Celestial Seas

jamiehanson asked:


Cruise vacations presently have become one of the most liked way of spending your vacations because it gives you enormous pleasure and fun during your most awaited period of the year that are your vacations. Either you are single, couple or a family, cruise vacation is an excellent decision to spend your holidays among other methods to spend; it is the most luxurious and lavish way to make the most out of your holidays. You may need to put in huge amount your money while preparing a cruise vacation. To get the maximum out of your well deserved money and to experience enormous excitement and fun from your cruise vacation it is excellent to think about discounted cruise vacations. Well, many people often have a feeling that a cheap cruise vacation will be a reparation for some luxuries and comforts as it is inexpensive, but it is not so, it is only that the fares are lowered for which some other people may have spent lavishly. The lavishness and latest cruises would rather sail a full-fledged ship than sailing it with vacant berths, thus the fantastic choice for these cruise lines is to allow reservations at last minute with discounted fares. To get inexpensive cruises it even depends on how intelligently you do your bookings, like you have to book the cruise vacations during the off-seasons rather than during high seasons when the prices are the highest, you should also see the current demand for the company presenting cheap cruises. There are several reasons that help you to reserve lavish cruises as discounted cruises like: - Firstly you should choose the location where you would prefer to go by cruise, it will be sensible to arrange your cruise vacations during off season when the charges are reduced. - Secondly wait for an inaugural discount offer that comes along with new cruises which aids you fetch cheap cruise with all the comforts. - Thirdly plan a cruise vacation when the demand is too less, either during end of your vacation or just beginning of your holidays. - Think about group bookings where you manage to cut down the per head cost reasonably and hence enjoy all the pleasures of a lavish cruise at discpunted fares. - If you are yet puzzled, you can take the assistance of the Internet that provides you all the necessary official information and helps you book a cheap cruise so as to provide you the maximum pleasure and delight expected from your cruise vacation and also the highest worth for your money invested. There are several of cruise lines that provide you a great discount without compromising its luxuries. Cruises like Carnival Cruise Line is the favorite and the most famous cruise line of the world as it offers all the quality luxuries and comforts, at affordable fares and thus fetches a great worth for your money. It provides the amazing services for all age groups and is the top most option to choose as a cruise vacation at Bahamas, Alaska etc… Crystal cruises focuses on giving its customers the best of their services along with luxuries and comforts to provide customer fulfillment. It includes restaurants and cafes where the world’s excellent chef prepares an assortment of delicious cuisines served with a delight. If you want to spend your vacations in Canada, Mexico, Panama etc.. you can choose the Crystal cruise line for maximum contentment. The famous Alaska cruises facilitate you to discover Alaska’s beauty and thus aiding you experience the fantastic cruise vacations. Alaska cruises provide you a lot of services and amenities that you may have experienced in any other cruise line. You can sense its comforts and also experience Alaska’s scenic beauty by observing the big glaciers and its unique wildlife. Alaska cruise line often offers cheap fares and schemes to its customers during off-season or end of the season, its fares are quite competitive and affordable. You can get several cruise lines that offer you cheap prices and the best possible services and comforts, each cruise line has a class of its own. So what are you waiting for, just arrange a location and enjoy your holidays on a cruise.

Christian Baligad asked:


Going on a cruise is both fun and exciting. It is the best getaway that probably money can buy. It could mean the travel of a lifetime enjoying both water and land activities.

If you are a newlywed couple, going on a cruise is possibly the best way of spending your honeymoon.

Most people think that “cruising” is an expensive activity. That you need thousands of dollars to get a ticket. Then again, there are great alternatives to reach the dream of going on cruises.

Your very first consideration is the cruise plan. You can save a lot if you will just plan wisely. By doing this, you can manage to explore more about the greatest deals and cruise trip discounts.

Vacation cruise planning can also give you an intelligent system to have a step-by-step cruise destination and the vacation of a lifetime.

Aside from that, another great thing to do is to look for the best cruise lines. The best cruise lines must be able to give you a low-cost fare and fees. Another thing is that cruise lines must have first-class customer service.

Speaking of cruise lines, there are many impressive ranges of cruise lines that exist for you to choose from. Each and every one of them promises to get you to many diverse destinations.

A great cruise is not just all about the destination at all. One of the best characteristics of cruise lines is to have a big assortment of cruise services. For example, the best cruise lines must have the capability to move from one port to another.

The most preferred places for cruise trips are Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Gulf of Mexico, The Panama Channel, and the Caribbean Sea. The best cruise must bring you to those destinations. Besides that, great cruises must have reasonable cruise prices.

The tagline is also very significant. But you must be cautious of them also. Some taglines are only intended to catch your attention.

The best cruise lines must be affordable but luxurious. They must try to give you a taste of an incredible experience without costing too much. Another important thing is cruise lines must give many amenities and services not found in other kinds of vacations.

Good customer services must also be given to customers. For example, services like spa treatments, evening recreation, dance classes, sporting activities, casinos, entertainment and plenty of other leisure activities to perform within the ship.

The best cruise lines must also be very particular with the food they serve. They must offer both new and conventional ways of eating. The means of dining must also be carefully observed. For example, if you need to eat, you can eat what you feel like, where you want to and when you want to.

In order to find the best cruise lines, the best thing to do is to do research well. By doing this, you can find the lowest cost possible. You can also find the best type of cruise lines that fits what you are looking for and how much you can afford.

You can do reliable exploring for the best cruise lines over the net. There are many websites that offer the best kinds of cruise lines. There are also many websites that offer ideas about how to choose the best type of cruise ships. The best ship must have a lot of things.

Having the right information is also great. For example, if the room is in the lower part of the ship, the rooms are normally economical. On the other hand, a suite is indeed the most luxurious selection of space.

Booking as early as doable can also be the best way for picking cruise lines. Most of the cruise lines offer excellent discounts and deals when booked as early as possible.

A word of advice, selecting the best cruise must also tell you the cruise destination ports. Most of the shipping lines will absolutely tell you the ports of destination.

Always take into account that the best cruise lines must have your interests in mind to give you the best service as possible at the lowest possible prices.

Cruise programs are also one of the factors in choosing which the best cruise lines are. Programs must be very entertaining and recreational. Programs like snorkeling, fishing, diving, onboard movie watching, discos, ballroom dancing and lots more are what you have to look out for.

To make your cruise more recreational and enjoyable, choosing the best cruise lines is certainly essential. Book your cruise as early as possible to seize this great opportunity.

Have fun,

Christian Baligad

Stephen Dolan asked:


Those of you who have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to go cruising already know what a wonderful experience a cruise can be. Indeed, it’s more than likely that you probably rate every vacation you take now against the standard set by your cruise.

Even if you’ve never been on a cruise the chances are that you’ve thought of taking one. Unfortunately, deciding to go on a cruise is the easy part. After that you will have a number of important decisions to make to ensure that you pick the perfect cruise for you.

The most important decision you will face after you decide to go on a cruise is where you want to go. When people think of cruises they usually think of the big cruise ships in the Caribbean. Just imagine all that deep blue water and the sun shining down while you sit on the deck and enjoy cocktails. Ahhhh nice! And while that can be a lot of fun, you should keep in mind that you can go on cruises to almost any part of the world. Take a cruise through the Panama Canal, around the Indian Ocean, or follow the western coast of Africa into the Mediterranean.

Keep in mind that you are not just picking which part of the ocean you’d like to see. Almost all cruises will allow you to make side trips inland when the ship stops at a port of call. This can be either on your own or as part of an organized tour group. If you have always wanted to visit Australia, try combining a trip to Australia with a cruise around the Pacific Ocean.

You should also make sure that you can find a cruise that will give you the experience you want. Obviously, a small cruise ship touring around the coast of Alaska will result in a very different experience from a large cruise ship meandering leisurely around the Mediterranean. While there are major differences in the cruising experience, this is not just about picking the right kind of climate for your trip. If you are looking for all night parties and poolside drinks, go on the Mediterranean cruise. If you want a more relaxed trip, curled up under blankets and whale watching, go on the Alaskan cruise.

You should also remember that certain cruise lines focus on different types of customers. There are cruise ships that will cater to those who want to spend all night drinking and dancing, there are cruise ships that focus on retirees and there are cruise ships that cater to a variety of tastes. Families should look for family-friendly cruises. These family-friendly cruises will have children’s activities and places for teenagers to hang out. The Disney Cruise line specializes in family style cruising.

The level of service you will receive is the biggest factor in your final price. If you are on a tight budget, avoid the high end luxury cruise. Instead go with a premium or even mainstream cruise. The location and size of your cabin will also make a difference. If you are really tight for cash, take a small cabin on the inside of the ship. While your food and cabin may not be as grand as fellow passengers on the exclusive decks, you will at least still be able to afford the airfare home. And you will have the same experiences as the higher paying passengers.

If you can afford it, feel free to treat yourself with a luxury cruise and enjoy all the amenities that come along with staying at a fancy hotel. Except this hotel goes to many different and exotic places!!

While cruises are often all-inclusive, there are a number of things you should confirm before leaving home. First make sure that the cruise ship is aware of any special dietary or smoking restrictions. If your cruise ship will be coming into port, inquire if you need to book any shore excursions in advance. And most importantly, ensure that you have a way to get to the starting point and back again when the cruise is over. Some cruises do not end at the same port that they departed from. Ending a wonderful cruise by being stranded at the ship’s last port of call is not the best way to enjoy your holiday! Spending a few days in the last port of call before returning home will top off the perfect end to the perfect vacation. Happy cruising!

Mary Hanna asked:


Choosing a travel agent should be easy. Go to travel agents that specialize in cruising. I cannot stress this enough. There agencies that book cruises only and then there are agents within Travel Agencies that are specialists in cruising. Either one of these will fit the bill.

Ask the agent a lot of questions, like what cruise lines that agent has sailed on? They should be very knowledgeable about all the aspects of cruising- food, activities, entertainment, the size of the cabins available, the size of the ship, what kind of facilities and the clientele. To be really sure of the agents’ expertise, ask for a CLIA accredited agent.

Ask about a variety of cruises, not just one or two lines. Some agents push one or two lines because they either have booked a big block of space on a ship or they get a higher commission from a particular cruise line, they call these their “Preferred Suppliers”. Ask them who their Preferred Suppliers are and what lines they have personally sailed on. Many times it will be the Preferred Suppliers but you want someone who has experienced many cruise lines.

Cruise Tip: When choosing an agent, ask how long she/he has worked for the agency. You want one that has been there at least two years, has been on several lines, and can answer all of your questions. It is not realistic to expect the agent to have sailed on all of the cruise lines but you want one that has sampled many.

There are a couple of tricks to get the best priced cruise. Go to one Travel Agent who specializes in cruises; go through the options available for the type of cruise you want. After the agent has narrowed it down she/he will than say it’s time to call the lines and check for availability. The next step is to put a hold on the cabin which she will put in your name. Normally the cruise line will hold a cabin for a week. .

Go home and call another cruise agency and ask for their cruise specialist. Give that agency the same information along with the price quoted by the first agent. See if this agent can beat the price. If she can, go back to the first agent and tell her your mother, sister, friend, was able to get a better price and can she meet that price. Chances are she will, especially if she has placed you on a Preferred Supplier. Don’t feel bad about this. You will probably book with the first agent, and the second agent did not do any work except make a phone call. This will also let you know if the first agent did a good job. If agent number 2 can’t beat the price or quotes you a higher price, bingo, you’ve got yourself a great agent in on the first try.

The third thing you will want to do is check the internet for any deals on that particular ship. You can check by search engine or by going to the individual cruise lines website.

Your local newspaper will have a cruise travel section with lots of ads for cruises and will list discount fares. Or go to your local bookstore and browse the Magazine section for Cruise related publications. And of course the Cruise lines all have websites where you can book directly. But if you are a new cruiser it is best to go to a Travel Agent that knows cruising and can answer all your questions including the pro and cons of each and every cruise line.

Cruise Tip: If you are strictly looking for price, go to travel agents that have booked large blocks of rooms on a particular cruise and they will be able to give you a good discount. Just make sure that this is the type of cruise you want to take. Consider the ships “personality”. There are ships that are completely casual all of the time, or ships that promote partying, and ships were people are elegantly dressed all of the time. Choosing your cruise style is one of the first things you should decide, this will help the Travel Agent find the ideal ship for you.

Copy the list below and take them with you when you visit your chosen Travel Agency (write answers below questions):

1. What is the total price for the cruise? It should include port charges, air fare and transfers to and from the airport.

2. Can any money be saved by traveling on a different cruise line with similar amenities or if I traveled at a different time of year?

3. Does the agency have a way of checking if the rate drops as the cruise date nears? If so, will the travel agent automatically lower my fare?

4. Does the cruise line offer travel insurance and what kind if they do? Does the agency offer insurance or know a reputable company?

5. What is the last day you can cancel without penalty? What are the penalties?

6. What proof of citizenship is expected? What other documents will I need?

7. If I want to change the itinerary or go earlier or stay later is that possible?

8. Who will make my airline reservations? When can I get seat assignments?

9. Find out where your cabin will be and if it is close to the dining room, the elevator, the disco, the pool etc. Ships are large and there will be considerable walking.

10. Arrange with the agent what type of beds you want, queen or twin.

11. Tell the agent when you want to dine and how large the table should be.

12. If purchasing an outside cabin has the agent checked to make sure the view is not obstructed? If this doesn’t matter to you, you may be able to save some money by booking an obstructed view.

13. What are the weight restrictions if you are flying to the port?

14. When will I get my travel documents?

15. If you have a special diet request make it now.

16. If it is your honeymoon have the travel agent notify the cruise line. The lines usually have special gatherings for newly weds.

17. If you are traveling in a large group the cruise line should also be notified.

18. If you have any special needs such as cribs or baby food now is the time to have the agent tell the cruise line.

19. If you have a health issue, ask about the infirmary

20. Do they have any cruise reviews that you can see or get a copy of?

These questions and the information above will aide you in finding the right Travel agent to book your cruise vacation. Just a little bit of work and then you can Set Sail!

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

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

Kenneth Fox asked:


For those who have wanted to take a cruise but tight budgets just won’t allow it, there are easy ways of finding the cheapest cruises. There are many travel agents out there with great deals for cruises. You can also go directly to the cruise line to see what specials they may be offering.

Sometimes, booking your cruise online can get you a better deal, as many travel agencies try to promote on the internet for travel needs. You can take care of most of your travel needs with just a click of a mouse, making the internet your one stop shop for your vacation. The price you pay depends on what type of cruise you choose.

The next step is deciding which cruise line you want to go with, and there are many to choose from. The most popular cruise lines are: Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess, Costa Cruise Lines, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Silversea, Windstar Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Uniworld River Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

You can also decide from luxury cruises, sail ship cruises, river cruises, seniors cruising, golf cruises, and anything from weddings and honeymoons to business incentive and education on vacation can also be found.

The cruise industry is growing all the time. More people are taking to the seas for adventure and relaxation. The nice thing about a cruise ship is that it helps you to slow down and take life more casually, because you aren’t racing to get to some destination. Cruising is all about the journey. While the destination may be memorable, even more memories will probably be made on board the ship.

If you’re looking for a luxury cruise deal a traditional travel agent may find you a better deal if they can set you up with a group deal. The agent can book several passengers at once, often getting a “bulk” discount.

You may want to be careful with some of these deals, however, as they may require you to travel as a group and do everything together. And for the hundred or so dollars you may save, you could be relinquishing some personal decision-making in the recreational activities you take part in.

Depending on the type of cruise deal you choose, all-inclusive generally buys you more for your money. These deals supply, as the name implies, everything. Transportation to the port from which you will depart as well as return, all food and beverages during the cruise and entertainment packages while on the vessel.

Depending on how much time you plan to stay in your stateroom, the need for deluxe accommodations should be considered. If you plan to spend the majority of your trip locked in your room, then it may be a good bargain, but the best cruise deal may be found with the smaller rooms you plan to use just for sleeping and storing your belongings.

There are a wide variety of onboard activities to choose from that usually vary from one cruise line to another. This is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, as you want to be sure you will enjoy yourself during your time spent on your trip.

When looking for cheap cruises, you will want to plan your trip with a few extras so you will not be disappointed. It also helps to have a flexible schedule so you can have a better choice of things to do on your cruise.

You will want to travel in the off season to get better values as summer months and holidays tend to raise prices and the good deals go away. This makes it a bit harder if you have children that are of school age as they would have to miss school to go on vacation. During the peak seasons, cruises are usually booked up with regular fares, so chances of getting a good deal then is highly unlikely.

There are many ways to save on your cruise. You just have to do a bit of homework when planning your trip. Many cruise lines will offer a special for families, offering the “children are free” option. This can be an extremely good deal if you have more than one child or if you are traveling with another group that has children.

Check local newspapers as they always show good travel deals and check with travel agencies to see what offers they have available. Don’t forget to check the internet for deals as well. Travel websites are always competing with each other for the lowest rates, so you can use that to your advantage.

Vikram kuamr asked:


Cruises are generally viewed as the special abode of the rich and famous. State-of-the-art cruise ships, trained professional staff, and exotic locales add to this misconception. On the contrary, cruises are for everybody who loves to travel, to see places, to meet people, to experience life, and to go on a holiday. DiscountCruiseDeals can help you go on your dream cruise, and experience the fun and excitement of cruise travel. The cruise fares offered by DiscountCruiseDeals are affordable and, as an added value, Cash Rewards are available.

If you are on a tight schedule or tight budget, you can go on group cruises. There is strength in numbers, especially in traveling. Group cruises allow you to pool your resources, enjoy the activities together, visit places together, and meet new people together. Special discounts are given to groups. So, take advantage of these special rates and plan a cruise with your family or friends. DiscountCruiseDeals, through participating cruise lines, offers residents of selected states and/or certain age groups discounts on select cruises.

Discounted cruises are available for individuals and couples. If you cruise domestically, fares start for as low as $149 for a 3-night Pacific Coastal cruise and $649 for a 7-night Glacier Discovery Southbound cruise. If you want a cruise to the sun-lovers’ paradise of the Bahamas, cruise fares start at $199 for a 2-night cruise aboard the “Century” and as low as $329 for a 3-night cruise aboard the very popular “Monarch of the Seas”. If you want the sophistication of Europe, you can cruise Greece for $699, or tour the “Best of Europe” for $1,099. There are cruise fares for every travel budget.

DiscountCruiseDeals makes it easy for clients to choose their dream cruise by categorizing their available cruises into Top Cruise Picks, i.e., close to home, extended voyages, last minute, and sunny and warm; Top Cruise Destinations, i.e., Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Caribbean, and 17 Cruise Lines. The last feature is helpful as each cruise liner is described in detail. The name of the ship, its technical description, the individual cruise fares, the onboard amenities, the onboard entertainment, the cuisine, and the sailing calendar are all described. This way, you need not actually visit the cruise ship to see its features, saving you a lot of time and effort.

However, if you still feel overwhelmed by the choices, the Cruises Express Search is available for you. Just click your preferred destination, cruise line, cruise date, and cruise length, and the Express Search will give you the best fit for your preferences.

With cruise fares as affordable as those offered by DiscountCruiseDeals, a dream holiday can become a reality. And indeed, throw your cares to the wind, exchange the cold for the sun, and exchange your troubles for some love.

Daniel Millions asked:


The cruise vacation has become more and more popular in recent years. Many people are considering the cruise as the vacation of choice during any time of year. It is important if you have children to select the best family friendly cruise to be sure everyone will be satisfied. Not every cruise is family friendly, some cruises are meant strictly for singles or just for couples. You’ll want to double-check and be certain the cruise you are selecting is ideal for families.

Every family is different, so keeping in mind what your children like to do is critical. Some children love outdoor activities and others like creative activities such as arts and crafts. Visit the cruise line’s website and see exactly what activities are planned for children to see how children will be entertained. You’ll want to be sure that your children will enjoy the activities and entertainment that will be on the cruise. After all, once you are on the boat there is no way you can simply pack your family up and drive them somewhere else for the afternoon! Whatever the cruise line provides you with is what you have to enjoy.

Some potential guests are hesitant to ask questions before booking a trip. Asking questions can help you find exactly the right cruise line for your family. Ask your travel agent which cruises they would suggest for your family. Give them the ages of your children and describe their personalities and what they like to do. This will help the travel agent have some idea of the best cruise line and ship to suggest to you. Fortunately, there are many trips to select from — and certainly there is bound to be a cruise that will please your family.

There are cruises for all sorts of people and all types of themes. Families with gay parents can enjoy cruises specifically for these families. Cruises also exist for vegetarians and those that enjoy specific sporting activities. There are also family friendly cruises that feature popular cartoon characters that your children have most likely watched on the television set and video literally since they were born. These cruises are ideal for families as they offer great entertainment for children.

Talk over the idea of taking a cruise with your family. When you have never gone on a cruise, sometimes the idea seems very new and foreign. It may be a great idea to consider taking a short cruise to “test the waters” so to speak and help decide if your family enjoys cruising. Remember that larger cruise lines will most often offer the most options and everyone’s experiences are different. A shorter trip is an excellent way to get a sense of what your toddler or teenager would feel like on a cruise ship and how your family feels about the cruising experience.

Many families consider cruising the ideal vacation. Everything is planned for you when you take a cruise. Your meals are prepared for you and your activities are all available for you, all you have to do is simply sign up and enjoy. Cruises are typically all-inclusive for most services. Many families feel that they get a real bargain in many ways for the type of vacation they wind up enjoying. Cruising is a wonderful way to visit just about anywhere in the world, at just about any time during the year.

There are family friendly cruises that will appeal to many. Choosing the best cruise for your family is critical. You deserve to be happy and relaxed on your family vacation. Like every family that has tried cruising you’ll certainly discover it is the best way to take a vacation!

Bruce Pickett asked:


When most people think of a luxury cruise, they visualize a hugh ship out on the ocean, sailing from one exotic tropical port to another. There is an alternative type of cruising, though, that provides quite a different cruise experience while still pampering passengers with luxury and exceptional service. It is called river cruising and it is an amazing way to cruise.

 

An alternative to traditional cruising

Whether you are a first time cruiser or have experienced many, there is much to like about river cruising. As an alternative to the traditional cruise, it provides a different view of the countries and cities visited on the ship with a more intimate and casual atmosphere. When we consider the areas where these river cruises are most popular, Europe, Asia and South America, one may wish to take a little more time to absorb the sites, culture, locals and the history. The ship`s motion on the water is quite different on a river compared to an ocean cruise, and is much less likely to bother someone who may be prone to motion sickness.

 

Smaller ships

River cruise ships are necessarily smaller than ocean cruise ships, as they have to navigate the sometimes shallow and tricky waters of an inland waterway. River cruising should not be confused with barging – where passengers float on a barg in man-made canals – because with a powered cruise ship you can explore a country via natural rivers and waterways. Most river cruise ships generally accomadate between 100 and 200 people, although, some are even smaller.

 

Casual, flexible, personal

River cruising is much more casual than traditional cruising. Dinners are casual and comfortable, and in most cases, do not even require wearing a dress jacket or suit coat. Seating is generally open rather than assigned, giving you an opportunity to dine with different people every night, and there is only one sitting rather than two. Passengers can eat what they want , when they want, and in the company of whom they want – the ultimate in flexibility.

 

Slower pace, more relaxed

A river cruise vessel travels at a much slower speed than a traditional cruise ship, allowing passengers to better appreciateand enjoy the passing countryside. The slower cruising speed allows the ship`s atmosphere to feature a slower pace and a more relaxed enviornment, something that most river cruisers particularly enjoy. The sometimes frenetic pace of activity on an ocean liner simply does not exist on a river cruise, making it an exceptionally relaxing way to vacation.

 

Intimate view of the country

River cruising allows you to have a unique and intimate view of the countries you visit. A river cruise takes you well outside of the cities that are typical stopping points and lets you explore the countryside that reflects the true culture and spirit of a country. River cruises usually include stops in smaller villages in towns, where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy a unique cultural experience.

 

Luxury and exceptional service

A slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere does not mean that river cruising lacks in luxury and service. On the contrary, because a river cruise ship carries fewer passengers, the crew can provide exceptionally personal service, catering to your every need or want. And because river cruise ships generally do not have a hugh array of bars, entertainment facilities and other nightlife venues, they tend to be quieter and more subdued than ocean liners. You still have access to entertainment and recreational activities, just not as many as on a larger ship.

 

River cruising season

In warm weather climates, river cruising can occur year round, but most cruise lines still curtail their sailings from November to March. In northern climates the rivers freeze over the winter, necessitating a shorter season that usually runs from April or May through October or November, depending on river conditions. Because river cruise ships hold fewer and do not run as often as ocean liners, accomodations tend to fill up rather quickly. Your best bet is to book your luxury cruise on a river at the earliest date possible to ensure your place on the ship.

 

If you have any questions or want further information, please go to my web site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett and send me an email with your thoughts.

 

Martha Vasquez asked:


Whether setting out from Queens Quay West or heading towards the Toronto Islands, fantabulous Toronto dinner cruises can be great places to hold any event. Waterfront based Toronto boat cruises can also offer wonderful picturesque peeks of famed harbor views that are unparalleled and second to none.

If you or someone you know is interested in embarking on a Toronto cruise, then you can look into the various types of yachts and the themes available for your special event.

Types of Toronto dinner cruises

Boat cruises are generally seasonal, but you can rent a yacht of any size during this time. Some of the main type of Toronto cruises include but are not limited to:

1. Holiday cruises

Holiday parties and events can be held on Toronto based yachts. While public cruises are cheaper, a private holiday cruise will cater to the needs of you and your guests. Check with the charter company to see what date is available and what you need to secure the yacht for the holiday in question. Some yachts require a hefty deposit before making any firm plans.

2. Themes cruises

A water front venue is made even better when accompanied by a specified theme. Fun ideas like Grecian Gods and Goddesses, Eighteenth Century Lords and Ladies or vintage sock hops can be actualized on Toronto Cruises.

Event planners will work hard to realize your theme and bring it to life. Corresponding decorations and entertainment can be arranged and handled for you as well, making the planning aspect a virtual breeze.

3. Wedding cruises

Weddings are romantic occasions and nothing can make it more wondrous than a aquatic setting along the Toronto Harbor waterfront. This is perhaps why wedding themed cruises have begun to grow in popularity. Many Toronto cruises offer special package deals for betrothed couples that can include entertainment, food and limo rides to the docks. Wedding receptions can also be held on ceremonial dinner cruises at special rates. Even the honeymoon can be celebrated aboard a beautiful yacht, delighting newlyweds as it glides upon the crystalline waters of the Toronto harbor.

3. Private cruises

Public cruises, while fun for a day or evening excursion, are not as structured or as customized as a private cruise. Another obvious advantage of private Toronto cruises is that the boat won’t be crowded. Also, when you have the run of the ship, you and your guest will feel free to mingle. Renting a boat for one day may not be as expensive as one would think, an some basic rental packages can start as $3,000 (of course, the price goes up with the size of the group and things like entertainment and food costs factored in).

4. Discount cruises

Discount cruises are available for people who desire to experience a nice relaxing dinner cruise but can’t pay for a customized theme cruise. This usually means however, that the person has a few limitations, which may or may not include times when they can board the ship, or duration of stay.

Still, some discounts offer the opportunity to take in the opulence and splendor of a noteworthy Toronto boat cruise, which can be worth any purchase price.

Indeed, there are many different cruises available to fit any budget. The type of cruise you choose depends on what your individual or corporate needs are at the time.

Prices can vary depending on the size of the group, the theme and live entertainment. Extra cost may be incurred for the use of specific caterers and gratuities will be including in the price as well.

With the aid of a seasoned event planner, a themed dinner cruise can be just the thing to make a lasting impression on the people you want to celebrate your special occasion with.

Jackie Johnson asked:


In spite of the economic downturn, mainstream cruising is still proving to be a solid choice for many vacationers. The year-over-year growth in bookings won’t be quite as robust this coming season, but that doesn’t mean no one will be cruising. Most cruise passengers are still drawn to the megaships that offer up the traditional itineraries like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska.

But if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional cruises, a brave new world awaits. By comparison, only a relative few know about specialty cruises or small ship cruising. Yet there is a growing fascination and demand for these alternative cruising experiences.

Cruise lines like Seattle-based Cruise West offers the perfect antidote to big-ship, mainstream cruises. Here is a company with a fleet of 11 vessels that range in capacity between 40 and 148 passengers. Because each ship has been designed with a shallow draft, the vessels are able to sail into coves, inlets and inland waterways the larger ships simply can’t get to.

Even when the small vessels mirror the itineraries of the larger ships, the difference is night and day. On an Alaska cruise, for instance, it’s the difference between spotting a grizzly on shore through powerful binoculars versus practically nuzzling up to the giant beast as your motor vessel pulls to within a few feet of the shoreline. This is the intimacy of the small ship cruise experience, an experience that permits an extraordinarily up-close view of scenery and wildlife, and a much more personal connection to the villages and people you’re likely to meet along the way.

In the beginning, Cruise West focused on the Pacific Northwest and Alaska but they have diversified considerably since their first cruise in 1990. Even though several vessels in their fleet still offer an Alaskan experience that is nothing short of spectacular, they have spread their wings to cover many other fascinating destinations. On the home front, they offer intriguing cruises along the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia and Snake Rivers, following in the footsteps of the great explorers, Lewis and Clark. And then there cruises for the whale-watching buffs that take in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.

Further afield, cruises to Central America’s Panama and Costa Rica take in not only the flora and fauna of these countries brimming with the bounty of nature but also offering up opportunities to meet the indigenous Kuna Indians of Panama’s San Blais Islands.

Their flagship vessel, the Spirit of Oceanus, is an anomaly compared to the rest of their fleet. With a capacity of 120 guests, this is their first ocean-going vessel and is also their most luxurious. With fascinating itineraries that start at the Aleutian Islands at the top of the Pacific Ocean, it takes in seldom-traveled routes through Far East Russia, Japan, coastal China, and Vietnam before heading into Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia in the South Pacific. Cruises to the ultra unique Galápagos Islands and river cruises along Europe’s Danube; round out their greatly expanded repertoire of intriguing places to visit and explore.

If unique vessels and unique ports of call help define specialty cruises, one added feature helps to differentiate these kinds of cruises from the mainstream cruise vacation. That third attraction is cruise themes, and Cruise West excels at offering cruises with a special slant that will appeal to those who share a common affinity or interest. Photography cruises, for example, have become extremely popular and Cruise West has teamed up with Pentax to offer seven special itineraries where professional photographers accompany the cruise, offering their expertise and advice to seasoned and novice photographers alike.

A whole new world of pleasures and ports awaits when you sign up for a specialty cruise. So if you’re looking for something different, something quite unique for your next cruise vacation, consider a cruise on a small ship - the big alternative to big-box cruising. For more information visit http://www.uncommoncruises.com.