you are not going to have many extra expenses, so it is easy to fit into a budget. Some cruises are all-inclusive, and while others are not, most include all of the basics you need for a great vacation. If you work with a travel agent, you can combine a cruise and flight for even bigger savings. You will find that most cruises include meals and entertainment, but on some, you have to pay for drinks and shore excursions.

Beyond budgeting, a cruise is super easy to plan. Instead of having to put together an itinerary yourself, you just “cruise” along, literally. The company running the cruise determines the entertainment, as well as set the course, taking you to various ports of interest. While some may find this a bit limiting, most enjoy the stress-free idea of not having to plan a vacation – they do the planning for you!

Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, giving you tons of variety. One of the best features of a cruise is the flexibility it offers. You can literally go to a local travel agent and name your port, or at least a general area from which you want to leave. In the United States alone, cruises leave from Alaska, Florida, California, and a number of other states. Caribbean cruises are popular, of course, but you can also find cruises in Europe, Africa and other countries throughout the world.

Location is not the only thing that is flexible. With a cruise, you can also be flexible about the amount of time you want to spend on vacation. Some cruises are very long, lasting 10 to 14 days. On the other hand, most cruise lines offer shorter 3-day cruises for those with lower budgets or those who do not want to spend their entire vacation on a ship. You can also find short day cruises, so if you are going on vacation near a coast, you might want to look into an evening casino cruise, daylong sightseeing cruise, or other short tourist option.

Another great aspect of cruising is your ability to see so many different places in such a short amount of time. Most cruises, even short 3-day cruises, allow you to see at least two ports. On a longer cruise, you might dock at a different port almost every night. What is great about this is the fact that you do not have to worry about spending time traveling to all of these locations. Your travel arrangement is the ship itself, so if you are afraid to fly or simply want to try something new, a cruise is the perfect way to travel. A cruise ship is a very comfortable travel option with everything you need available to you.

Do not forget that cruises also offer opportunities you would not get elsewhere. For example, if the cruise goes out deep into open waters, you might see some marine life that you could never see from land. Of course, this depends on your overall location.

Cruises are also available in themes allowing you to find the best option for your vacation. You can find cruises sponsored by certain organizations, but some of the most popular are the singles and couples cruises offered by most major cruise lines. On a single’s cruise, you must be traveling alone or, at least, romantically unattached. The whole point is to meet people! Couples cruises usually have romantic activities and more privacy. You can also find family cruises, Like Disney cruises, which include meet and greet options with all of the Disney characters.

Lastly, cruises are extremely safe. While you are on a cruise ship, you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry much about crime. In addition, ships have fewer accidents than other travel options, and even when you get to port, cruise lines take great care to ensure that you are docking in safe parts of the city you are visiting.

Booking a cruise is extremely easy. You can find out about cruise options, or you can call a travel agent to discuss your cruising wishes. By working with a travel agent or company, you can choose a great cruise that works for you and your travel companions. A cruise is available in many different themes such as a family cruise or a singles cruise. These are all great options and your travel agent can help you choose the best option for you.