St Thomas USVI

By Rebecca Robbins

One of the most popular and more trafficked ports of call for cruise ships is St. Thomas U.S.V.I. Known for having "Something for everyone", St. Thomas also serves as a port of call to many ships sailing the southern Caribbean, South America and the Panama Canal.

Upon your arrival to this wonderful island you will more than likely be docked at Havensight or Crown Bay, the two primary docks for cruise ships. Havensight dock is well equipped with AtM's, a post office, public phones, and the only book store on the island, a wine shop and more than 50 stores for your shopping pleasure. Across from the Havensight dock you will find coffee shops and internet café's and more stores for shopping. Charlotte Amalie is an easy walk from the docks for even more duty free shopping. St. Thomas is not the bargain paradise it used to be. So do some comparisons shopping before you buy. The one good thing is that St. Thomas is an American port and the duty free allowance is now $1,600.00, and that's twice the amount allowed for Europe. There are however many great bargains still to be found.

Take note that if your ships docks on a Sunday, many of the stores and shops of Charlotte Amalie are only open from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. and many of the attractions observe the same hours and only a few restaurants are open for lunch. If however you are fortunate enough to have a day to spend on this beautiful island, try spending it exploring the historic districts or dining at one of the extraordinary restaurants located in Frenchtown. A day of golf or a day trip over to St. John's or even just a lazy day on the beach is pleasant and enjoying on this island.

When getting around in St. Thomas, remember that individual cabs are a rarity, cabs are usually safari trucks or vans and charge a flat fee if they are headed "your way". Beware also of adventuring off the beaten paths often taken by tourist who choose to explore on their own, crime is becoming an issue everywhere. If you do wish to explore on your own, rent a car, and know that cell phone usage while driving is illegal, and whatever you do, when you drive!! Drive on the Left.

Rebecca Robbins offers travel tips on St. Thomas U.S.V.I. cruise destinations Cruises on her blog at http://www.myluxurycruise.info

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First Time Cruise - Caribbean Cruises Considered

By Lance Winslow

There are significant choices for Caribbean Cruises and some of the mega ships are truly incredible, entire cities afloat, with everything you could ever want or think of. 5-Star service, recreation, gyms, pools, massage, games, sunbathing, top restaurants, and well you name it. Plus, just take a look at some of the wonderful destinations on some of the cruise choices, it's enough to make your head spin. Sometimes it is so strenuous to go through all the choices that by the time you are done, well, you'll need a cruise.

The Caribbean is considered one of the best places to take a cruise and the islanders love the tourist trade which thrives on shoppers and travelers. Worried about getting sea-sick? Don't because these ships are so enormous that you feel like you are in a giant building, after all it is literally a city afloat. The most awesome thing about these cruises is the costs are so low, in fact, it is almost cheaper to go on a perpetual cruise than to live anywhere, especially if you shop for the best deals, that include the most features.

If you are going on your first excursion and get-away and you are not sure where to go, I would like to recommend that you try a Caribbean Cruise from one of the larger cruise lines and pick one with the best cruise reviews online from former cruise customers, then consider how much you can budget for your first time cruise, sign-up, show up and enjoy the spectacular beauty known only to the Caribbean!

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

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Simple Tips Regarding Caribbean Cruises

By Lisa Adan Mills

So, you have at last decided you desire to take a cruise for the forthcoming vacation. The problem is that you cannot afford to spend too much on your holiday, so you must find a cheap cruise. Fortunately for you, nowadays is simple to discover cheap cruises, and not only that, by keeping some tips in mind, you can save a lot of money on your travel.

Here are a few tips & information that will offer you and benefit when saving for your cruise holiday:

- Search for an Off Season Cruise. It depends on your destination. Be certain to verify what are the off season months for a given cruise destination. Price during those times fall significantly to attract more people.
- Make a Web Search. Yes, this may sound apparent to some of you, but it is very imperative. The net provides an enormous selection of packages & proffer not only for cruise holiday, but for the whole thing! Don't stick with identical search term; add difference to your search. Advertisers will utilize dissimilar target search terms for their packages.
- Relocation Cruises. These are cruises that are sending to a different spot to cover demand (for instance Hawaii cruises that are sent to the Caribbean's). Cruise lines will attempt to cover their operating expense of doing that voyage by charging low prices.
- Opening Cruises. When cruises lines begin a latest cruise ship, they create offers & incentives to acquire people to endeavor the ship.
- If you belong to the army, try going by the Tickets and Tours agency on the base/post. They allow populace makes interest-free payments, & that assist when you are on a fixed budget!
- verify big holiday suppliers. Big dealer have low prices. Make sure to check with Travelocity & online cruise dealer as they can make modified packages.
- Follow the too early or too late regulation i.e. reserve early or late. Prices fall on these extremely booking conditions.

Lastly, for eternity keep in mind to decide on the right cruises line & ship. Make sure you are going to be contented by it, & do not get wedged in gorgeous brochures & pictures. At times a cheap cruise holiday can turn out to be a pretty luxurious one at the end, because of unpredicted expenses. There is abundance of sites on net that can assist you review cruises. & always keep in mind to have enjoyable holiday.

Book your next cheap cruise vacation at Cruiseanswers.co.uk. They features the lowest discount prices on Caribbean cruise.

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The Southern and Western Caribbean

By Rebecca Robbins

The Islands of the Southern Caribbean are some of the hottest tourist spots there are. With an endless supply of overwhelming rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins to visit, there is never a dull moment. Try these tropical paradise islands on for size.

Dominica - Tailor your own excursions, if you've never seen a waterfall, try Rainforest Drive, Trafalgar and Emerald Pool (the most popular ). If hiking is more you style try the Middeham Falls, discover the picturesque natural beauty of Dominica and when you're finished for the day take the Hot Springs Escape.

Barbados - Beach Carnivals held in the warm tropical breezes, exotic orchid gardens, a visit to the Coconut Rum Distillery and by all means party where the parties start: on board an authentic Jolly Roger.

San Juan P.R. - visit the largest rum factory there is BICARDI then on to "Old San Juan" where the beauty of colonial architecture mixed with a modern day presence makes this part of the city breath- taking. Shopping in "old San Juan" is some of the best in the Caribbean. Night life is self explanatory AH - Carumba.

St Thomas USVI - Try the Land and Sea Shopping Tour where you can see the town from the sea and walk the historical sites. Don't miss Blackbeard Hill for some Duty - Free shopping or Blackbeard Castle for more of the same. Main street in ST. Thomas will however give you the best in an ultimate shopping experience. If shopping is not your thing try a beach get-away and please take the Champagne Catamaran Sail - Away over to St. Johns.

Western Caribbean Cruises

The tropical islands of the Western Caribbean islands is the place for the adventurous person to spend their cruise vacation. The Rainforests, Ancient mayan cities are an adventurers delight. Come travel the footsteps of Christopher Columbus.

Ocho Rio - Enjoy horseback riding to an ancient Mayan city Enjoy the beaches of Ocho Rio , the Waterfalls of Mamee Bay. Walk through a Rainforest or relax and enjoy the music of the late Bob Marley the King of REGGAE, and do sample the culinary delights that this island has to offer.

Costs Maya - Mayan Ruins that dates back to 360 A.D. for the Adventurous

Grand Cayman - The most popular attraction to this island is the Green Sea Turtle Farm, strange landscape and unusual rock formations make the village of HELL unique in itself.

Cozumel - Great for Snorkeling and Scuba - Diving, take a Jungle Adventure Tour or Dunne Buggy or Jeep Tour.

Belize - Beautiful country and the tropical rainforests make this along with the Mayan Ruins of Altun -Ha a must to see.

Key West - Glass - Bottom Boat Tours, Para - Sailing (for the adventurer ) and excellent snorkeling make this a must also.

Rebecca Robbins offers travel tips on the Luxury Cruise Destinations LuxuryCruise Destinations on her blog at http://wwwmyluxurycruise.info

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Enjoy a Florida Cruise and Stay Break

By Rakesh Gaikwad
Rakesh Gaikwad
Rakesh Gaikwad
Level: Basic PLUS

I specialize in writing articles about various topics. ...


Florida is well known as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Whether it's for the children or adults, boys or girls, men or women, there has never been and never will be a lack of things to do. Theme parks full of fun and wonder, beaches for relaxing and soaking up the sun and endless, world famous shopping.

Florida Cruise and Stay's are the best way to go and enjoy Florida as they offer the best of both worlds - a fantastic, relaxing cruise for the first week, five nights in Florida, allowing you to get a great sun tan, shop 'till you drop and enjoy the many theme parks and then jump back on the cruise home with your bags of shopping and relax for 2 days all the way home.

Often not showing a great difference in price to flying to Florida, cruising offers the ultimate way to travel. Food, soft drinks and entertainment all included on board, you can travel in style and luxury with the many restaurants on offer, cocktail bars and casinos. Alternatively tone up your Miami Beach body by spending time in the massive gyms, health spa's and sports areas. Or simply sun yourself on the deck by the many swimming pools on offer. It definitely beats cramped leg room and dubious food onboard an airplane!

A lot of cruise lines are extremely flexible and ensure their customers have the best possible experience traveling. This means you can cruise to Florida and cruise back a few days later, cruise there and fly back (or vice versa) or simply cruise to Florida, stay as long as you wish and hop on the next cruise home!

For shoppers, a Cruise and Stay holiday is ideal! Shopping in Florida is world famous, as it offers some of the best designer brands at affordable prices. Not only that, as you're sailing to and from Florida, on board most ships you have an increased baggage allowance of a massive 90kg - that's 70kg more than you would if you were to fly to Florida!

If you're not a lover of shopping, how about thrill seeking? Florida boasts a fantastic amount of theme parks. Disney World, which is split into four theme parks and two water parks, allows you to have your photograph taken with Mickey and Minnie Mouse whilst Universal Studios features rides and attractions taken from world famous films such as Jaws and Indiana Jones. Alternatively you can visit Busch Gardens and view the beautiful scenery, jump on one of the amazing roller coaster's or get up close with the extensive range of animals that live at the theme park. And these are to name just three!

A Florida cruise and stay holiday is definitely the best way to visit Florida. Travel in luxury to Florida, take in all there is to do and hop back on board on travel in style back. There's no better way to see Florida than on a cruise and stay holiday.

Cruising is a wonderful way to see the world, Cruise1st offers cheap cruises to many destinations across the world especially the Florida cruise 1st is offering special packages for Florida cruise and stay holiday in luxury, it is fast becoming a popular cruise destination.

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Bahama Cruises For Spring Break - Find the Best Cruise Ship For You

By Bryan Burbank Platinum Quality Author
Bryan Burbank
Bryan Burbank
Level: Platinum

I love to write articles about thing I know well. I have spent a lot of time developing informational online destinations in many areas of ... ...


When it is Spring Break time most student find there way down to beach communities all over this country. Spring Break is a great time to consider taking a Spring Creak Cruise because it gives you so many things to do and you do not have to worry about drinking and driving and getting into trouble.

When deciding on what type of cruise you want to take first you can decide on the length of your cruise. There are many great weekend cruises to the Bahamas and it you want a longer cruise you can take your whole Spring Break week to enjoy a cruise. You should also decide if you want to not worry and take an all inclusive cruise so that your meals and activities are all paid for. It usually is cheaper to do it this way than pay as you go along the way.

Next you need to decide what ports you want to go to because there are many options when choosing a cruise vacation. If you think you would like to spend most of your time on the ship then it will not matter as much but if you are wanting to get off and shop some then you may want to look at some great places like St. Thomas, etc.

Also there are many shore excursions that you can take when on a cruise that will allow you to wind surf, jet ski, etc., so you want to make sure that you look into these options as well.

Remember that taking a Spring Break Cruise can be a great alternative to just another Spring Creak at the beach.

Learn how to find a: Discount Bahamas Cruise

Get Some Advice about: Cheap Cruises

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Online Cruises.

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Cheap San Juan Island Cruise

By Candis Reade Platinum Quality Author


San Juan offers one of the most beautiful and most affordable places to take a cruise. It serves as an anchor on many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries in addition to a turnaround port for many ships. In fact, just about all regular cruise-goers will wind up, at some point or another, in beautiful, tropical San Juan.

San Juan serves as the urban hub of Puerto Rico. Being part of a U.S. territory, Americans should feel very comfortable there and enjoy the comfort of American culture. San Juan is famous for Senor Frogs, a bar with an unmistakably American feel. Visitors will also never find themselves wanting for a McDonald's Big Mac. But don't be mistaken - San Juan offers tastes of many other cultures as well, including Spanish, Italian and South American. A cruise to San Juan is the cheapest way to experience many cultures of the world!

The old city area, referred to as Old San Juan, for most travelers is the most exciting part of cruising to San Juan. Most large cruise ships dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, dropping off their passengers into a world that dates back to the 16th century. The whole city, including the towering walls surrounding it, has been exquisitely preserved. Visitors can meander down the original cobblestone streets to explore old forts, cobblestone, antique shops and art galleries where local artists display their work. Although the cruise to San Juan may be cheap, you'll definitely spend some money shopping once you arrive there!

One of the first stops for many cruisers who get the chance to disembark in San Juan is the El Morro fort, which dates all the way back to 1539. Another popular tourist stop is La Fortaleza, which takes the cake as the oldest governor's mansion on U.S. soil. Nearby is the Cathedral of San Juan, where visitors can pay there respects at the grave of the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon. Shopping addicts have many options - dozens of shops and boutiques line Calle del Cristo, Calle San Jose and Calle Fortaleza. Are lovers should definitely not skip the Calle del Cristo, where art galleries, private artisan studios and boutiques full of handmade gifts dominate.

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a very popular, affordable cruise destination, and almost every cruise line offers an affordable package that includes a stop in the beautiful city. The Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival cruise lines all offer cheap cruises with stays in San Juan anywhere from four to fourteen days long. If you're considering a cruise with your family, it's a good idea to chose one that includes a day in San Juan, because it really has something for everyone; beautiful, sandy beaches nearby for those who like to relax, hundreds upscale stores and local boutiques for those who like to shop, and dozens of historical sites to visit for those who like to explore.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about cheap San Juan island cruises, please visit My Low Cost Fun Cruises for current articles and discussions.

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Enjoy Cheap Cruises

By Rakesh Gaikwad
Rakesh Gaikwad
Rakesh Gaikwad
Level: Basic PLUS

Many cruise companies offer cheap cruises and reduce the prices for late bookings, cabin only deals and cruises with a short duration.

Cheap cruises on offer include 'week-end get aways' which hop across the English Channel departing from Dover and arriving in Antwerp overnight. The vessel has all the basic necessities, such as restaurants and bars, a gym, library and shops to browse, making these cruise deals a great mini break, with time to unwind and relax without breaking the bank.

Cruises across the North Sea departing from Leith, sailing through the night and arriving in Lerwick in time for morning coffee, the rest of the day can be spent discovering this beautiful area of Scotland before re-boarding the ship to sail during the night arriving in the breathtaking Western Fjords and the delightful city of Bergen. The itinerary includes plenty of personal time throughout the day and evening to explore the city and the surrounding scenic Fjord area. The ship leaves the port of Bergen in the late evening to begin the return sailing. The last day is spent at sea enjoying the amenities of the vessel and relaxing. Meals are offered in two different restaurants, the evening can be spent enjoying drinks with new found friends or in the casino.

This type of cheap cruise makes the cruising experience very affordable and are an excellent way to see whether 'life at sea' is agreeable before embarking on a future longer duration cruise, although it should be noted that with some cheap deals not all of the usual cruise facilities are available. The vessels are up to date and modern, with spacious relaxation areas. As the sailing is predominately through the night, evening entertainment is not always available, which is ideal for those who prefer a more sedate, personal cruise experience. Cabin only cruises are ideal those who prefer to make their own arrangements for dining and making their own entertainment.

Royal Caribbean cruises offer a great deal on 4 night short break cruises. Boarding the vessel in the port of Stockholm the itinerary begins with a day cruising the Fjords and taking in the breath taking scenery while becoming accustomed to the layout of the ship. The ship arrives at Visby, Sweden and remains in the port for a day, giving plenty of personal time to discover the local and surrounding area, before departing and sailing to Norway. Passengers find their own way to and from the departure and arrival ports, usually cheap flights are available from UK airports. Royal Caribbean's cruise ship 'The Vision of the Sea' is ideal for this mini cruise and boasts numerous windows which allow the spectacular Fjords to be seen throughout the sailing. This cruise ship has many luxury facilities including six whirlpools, eight bars and lounges, a health spa and different sports options. Different deck and cabin choices, including staterooms and suites which include separate living areas, balconies and mini bar, the Royal Family suite also includes two bathrooms, are all available within the special deal price making this luxury cruise excellent value for money.

Cruise 1st is a company offering cheap cruises and other discounted vacation packages for your next holiday getaway.

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Wanted! Adventurous Guests Looking For a New Experience on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

By William Parise Platinum Quality Author
William Parise
William Parise
Level: Platinum

Royal Caribbean Cruise line is known to be a leading, innovative cruise vacation company that offers new experiences, a wide array of choices, and great vacation value for active singles, couples and entire families looking for exciting adventures.

The activities onboard their ships are endless, and you can spend all day rock climbing or ice-skating if you desire. As you spend your days on deck soaking up the sun or swimming in the pools, you will notice it could not be more casual, and you will fit right in wearing your comfortable sports clothes and resort wear.

As you decide whether to sail the Western, Eastern, or Southern Caribbean, the experience will be equally refreshing and unique. The western islands offer tropical paradise settings, with spectacular waterfalls, rich culture, complex histories, archaic ruins, rain forests, and beaches.

The Eastern Caribbean offers relaxing white-sand beaches, and gorgeous turquoise waters. If your looking for a Caribbean adventure, you will find yourself parasailing high above, where you can easily view stunning mountains and unspoiled beaches as far as the eyes can see. For the nature lovers, you can spend the day having hours of fun at the Dolphin Encounter.

The most exotic Caribbean destination waits for you on the Southern cruise itinerary. You will find the adventures to be endless, ranging from exploration of Hato Caves in Curacao, to strolls down the streets of Old San Juan, where you will discover the many cultures and the largest Spanish citadel built in the new world.

Take some time to view the supplier's that offer Royal Caribbean's quality cruise lines, and check out the number of vessels available for each exciting itinerary, such as the Enchantment of the Seas, Radiance, Rhapsody, Mariner, and so many more!

About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of "Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site" available at http://discount-caribbean-vacations.com

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Group Cruises - Oasis of the Seas Being Built With Groups in Mind

By Lorraine Grant
Lorraine Grant
Lorraine Grant
I'm one of those homebased internet marketers you hear about all the time. I love the internet and the idea of being able to ... ...



Is your group interested in booking a group cruise or a family reunion cruise? If so, there's something on the horizon that you've just got to see. What is it? It's Royal Caribbean Cruise's newest addition slated to enter their fleet in December 2009 - Oasis of the Seas. So,what makes this ship so great for group cruises? Where do I begin? Let me count the ways...

1. SIZE DOES MATTER

Small ships are a poor choice for multi-generational group trips, as they generally have limited activities, smaller public spaces, and fewer choices for members. If you will be traveling with people of varying ages and interests, a larger ship provides more options, making it easier to meet everyone's individual expectations about the group cruise. The Oasis will be the largest ship on the ocean - boasting a passenger capacity of 5,400 at double capacity with 2,700 staterooms. It's important to select a group cruise that will fit everyone's budget. On a larger ship, there is generally a wide range of stateroom categories in a variety of different price ranges. It's likely that everyone will find something they can afford - whether it be an interior stateroom, an oceanview, a balcony, or a suite. However, the Oasis of the Seas takes the typical stateroom choices and turbocharges them. This ship was built with an abundance of staterooms that overlook interior public spaces -- like the tranquil Central Park, the bustling Promenade Deck, or the outdoor Boardwalk.

2. CENTRAL PARK, THE PROMENADE DECK & THE BOARDWALK

For those who are familiar with Royal Caribbean's Voyager or Freedom-class ships, you already know they are a big "wow" for just about everyone. These three public spaces (where both Central Park and the Boardwalk are new concepts) provide a memorable spot for groups to gather. Central Park is a change from the typical flashy and colorful cruise ship decor. The designs provided by Royal Caribbean reveal neutral, spa-like colors and cozy spaces that would be conducive for quiet chats and catching up (great for family reunion cruises). All sorts of interesting plants will be represented in Central Park - including Calla Lillies, ferns, vines, an assortment of trees, pineapple plants, bamboo, and more. Right below Central Park will be the new and improved Promenade Deck featuring a skylight called the Crystal Canopies that shines light from Central Park above.

The Promenade Deck is also a really great place to hang out informally with people at the coffee shop, ice cream shop, or any of the lounges or restaurants. A new addition to the Promenade Deck is the Rising Tide Bar - a high-tech water feature where the bar rises up on a plume of water from the Promenade Deck to Central Park (three stories up). Additionally, embarkation for this ship will take place at the Promenade Deck rather than on one of the lower decks (as has been with the other RCC ships).

3. AQUATHEATER

In addition to the standard entertainment fare (theater, movies, casino, etc.), Oasis has the coolest outdoor amphitheater ever called the AquaTheater. By day, the large pool (51' x 21') can be utilized by guests. With a depth of 17 feet deep and filled with fresh water, this is much different than the typical cruise ship pool. At night, the area transforms into an outdoor theater with a water and light show. Trapeze artists take to the heights and artistic swimmers fill the pool. Cameras have been installed under the water and the images are projected on large screens on each side of the pool. I'm not sure how groups could utilize this space, but it was too cool not to mention it.

4. CHOICES, CHOICES AND MORE CHOICES

The key to successful cruise group travel is choices. You want to have choices for stateroom accommodations so everyone can find something within their budget. You need choices for dining - so finicky eaters will be happy, as well as accommodating those with restricted diets (such as diabetics or those with food allergies). With a group cruise, you'll be hard pressed to find a single activity that everyone will agree on, so the more choices there are, the more likely it will be that everyone will find something fun to do.

CONCLUSION

The Oasis of the Seas provides so many choices for so many things that cruise group travel was an obvious consideration Royal Caribbean had in mind when they designed this ship. With their great group policies (in terms of Group Amenity Points, pricing and tour conductor credits), planning group trips onboard this ship is something your group can plan with confidence. Oasis' inaugural sailing is set for December 12, 2009. Royal Caribbean will begin taking bookings on September 3, 2008 for this fantastic group-friendly ship.

About the Author

Lorraine Grant is a former travel agent and is currently a travel writer for Group Cruise Trips - an information portal for group cruise travelers. Click here to see her latest report and to read the latest cruise news.

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My Wife is at it Again - This Time a Cruise to Acapulco

By William Lund
William Lund
William Lund
William Lund is a successful inventor and webmaster. ...


It started out as a simple week long cruise to Alaska. My wife and I are avid cruisers...well my wife is and she drags me along. It may appear as though I am enjoying myself, but really I just want to get back to work. My wife lets me work pretty much all the time, so I want her to enjoy the cruise. For her to enjoy the cruise she has to think I am having fun too, so that's why I pretend to enjoy myself.

Anyway, back to the Alaskan cruise...some people we met on a cruise were going to go, and so we were going to go along as well. It's always fun to cruise with people you've met before...assuming you like them of course. A couple of cruises back we went on a cruise to the Caribbean where a large number of people had been yakking at each other on the Cruise Critics message board for almost a year. People all going on the Caribbean cruise of course. It turned out to be a fantastic cruise. We had so much fun with this huge group of people. We referred to it as 62 best friends meeting for the first time. We had some group party's and a couple of blow-up dolls as mascots and we even had a Pirate theme. It made the whole cruise far more fun. Well for Kathy it was a lot of fun, I was just pretending of course. There are a lot of pictures of the cruise, the group, and even the mascots at my cruisesrfun website.

But I digress...back to the Alaskan cruise. Well, it turned out that a whole bunch of those folks that went on that Caribbean cruise decided to do another cruise together, this time to Acapulco Mexico. The next thing I knew our Alaskan cruise had become our Acapulco cruise. I much prefer hot weather to warm and warm to cold, so I had not been looking forward to the Alaskan cruise, but a cruise to sunny Mexico would be another story. Er uh at least it would be easier to pretend to enjoy the cruise.

One of the nifty things about this cruise is it stops at Zihuatanejo, which is where my step son and his wife got married on the beach. Actually, the beach was called La Playa Ropa, and the wedding was at a restaurant called La Perla. Well...we thought why not invite our son and his wife and his sister and her husband to go along too. They are great fun and our son's wife is Mexican and speaks fluent Spanish...it makes her very handy when in Mexico.

This cruise to Acapulco is at the end of October. We will be on the ship for Halloween. You know what that means. It means that there will be a mandatory costume party. At least it will be mandatory for anyone married to my wife. Jeeze. UPS has been making stops at my house several times a week lately bringing things like big fancy ear rings and costumes, and dresses...lots of dresses. My wife Kathy really likes to dress up on these cruises. I pretend I don't mind donning my tuxedo a couple of times each cruise. Apparently I will also be getting dressed up as a Mexican Bandito...with bandoliers holding shot glasses instead of bullets, and holsters that hold tequila bottles. Kathy is going to go as "Miss Piggy" dressed as "Big Bird". Doesn't make sense to me either, but check out our website in early November to see for yourself.

This cruise is aboard the Carnival Spirit, and we have never cruised on Carnival. The last cruise I was on was aboard the HAL Oosterdam, a ship we've traveled on twice. On that cruise I had my iphone, and I could check my email and visit my favorite websites from almost anywhere on the ship. I hope that's the case with the Spirit. As usual I will do a cruise review and post it on cruisesrfun.

Kathy has been in near constant communication with one of that group of 64, Judy, who happens to be a Travel agent. So now we've been moved around, up graded and God knows what else, but we apparently have the perfect state room...with a wrap-around balcony and plenty of room for that cocktail party. On this cruise our group will be around 20 people, and I know Kathy and two of her friends are planning at least one cocktail party for the entire group. A lot of the original group of 64 still chat on the boards, and of course this upcoming cruise has a message board at cruise critics site, and there is daily chatting. I never get involved in that stuff; I leave it all to Kathy.

The cruise begins in San Diego, and we will be staying overnight in the same hotel as the last time we cruised. Kathy has booked us a room where we can stand on the balcony and watch the ship dock early in the morning. Last time it was at like 5:00 a.m. or something...I don't really understand the attraction., but I am pretty sure that at some un-Godly hour I'll be up watch the ship pull up to the dock.

We usually build web pages about our cruise as we go, and upload them to the CruisesRfun website from the ship. This time we will be doing the same thing. I have a new digital camera that takes nice movies, and I would really like to begin incorporating videos into my website. If we can upload at a reasonable speed I'll certainly have some cool videos posted on the site before the end of the cruise. If I am really lucky I'll be able to get some really embarrassing footage of my children for all of their friends to view.

On this trip at least, what happens in Mexico will definitely NOT stay in Mexico. Vive la Internet!

Mr. Lund is an avid cruiser and cruise reviewer, and has a website devoted to his cruise ship vacation experiences. Cruises R Fun There you will find cruise reviews and loads of photos of his cruise vacations.

Visit Mr. Lund's Blog: Pondering Everything

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Caribbean Cruise Vacations

By Wendy Pan Platinum Quality Author


The luxury offered by Caribbean Cruise needs to be experienced if you really want to believe it. They have spacious luxurious rooms, entertainment and gourmet dining. Caribbean cruise will take you places of your choice where people, culture, sea and the sun colorfully blend together.

The ship has many different exciting activities and fun. When you cruise to some of the exotic places, this luxurious cruise which would consider a floating palace offers you entertainment that comprises of live music and Hollywood kind of shows.

You will definitely be impressed by the recreation outlets which contain; swimming, rock climbing and also a well-equipped spa and fitness centre. You can select various packages. You could select a 5 night, 7 nights or a 12 night package that will cover many exotic places in that region.

The package includes 3 meals, beverages, accommodation, ocean transportation and most of the entertainment that is organized on the ship. However some expenses will not be include such as taxes, special restaurants, holiday insurance, air transport, medical services, telephone calls, shopping and other personal expenses.

Caribbean cruise enables you to choose an itinerary of your choice. The cruisers are designed keeping in mind the needs of the passengers. They provide a relaxed and flexible service of excellent standards. This cruise will help you to de-stress and relax as it offers delightful sights with a remarkable arrangement of facilities, recreational activities and entertainment coupled with hospitality.

The cruise has options for all age groups. For health enthusiast there are various programs that promote healthy vacations through spas, Tai Chi, seminars and acupuncture.

For teenagers and children the theatre groups that introduce them to dance, music and folktales. This way a child gets an opportunity to hone their skills through these sessions.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about caribbean cruise vacations, please visit Cruise The Caribbean Sea for current articles and discussions.

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Majesty of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

By Casey Martin


This ship had its maiden voyage on April 26, 1992 and has since had two renovations. The first renovation was in May 2003 where it was outfitted with an alternative evening dining option, a rock climbing wall, and an Internet center. And in 2007, the pool deck was remodeled, the Spa & Fitness Center facilities were expanded, and the staterooms received luxurious bedding and flat-screen televisions.

Once considered a large ship, it is now small in comparison to other cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. With a passenger capacity of 2,744, it is primarily used for short trips to the Bahamas and Keywest. Also on board is a Johnny Rockets '50s-style restaurant, Sorrento's Pizza, Latté-tudesSM coffee house featuring Seattle's Best Coffee®, Casino RoyaleSM, themed bars and lounges including Boleros Latin lounge, 2 whirlpools, 2 outdoor pools, Adventure Ocean® youth facilities, and an open-air basketball court.

For those new to cruising, or just looking for a short get away, the Majesty of the Seas is a perfect choice for the whole family. While you will see people of all ages, the typical demographics includes couples on a honeymoon, celebrating anniversaries, or just getting away from their kids for a few days.

The entertainment on board is average and as expected for a cruise, featuring belly flop contests, comedians, and Las Vegas style shows, just to name a few. For the number of people year around, the ship is surprising clean. The service is great and staff works hard to keep everyone happy. And lastly, even the pickiest eater will find something that will satisfy their appetite.

Check out my blog for a video of the Majesty of the Seas.

Casey Martin
NoviceAdvice.com
http://www.noviceadvice.com

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Bermuda Celebrity Cruise Trip

By Oliver Solberg

A Bermuda Celebrity Cruise trip is one of the most exciting vacations you will ever experience. They are committed to providing you with the most modern conveniences that technology has to offer. They will do everything possible to provide you with the necessities to meet all your expectations and more. They have set the standard for all cruise ships everywhere. Bermuda Celebrity Cruise wants you to travel in style with accommodations that allow you all the comforts of home but without any of the work you are use to doing. Their ships are designed to provide you with the highest quality a cruise ship can offer. They have proven to be superior in all aspects.

A Bermuda Celebrity Cruise trip can offer you the most variety of options provided by any cruise ship. They have some of the most luxurious spas found anywhere. Your body will feel renewed and alive again making you wish this trip would never end. If spas are not your interest that's okay, there are so many other activities going on you are sure to find something that you enjoy. You can join in on one of the exciting shore tours. From here you can go shopping or simply enjoy meeting other people and learning about new cultures. Has your love life became a little dull lately, these cruises are one of the best ways to put romance back in your life.

You will most certainly enjoy the dining options that your Bermuda Celebrity Cruise vacation has to offer. You can enjoy a traditional meal in the dinning area or relax and enjoy your dinner at the pool. You have your choice of going to a formal dinning area or keep it casual. The choice is yours and will be determined by how you feel at the time. There are so many activities available that you won't be sure of what to do first. If you are interested you can enjoy some enlightening seminars or participate in some type of sport activity. If you just want to spend a lazy day you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment that is provided or go sightseeing.

When it comes to service the Bermuda Celebrity Cruise ship is on top of the list. The personnel can not be beat and will always be available to answer any questions that you may have or to provide you with everything that you need to make your vacation one of the most exciting times you have ever known. They can and will make you feel like you are the only person onboard, or at least the only one that matters. They take care of all your needs so that you can concentrate on having a really great time, which is the whole purpose of taking the cruise to begin with.

Get over to Bermuda Cruise travels and prepare your trip in advance, Oliver Solberg has done his best to gather quality information and great resouces to creater a starting portal for you Bermuda Cruise

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You Can Now Find the Best Last Minute Cruise - Get Cheap Cruises

by Bryan Burbank

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For many years the concept of a last minute deal on a cruise was that you went down to the pier and got a great deal or maybe you called the cruise live the night before the ship sailed and they gave you a bargain. Those scenarios can no longer happen since 9/11/2001 because cruise ship must have the passenger manifest complete up to 24 to 48 hours prior to sailing. Don't let the new stipulations discourage you because great deals are still available. In the new world of cruising planning a trip 6 months in advance is considered short term planning.

Find the Best: Discount Cruise

When you are looking for a good deal cruise a smart place to start your search is by looking at the various cruise websites and see what deals they offer because many of these deals are posted on there websites. If you are not wowed by these prices your next step should be to go to discount travel websites such as expedia, orbitz, travel zoo or last minute cruises because many times these sites offer great deals.

Great Advice about: Cheap Cruises

Check for repositioning cruises this can be a good idea because when a ship changes location of were it sails they will offer great rates but keep in mind you must be able to purchase a reasonable prices flight home from were the ship leaves you off at because you will not be returning to your original departure point.

Don't plan on taking a cruise during peak holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Also the Spring Break and Easter Holiday are not good time either.

Many cruise lines that sail the Caribbean offer great incentive prices if you book during the Hurricane season but be prepared to have your trip canceled or postponed.

The best time to look for a really good price is to check 60 days in advance on the Internet. Go to the many available sites because you may get lucky and be able to pick up some cruise cancellations from earlier planned trips and these are usually offered at a lower price.

When completing your cruise reservations there are a few things that you need to check for so there are no surprises. Make sure the rate you were quoted was for a single or double occupancy. Check on what type of cabin you have purchased and see if any airfare is included because sometimes what may be a good deal can turn out to be an expensive cruise.

A last minute cruise may not be what we used to think it meant but there are still many inexpensive cruises available and remember more people are cruising than ever before.

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P&O Cruises

by Rakesh Gaikwad

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P&O Cruises offer a very wide choice of destinations and durations of cruising holidays. The have many different departure dates throughout the year to the popular Caribbean. A typical 15 night Caribbean cruise has an well designed and scheduled itinerary with optional onshore excursions available in all of the ports. There are also some great deals to be had on cruises departing in the autumn and winter months, including a discount of up to 47.5% off the full brochure price, with an additional 5% discount for booking online.

The scheduled itinerary for a 15 night cruise on the ship Ventura, cruising to the Caribbean includes visiting 7 ports in 8 different countries, with 6 full days to discover the different islands. The duration of the full days allows a minimum 7 hours and a maximum 15 hours, giving plenty of time to discover each island before returning to the ship.

The cruise liner Ventura is well equipped with a variety of restaurants, grill bars and dining areas to suit all tastes and diets. Onboard entertainment includes some unusual activities such as Scalextric and circus skills training school both of which are ideal for children and the young at heart. Ventura also has over 7,000 specially commissioned art works to admire throughout the ship and Tate Modern talks to pass the time while at sea. Of course there are many drinking places, a gym and a Rock school for teenagers.

When in port each full day has a wide variety of optional onshore excursions, the cost of these is not included in the cruise price.

The Ventura leaves Southampton docks in the late afternoon on day one to begin cruising across the Atlantic. Onboard evening entertainment or relaxing in one of the many bars, as well as deciding which restaurant to eat in, makes the start of the cruise an exciting experience. The following 3 days at sea gives the opportunity to join in activities, laze by the pool or soak up the sun on one of the decks.

The ship arrives in St. Lucia, Windward Island for a full day ashore either discovering for yourself the beauty of the island or choosing one of the 13 optional excursions. The ship leaves the port of St. Lucia to cruise through the night to arrive in Antigua for another full day of sight seeing, optional excursions or relaxation.

Once again the ship cruises through the night to dock in St. Maarten, one of the Leeward Islands, where another full day of exploration and relaxation awaits with the a variety of excursions available before returning to the ship to sail through the night, arriving at Dominica where the day can be spent enjoying the delights of this Caribbean island, before setting off to Barbados where the ship remains for two days before disembarking and flying back to the UK.

This full itinerary has been designed to suit families, couples and singles of all ages. The days ashore provide more than sufficient time to enjoy the atmosphere of the Caribbean, sample the delicious foods and meet the locals or go on one of the many optional excursions, while having the choice of a multitude of onboard activities during time spent at sea.

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Caribbean Princess Cruise

By Ian Pennington

Cruising along the ocean promises a bunch of thrill especially when it's spent with loved ones and family members. Family vacations and couple's getaways are becoming popular in Europe and America especially that the cruise ship industry is gearing towards designing more cruise destinations and stopovers to accommodate more demands by the touring clients from all over the world. The cruising part of tourism is one of the much-awaited experiences that every traveler would love to savor. Caribbean Princess Cruise provides a paradise-like trip to whoever gets aboard to seize ultimate fun.

Whether it's seven-day or ten-day exploration to the eastern, western and southern regions via Caribbean Princess Cruise, the blue waters are a remarkable nature's gifts to catch sight off. To match your desires, there are various kinds of cruising packages for you to pick depending on how long you want to explore and how much budget you are allocating for the entire trip. Families are apparently the bigger bulk of those who go for cruises practically to enjoy some water sports, dip into beautiful beach resorts and swimming pools, listen to great live entertainment and fine dining at the ship, and savor remarkable spa experience. All these are usually integrated in a single package.

Caribbean resorts and islands are the most looked forward to spots in any Caribbean Princess Cruise experience. Every single island takes a distinctive essence of naturalness and magnificence. Islands like Willemstad located in Curacao is deemed to be a world heritage spot which makes it a pleasing destination to catch sight of. While some islands enclose colonial towns, there are others that are famed for their tropical underwater jewels. If you are housed in a beach resort, you have the convenient options to go snorkeling, diving and island hopping. You can also rent a vehicle on some islands in order to explore via land travel. Going on a trip during off-season is wise because packages are bargained through travel agencies online.

In a seven-day travel via Caribbean Princess Cruise, you get the chance to explore St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Besides a sumptuous buffer on board, you can enjoy warm accommodation in cabins and balcony rooms, elevator transport system, adult pools and hot tubs, photo ops, live entertainment, karaoke singing, etc. There are around 900 balcony rooms and a whole deck of mini-suites to choose. If you are going to the Caribbean, it's best not to go when hurricane strikes. The Caribbean surely is a promising getaway destination for you to get hold of. The state-of-the-art facilities of the ships plus the greatness of resorts and islands are hard to resist. If you are counting it for your next trip, you might as well pre-book at your earliest convenience.
Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cruises, please visit Fun And Sun Cruises for current articles and discussions.

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Caribbean Cruise Holidays - Fun For All the Family

By Chris Closset


Caribbean cruises should be on everyone's list of vacations with tropical Caribbean islands, clear, clean beaches and of course a fun filled time on board the cruise liner.

If you think a cruise holiday in the Caribbean is assured to dent your budget, you couldn't be further from the truth. Caribbean cruises are becoming gradually more reasonable, and offer superb value for money. In fact, a high end cruise liner is like an colossal floating world - with as many things to do, restaurants and rooms similar to some of the world's best hotels. Pre selected for their exceptional itineraries and excellent value for money, these cruises will enable you to participate in a guided visit of the fascinating areas you vill visit whilst staying on board some of the most stylish cruise ships afloat. The major islands in the Caribbean include Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands and Antigua.

So why not go on a Caribbean cruise, what a excellent holiday that would be. You could visit all the islands, like Jamaica and Barbados and the Bahamas, and Cuba. Maybe you have intended about a Caribbean cruise but just do not know what to expect. A cruise liner has all the amenities of a five star hotel and more!

Year round sunshine comes courtesy of the fantastic tropical climate, whilst turquoise waters lap gently on white sandy beaches fringed by lush tropical vegetation. This is the time a world of of us start dreaming of a Caribbean cruise. The holiday's appeal is undeniable: Swaying palm trees, swaths of beach, turquoise waters, and top notch nightlife are just selected of the islands' draws.

Surfing in the Caribbean is something most people only dream vision of, but a Caribbean cruise offers this see of a lifetime. The islands also boast world-class championship golf days out. The Caribbean consists of some 7,000 sun drenched islands sandwiched between the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. There are various routes to choose from but whichever one is Pre selected the only certainty is that each island will be just as electrifying as the last.

The Caribbean also known as the West Indies, since Christopher Columbus landed there in 1492, the region consists of the Antilles, and the Bahamas. Cruises are an ideal way to sit back, relax and wristwatch some of the most spectacular scenery in the world pass you by.

Caribbean Cruise Holidays

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2 Fantastic Affordable Family Cruise Deals to Die For This Fall of 2008

By Brad Addo
Brad Addo
Brad Addo
Level: Basic PLUS

Brad Addo, originally resides in Va. Naturally his gift for writing came from his love for spoken word and poetry back in the early ... ...


What type of cruise vacation just are you looking for to end the best part of this year? Is it a Christmas cruise vacation you have been eagerly anticipating for a while now? Or, is it that family thanksgiving getaway on the fabulous cruise deal, watching others carve the turkey as they serve you for a change is what you really desire? Which one is for you and your family, or do you want it all?

Lets just see shall we? I'll show you the best family cruise vacations to go on this year with very attractive itineraries you must know about.

Thanksgiving Cruise: it's not too late to jump onboard this "7 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise," fabulous itinerary. Unlike thanksgivings in your past, you will experience this holiday unlike any other. This Cruise sails from Puerto Rico, where you'll find a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards, lively cafes, highly regarded galleries and designer boutiques to keep you thrilled with excitement.

Then it gets better! St. Thomas, the land of buried treasures has just been dugged up for you to enjoy! No one ever complains about St, Thomas's wealth of attraction, jewelry and history; in fact, their only problem is that they couldn't stay longer. With another destination for this thanksgiving cruise, Dominican Republic, tops it off. White sandy beaches and plenty of golf courses to relax your ever spinning mind is the remedy. Plus, it's more than meets the eye adventures once you see everything this trip offers you.

Christmas cruise vacation: What better way to spend the Christmas Holidays, still under a tree, but at multiple islands, different countries, and still enjoying the holidays relaxing. This Christmas cruise vacation itinerary, starts at Key West: a festive island of colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics.

Then it gets really exciting sailing to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, where you can snorkel with stingrays, go scuba diving, sail a catamaran, take in some sport fishing, or just mellow out along the powder-soft sand of the magnificent Seven Mile Beach. And just when you thought it couldn't get even better during this Christmas cruise vacation, The ship's final destination takes you to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where partying is your 9 to 5. However, if you're burnt out from Cayman Islands, then Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water, which is the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios, just might be the scenery of guaranteed relaxation for you.

Wow, it just doesn't get any better than this. Fall's best cruise vacations deals for 2008, is just a mouse click away for you to have. These affordable cruise ship vacations are bargains you can never negotiate. And it's even more destinations listed inside for this Fall.

If you want to find the best cheap cruise vacations, fun family vacations for the remainder of this year, then do yourself a huge favor and read the next paragraph now.

Download this awesome Free Ebook Titled "The Top 10 Best Cruises for 2008-09," which features the amazing Christmas and thanksgiving cruise you want to go on. These multiple cruises are already put together , so all you have to do is just pick, click and go. How easy is that? Download it now before this offer expires at: http://millenniumfortunes.com/brad/TopCruises.html

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Make This the Year You Take Your Caribbean Cruise Vacation

By Cornelius Frump

When preparing for a Caribbean cruise most people are only thinking about warm weather and sunny beaches. Pack some shorts, some muscle shirts, and some dresses; however also remember to bring along a light jacket and at least one warmer outfit. Even the warm demeanor of the weather can turn quickly. From time to time it can get quite chilly and you'll want to be prepared for this as well as be ready for all of the contingent events and activities in which you may become involved such as swimming water polo and so many more. There are too many things for you to do on your first trip however it never hurts to be prepared. A small amount of preparing can keep you from being uncomfortable on your Caribbean cruise.

Think about how much cash you want to carry with you ATMs are good to use. Keep your cash to a minimum to deter pickpockets and petty thieves however you will need to make sure you have enough to tip the ship staff and shopping on the mainland. This again is where ATMs will come in handy. Paying the usage fees will be less painful then losing all your cash to thieves.

To insure full peace of mind make arrangements for someone to watch your house while you are away. Make sure you choose a person whom you trust. Keep things running as usual as possible if you have a usual housekeeping or lawn service don't cancel them. Also let someone know how to get in touch with you if they need to.

Most people are thinking about sun and beaches when they start thinking about their Caribbean cruise. Although you'll spend a fair amount of time on the beach you will enjoy other activities as well. Make sure to pack for warm weather. However bring a light jacket and at least a warm outfit. You may find yourself deciding that you would like to go for a jog around the promenade or perhaps you are in the mood to go out dancing or shopping these are all good activities for which you will need to plan and pack. If you decide that you want to go out and go dancing under the stars or perhaps you are interested in going on a hike while you are in port or dining at one of the more upscale restaurants you will need to keep these possibilities in mind while you are packing for your vacation. Even the sunny demeanor of the weather can turn quickly. A small amount of planning can keep you from being uncomfortable. While you are busy planning and scheduling your activities and what you might need do not forget to take into consideration those obvious items that you will need on a regular basis. It can be expensive to buy day to day items on the ship while on your cruise so remember while you're packing for those contingencies to also remember to bring along those every day items so you won't have to pay for them while on board the ship. Of course sunscreen and dark sunglasses are a must. As well as a camera something to read and some tunes.

A few simple things can make sure your vacation is one that is truly relaxing. These simple steps can insure true peace of mind. Pack with a plan watch the cash you carry and make sure your house is tended by a person you trust. Now you can enjoy this Caribbean cruise you've been preparing so hard for.

Find the resources your need for your next Caribbean Cruise Vacation at Caribbean Cruise Live.com.

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How to Find and Enjoy the Best Cruise Vacations

By Paolo Basauri Platinum Quality Author


The perfect cruise vacations are the dream of millions of people around the World. Sitting by the cruise pool, enjoying a delicious pina colada and preparing to visit a wonderful destination... it is a dream indeed. And guess what? It is a dream that can become true! You can enjoy the best cruise vacations if you invest a little time on PLANNING.

The first step to elaborate a good cruise travel plan is setting your goals. This includes two things: choosing your preferred destinations and choosing your preferred cruise type. If this is your first time planning cruise vacations, you should know that there are not only many places to visit (the Caribbean, Alaska, etc.) but also there are a lot of different types of cruise available like family cruises, singles cruises, golf cruises, Christmas cruises, luxury cruises, just to name a few. You can choose a cruise type that adjusts better to the kind of vacations you want.

Then you also have to choose a cruise line. There are many great cruise lines out there like Royal Caribbean, Holland America or Carnival. If you get overwhelmed by the amount of options and features a cruise ship has, don't fret. You can always get help from your travel agent. Travel agents are people that specialize in getting a cruise ship according to your needs. They will also give you brochures for you to check what's inside the ship.

Besides those factors to keep in mind, here are also great tips to choose the best cruise vacations:

What's your style? The cruises have different activities to do inside the ship, and this will help you also know fellow travelers. Ask about them and consider if you will feel 100% comfortable.

Keep in mind the weather. Get to know well what kind of weather is expecting you on your cruise vacations and bring according clothes.

Is it too fast for you? Some cruise packages include fast-paced itineraries. This for some people means vacations with zero relaxation. If you plan to relax, choose a cruise that is not so heavy on activities.

Ask for extra charges. There are cruise lines that will charge you extra if you bring food to the ship. Beware also of unnecessary charges.

Remember to have fun! These best cruise vacation tips are worthless if you do not include fun in your plan. Planning takes some time, but once on your vacations, just relax and enjoy it at the max!

Learn all about cruises and find great travel tips on best cruise vacations for you. Click here to find all about the different destinations, types of cruises and cruise lines. Don't forget to read our articles sections for more amazing tips.

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6 Secrets the Travel Industry Doesn't Want You to Know About Cruise Travel Deals

By CJ Anderson

Cruise travel is a fantastic way to explore the world and you may find yourself a cruise enthusiast after your first taste of the luxury. But there are a few details that don't show up in the brochures that most first-timers on a cruise travel deal have to learn the hard way. Here is a list of those dirty little secrets that you need to know to make sure that you enjoy your cruise and don't overspend your budget.

You Get What You Pay For

1) Yes, it's trite, but in the case of cruise travel deals it is especially true. One sneaky way to get people onboard is to offer low-priced come-on fares that seem too good to be true. Well, often that is the case. Generally speaking, fares that are higher tend to include more. The flip side is that the so-called cruise travel deals may offer a low price fare, but then nickel and dime you to death so that you haven't saved anything at all.

2) Hidden costs and onboard charges are where the cruise lines make a big chunk of their revenue, so travelers must be aware of what is included and what is not. Below are some examples of the "ala carte" payment system common to many cruise travel deals:

3) Anything you buy onboard will be at least 25% more expensive than you would expect to pay on land. A $6 bottle of suntan lotion will likely run $10 or even more. So whether it's impulse buying in the gift shop or grabbing items that your husband forgot to pack, expect it to be overpriced. You are a captive audience and can't go down the street to another store if prices are too high. The list of items in this category is long but things like alcohol, lattes, hair cuts, sodas, dry cleaning, toothpaste, suntan lotion, swimsuits, etc are on the short list.

In addition, every cruise makes it very easy for you to spend via charges to your room tab. There isn't the emotional moment of pain when you ask yourself, "do I really need this?" like you might if you had to pull out your credit card first.

4) Also expect a few cleverly hidden charges before you ever get onboard the cruise ship. Unexpected fees that were not clearly spelled out in the advertised cruise travel deals can include port taxes, fuel surcharges, and mandatory tips.

5) In addition, the cruise line or vendor will try to sell you on package airfare, airport transfers, and "luggage service" that can be had at a better price elsewhere. At this point your $400 cruise travel deal is starting to approach $1500 and you haven't even left home yet.

6) The heavily advertised cruise travel deals are often for the least desirable accommodations onboard. Expect rooms near the noisy engine, inside with no windows, at either end of boat where it gets rough, and even below sea level. Check before you book, so you at least know what you're getting. It doesn't hurt to inquire about what a more desirable room would cost - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Take an hour and do a little research before you book your next cruise travel deal. You will not regret that small time investment. Make sure you know exactly what is included, what will cost extra, and when and how each cost is assessed. It's a lot easier to save in advance than it is to try to pay off an unexpected $2000 credit card bill after your trip for the cruise travel deals you saw advertised at just $349 per person. Or was that a cruise travel "steal"?

Get Your Free Trip Now

Cruise Travel Deals is passionate about helping the average Dick & Jane travel without breaking the budget. Our motto is affordable cruise vacations for everyone. Continue your education at http://www.hotcruisetraveldeals.com and pick up your COMPLIMENTARY 3 day vacation, just for visiting.

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Best Cheap Cruise For Fall 2008

By Bryan Burbank Platinum Quality Author
Bryan Burbank
Bryan Burbank
Level: Platinum

I love to write articles about thing I know well. I have spent a lot of time developing informational online destinations in many areas of ... ...



One of the best vacations you can take is a cruise because for the amount of money that you spend on a vacation cruise you get the most bang for your buck. Some people will take a cruise and stay on the ship at all times because you can always get something to eat and they have activities for you all day long. When a ship sets sail there are ports of call that it will stop at and basically depending on the length of the cruise, there will be from 3-5 stops. This can be a great way for you to visit some international cities that you might not otherwise plan a trip to.

If you are looking to take a cruise this fall then some of the most popular destination are the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and the Bahamas. The main reason these places are so popular is because in the fall time the weather is better in these places and if you are coming form a place were it is cold then you will want to have very nice weather.

When deciding on were to go on your next cruise vacation you may want to look at the many port of calls that the cruise will stop at then read some reviews about that city to see if it sounds like a place that you would like to visit. Next you want to search around for the best price and there are many places you can do that at.

Remember that if you are looking for a cruise vacation this fall 2008 then you will want to consider the weather before you make your final decision on were to go.

Find the Best: Discount Cruise

Great Advice about: Cheap Cruises

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Online Cruises

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Family Cruise Vacations Are the Perfect Vacation For Everyone!

By Paolo Basauri Platinum Quality Author



Cruises were often seen as ships to vacation without the family, to enjoy luxurious services and exotic destinations, but we start to realize more and more that notion is far from the truth. There a literally LOTS of options when it comes to find family cruise vacations.

Take for example the Carnival "Fun Ship" Cruise line. Carnival, one of the biggest players in the World of cruises, now offers a line that is especially dedicated to the family! It includes many activities that kids, teens, and adults can enjoy together inside the ship and on every stop the ship makes.

Parents are not left aside on family cruise vacations. If you have kids, you know that finding a place and time to relax is very important. Well, family cruises give you that; you can just relax on the deck, sunbathing, or enjoying the beauty of the sea. During the night, while the kids are sleeping, you will have lots of fun in the activities made for adults in the ship, like parties, shows or casinos.

Children can enjoy many activities that you won't find on other types of cruises. These cruise lines even have classes and children care centers, where they will stay on a children's area while you relax a little. These centers are really fun, and children have the chance of meeting other kids from around the World. Our kids love to make friends on vacations!

If you are hesitant about family cruise vacations thinking they might be boring, don't be. These cruises have everything for everyone and they fulfill the promise of not leaving anyone without a fun time!

Learn all about family cruise vacations and find great travel tips on Cruise Vacations Online. Check all about the different destinations, types of cruises and cruise lines. Don't forget to read our articles section for more amazing tips.

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Cruise Vacations - 15 Step Planning Guide

By Nisheca Beauge
Nisheca Beauge
Level: Basic

Nisheca Beauge is an accounting professional who turned her love for travel into a prosperous business. Now she can provide wonderful vacation options for all ... ...



Cruises are big floating resorts at sea, that offer a two in one vacation option. With all the energy focused on enjoying the vacation, you may have over looked the complexity of planning. Before taking your cruise vacation you must know what you want and what will be needed. However, do not feel that this too much to handle. A cruise vacation is extremely worth the preparation. If you desire, you could hire a travel consultant to do most of the work for you. Consultants are great resources and might have discounts too. But, if you are a savvy vacation goer and want to do the preparation yourself, here are simple steps that can be completed so that you can enjoy a wonderful cruise vacation.

1. Write down exactly what you would like to do on your cruise. There is a cruise for everyone, with different themes, interest and activities.

2. Select a destination. The Caribbean and Alaskan cruises have long been favorites among cruise goers.

3. Select what time of year you would like to go on your cruise. Pick a season that is favorable to you. High season means a lot of visitors; you may want to go on your cruise when there are less people traveling to that destination at that particular season.

4. Choose a cruise line. Each cruise line offers different amenities, on board activities, shore excursions, dinning selections and time schedules. Base your cruise line choice on your personality and the activities you wish to partake in.

5. Decide how long you want to stay. Remember to add an extra day to any cruise and use that extra day to arrive at the port a day earlier; this way you should not miss the boat.

6. Find the best bargain. When booking your trip early you are almost always going to receive a discount. Other discounts can be found based on the season, travel agent and your age. Do note: cruises with unique itineraries or popular cruises may not offer many discounts.

7. Buy Insurance. Look for an insurance plan that will provide enough coverage for your vacation needs

8. Decide how will you arrive at the port? Which ever way you choose, book your transportation to the port and the rest of your trip through the cruise line or travel agent. This will make the cruise line or travel agent responsible for getting you to your cruise (certain conditions do apply).

9. Pay for your cruise and calculate the total fixed cost of your trip. Once you know how much you have spent, give yourself a budget for everything else.

10. Documentation should be a passport. Check with your cruise line to see if additional identification may be needed.

11. Pack a carry on bag and leave it separate from your luggage. The carry on should have your medication, documentation, change of clothes and anything else you would immediately need after boarding

12. Secure your home and make sure pets are taken care of.

13. Cruise lines will only accept your original documents. Make copies of your important documents and leave then in a safe place or with a responsible person.

14. Board early and pay for shore excursions before the line starts

15. Set sail and enjoy your cruise.

Nisheca Beauge is an independent travel agent under W.E.L.L Enterprises and a representative of Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. From the Website Sunshine Harbor she creates wonderful vacation packages for clients and provides pertinent information for their travels. Her website address is http://sunshineharbor.com/vacations.aspx

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nisheca_Beauge

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Pet Travel on Cruise Ships

By Paolo Basauri Platinum Quality Author


Are you planning to go on a travel cruise? Great! A cruise vacation is one of the most fun experiences you can have in life. Are you worried about your pet during those vacations? Many owners like you are worried because pet travel on cruise ships is not commonly allowed.

Why? Because cruise ships are not suitable places for pets. Companies prefer to stay away from trouble a large amount of pets can carry. Sure, you may find a couple of cruise ships that allow taking your pet, but this comes with an -often high- price!

The most commonly known cruise line that allows taking your pets is Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 this is a small cruise line that helps owners bring their pets. However, the acceptance of pets is limited. Cunard's QE2 offers many destinations, but regarding the issue of the pets, it is relative to the time of the year you book the cruise and the available on-board kennel.

What are the advantages of pet travel on cruise ships? Pet owners who are very close to their animals are the ones that will be happier, small charters that accept pets help you enjoy your vacations without having to worry about your pet, specially if you don't have anyone who is willing to take care of your pet.

You have to keep in mind, that your dogs will not be as free as in home. The kennels have visiting where you can spend time with your dog or cat, but they are very strict in order to keep order in the kennel. Finally, don't forget to bring all the needed documentation to make pet travel on a cruise ship possible.

Do oyu want more information? To learn more about cruise lines and the regulations I invite you to visit our cruises tips section on the Best Cruise Vacations website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paolo_Basauri

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