how to Cruises

A longed for retreat is shared in the bright days of Caribbean. The beaches
the foods and all! What more would you ask?

The Caribbean is among the most in demand tourist spots in the world. So it is not surprising to see millions of vacationers flocking the Caribbean Islands.

Caribbean cruises are very popular as well. Cruising along the islands give vacationers the rare chance of exploring the entire wonders of this top class destination. Added to it are the fun that cruising entails; leisure at ones fingertips and luxury on the other.

Planning to go aboard a Caribbean Cruise is much easier compared to the hassles back then. Most Caribbean cruises have online portals
which make them easier to reach. Tour planners are sure to help you in your schemes with just a click of the button. They provide help that would be more than welcome especially on vacation periods when tourists abound.

While there may be a number of Caribbean cruises available at any time of the year
vacation periods are expected to be booked much earlier than normal. This then can make accommodations a challenge. You can access their web portals online and book instantly. However
you also must be choosy in the Caribbean cruise that you would want to book into.

The competition for taking the most number of passengers seems to be the ultimate motto for all cruise liners. In here
don't get trapped with the confusion of the game. Evaluate your purpose.

First
are you traveling with the family? Then it wise that you take a Caribbean cruise that will accommodate the youngest member up to the oldest of your party.

Check the facilities available. There are cruises that have equipments for childcare while there are those that does not have any.

Check also their programs for young adults and elders. With this
it would be a great idea to go on deck a Disney Cruise line where especially designed activities are made for both toddlers and teenagers. There are also themed presentations that focus on family.

Traveling on a budget? Caribbean cruises can also accommodate you with lines of medium-priced ships. However for those traveling without their minds on spending money
you will be amazed by the selections of cruises that will give you the best of everything
except only the entire sea! Take note of liners
which give high-end accommodations like the Queen Mary II or the Silversea.

Yet
prior to any decision it is wise to get as much information as you would prefer to really know the differences of each cruise.

Each one in the lines of Caribbean cruises are made to cater individual needs while providing you options for ideal combinations of activities and prices and destination stops. Whether you are traveling on extravagance
touring with your family or simply would want to get away with the one you love
Caribbean cruises are sure to provide you with whatever you require.

There are basically two types of Caribbean cruises: the contemporary or value class and the Supreme or Luxury class.

The most popular among the contemporary class are the Royal Caribbean and Carnival
which cover almost the full section of the industry. These are especially created for the vacationers who are on the budget and for famous holidays.

Premium cruise lines on the other hand
offer superiority of service that is incomparable elsewhere however
they are considerably smaller in size. These include cruise lines such as Cunard and Seabourn that are among the most well known members of the industry.

For people who have the idea of making a Caribbean trip unique
there are cruises that cover especial tours in spots that are not normally reached by other cruise lines.

Caribbean Aboard Royal Caribbean..........................

No one knows the Caribbean better than Royal Caribbean. After all
it is their middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters
the Caribbean is really the place. There are countless adventures within reach when you cruise the caribbean. Snorkle with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Join in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts in the Bahamas. Then
there's the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico
Christoffel National Park in Cura็ao
and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel
just a few of what can be done at the ports of call.

Highlights of Some Exciting Shore Excursion when Cruising:

-Climb Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls.
-Go mountain biking in Costa Rica's rain forests.
-Snorkel with stingrays.
-Go horseback riding on the beach.
-Dive 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine.
-Discover the inhabitants of a coral reef on a glass-bottomed boat.
-Visit Labadeeฎ
one of Royal Caribbean's exclusive
private destinations.
-Explore ancient civilizations as you climb mysterious Mayan pyramids.

Snapshot of the 3 parts of the caribbean:

Western Caribbean
Besides their tropical paradise settings
the islands are home to rich culture and complex histories. Explore archaic ruins
beaches
rain forests and numerous waterfalls. Spend a fun-filled afternoon at Royal Caribbean floating Aqua Park in Labadeeฎ
a private destination available only to Royal Caribbean guests.

Eastern Caribbean
Take in the Sun surrounded by the white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the most beautiful islands on earth. Find adventure parasailing high above it all or at the Dolphin Encounter. Or visit Labadeeฎ
one of Royal Caribbeans
tropical private destinations where nature brings striking mountains and pristine beaches within arm's reach.

Southern Caribbean
The most Fasinating Caribbean islands await you down south. Activities are endless in this area. You can navigate the Hato Caves in Cura็ao. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race an America's Cup sailboat. Kick back and take in some sun at Magens Bay Beach in beautiful St. Thomas. Walk down the streets of Old San Juan and explore the largest Spanish citadel built in the New World. And study the many cultures that make up these exotic islands

Caribbean Aboard Royal Caribbean..........................

No one knows the Caribbean better than Royal Caribbean. After all
it is their middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters
the Caribbean is really the place. There are countless adventures within reach when you cruise the caribbean. Snorkle with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Join in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts in the Bahamas. Then
there's the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico
Christoffel National Park in Cura็ao
and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel
just a few of what can be done at the ports of call.

Highlights of Some Exciting Shore Excursion when Cruising:

-Climb Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls.
-Go mountain biking in Costa Rica's rain forests.
-Snorkel with stingrays.
-Go horseback riding on the beach.
-Dive 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine.
-Discover the inhabitants of a coral reef on a glass-bottomed boat.
-Visit Labadeeฎ
one of Royal Caribbean's exclusive
private destinations.
-Explore ancient civilizations as you climb mysterious Mayan pyramids.

Snapshot of the 3 parts of the caribbean:

Western Caribbean
Besides their tropical paradise settings
the islands are home to rich culture and complex histories. Explore archaic ruins
beaches
rain forests and numerous waterfalls. Spend a fun-filled afternoon at Royal Caribbean floating Aqua Park in Labadeeฎ
a private destination available only to Royal Caribbean guests.

Eastern Caribbean
Take in the Sun surrounded by the white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the most beautiful islands on earth. Find adventure parasailing high above it all or at the Dolphin Encounter. Or visit Labadeeฎ
one of Royal Caribbeans
tropical private destinations where nature brings striking mountains and pristine beaches within arm's reach.

Southern Caribbean
The most Fasinating Caribbean islands await you down south. Activities are endless in this area. You can navigate the Hato Caves in Cura็ao. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race an America's Cup sailboat. Kick back and take in some sun at Magens Bay Beach in beautiful St. Thomas. Walk down the streets of Old San Juan and explore the largest Spanish citadel built in the New World. And study the many cultures that make up these exotic islands

Cruises are the most versatile of vacations no matter what your age. Not only that
it's a great way to bring the whole family but still have time alone with your spouse while the kids-only activity coordinators take charge of your children's fun.

The first step to putting together a great cruise vacation is to find yourself a travel agency that specializes in cruises
or to book directly through a cruise vacation Internet site.

Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when you're going
where you're going and from which port you'll depart and to which you'll return.

There are some seasonal rules of thumb about your destination. If you're limited in the time of year you can get away then you're also somewhat limited in your destination. You can't
for instance
cruise the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska any time during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If you're planning on heading out in the spring or fall you might want to consider an excursion up and down the Panama Canal. Just about any time of year
including the winter
you can cruise to Asia or the Caribbean.

Determine who is going to go with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact
it's best to gather everyone together
or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. You need to know if crafts are important; how many are going to lounge by the pool; who wants to get off and explore at the first land stop; who prefers exotic locations and who'd rather just play shuffleboard.

The size of the ship can be important as well. Larger ships have a vast variety of entertainment options
such as dancing and stage shows
although smaller ships may provide a lower guest to staff ratio
and thus more personal attention to your needs.

Know how much you and the others can spend. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early
or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. These are not usually included in the quoted cruise cost and may cost you dearly. You'll also be expected to tip room stewards and wait staff.

If you're not going as a large group and you might be interested in getting to know your fellow passengers then be sure and inquire about the usual demographics of these travelers. If you're 20 something and it's a baby boomer cruise you're apt to be bored. If you bring your grade schoolers and most of the other kids are in their teens they won't have enough playmates and you'll be their entertainment for the extent of the cruise.

One very important inquiry to make of your travel agent as well is the formality of the cruise that you're considering. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits
shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner you're going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion.

To find the best price cruises online and booking them with confidence
you need to understand a few things about how the cruising industry comes up with their lowest price
and follow a few simple steps that the travel professionals at your local agencies don’t want to you know!

The fact remains that over 90% of cruise reservations are done through a travel agent
and you’re not only at the mercy of their service fees
but also to the prices they charge for a particular cruise and sailing. So why do so many individuals go through this booking avenue
when they know the deals are far better online
and they have access to a computer and the Internet?

The answers simple! The cruise industry believes that customers new and seasoned may not truly understand the cruise ships industry language
or feel comfortable booking online! They put their dependency on many travel professionals to interpret the cruising lingo that is the integral part of the cruise booking process.

However
if you take the time to learn and understand the cruise lines language such as guaranteed staterooms
singles supplement
or run-of-the-ship
you should have no worries booking your next vacation cruise online
and start taking advantage of all the fantastic savings!

Booking Cruise Travel Over The Internet Is Simple and Easier Than You Think!

When you’re searching the Internet to find a cruise special
keep in mind that if you go direct to the main cruise lines site
such as Royal Caribbean
Carnival
or Princess
you may end up paying a higher cabin price than the online cruise discounters
even though they may be showing reduced cabin prices on their sites.

In order to get the best discounts
you should source large vacation suppliers such as Travelocity
Expedia
or exclusive cruise booking sites like CruiseDirect.com
which specialize in selling cruises
and offer a unique booking engine that can quickly put together your cruise package in minutes.

Why go through these online cruise specialists
and travel suppliers?

Even though the cruise lines want to deal with you directly
they also need to keep a solid business relationship with their travel agencies that are currently booking a majority of cruises for them though their local offices and online vacation websites.

With online travel suppliers and Internet cruise company’s
they deal with the cruise lines a little differently
and they either pre-purchase cabins at a very low discounted price
or they’re large enough to be directly linked to the cruiselines inventory database system. They are also capable of receiving live updated stateroom information daily
and in most cases hourly! With this powerful online system
they can take these updated cabin inventory deals
and pass them directly to the consumer
which offers you the consumer far deeper discounted savings!

What this means to you
is that once you understand what these suppliers are offering
you will have a better chance of reserving your favourite cruise in minutes and take advantage of the incredible discounts that could easily range from 20% - 60%
depending on the seasonality
type of itinerary
and actual cruise ship you book.

Just make sure that before you make any reservations online
that if you have any doubts
or understanding what your booking
contact the customer service departments via their toll-free numbers
or the cruise lines email
and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have prior to booking your next cruise vacation.

Money matters can be confusing when traveling but maybe this article will help you out.
We always take lots of single and five dollar bills with us on every cruise. They come in handy for taxis
tips for tour guides
tips for the staff
and little souvenirs at craft shops. They are handy if you run across a bartender on the ship that is really treating you well.

Europe has now changed to the Euro in many countries making it easier to travel from country to country. The countries that are now using that currency are: Austria
Belgium
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
Spain
Andorra
Monaco
San Marino
The Vatican
Martinique
Guadalupe
Montenegro
and Kosovo.

Thanks to the miracle of the ATM machine
it is now easier that ever to get money in foreign countries. Use your ATM card in the machine to get the appropriate amount of money for the days you will be in each country. This eliminates carrying lots of Traveler’s Checks but take a few in case of emergencies. Never carry big wads of money no matter where you travel. It makes you an instant target.


Always keep in mind that you will be unable to reconvert coins so spend them liberally. It will be necessary to know the exchange rate so you can figure out how much you will need. If you are doing a cruise in the British Isles you may make three stops in Ireland so plan for three days of the local currency if you don’t want to keep finding an ATM machine.

If you are cruising around the Caribbean
every merchant takes dollars and credit cards
I recommend using Credit Cards. If you don’t use the above suggestion about using the ATM’s the ship will provide a service to change dollars into Euros or any other currency necessary. You should have some of the local money for buying small items such as soft drinks or a snacks
tips or local craft items. Any other purchases should be charged to your credit card because this protects you if there is something wrong with the item or it is not what it is purported to be.


The very best way to find out where the good shopping is
ask the crew. Some of the shops actually “sponsor” the cruise lines shopping lectures. The cruise lines will receive a commission from the stores they recommend. It’s a great big commercial to a captured audience
but if there is a problem the cruise lines will stick to their policy and get you a refund. So it’s a matter of comfort level
go on your own if you think you are savvy enough or go with the cruise lines recommendation to be safe.

The days at sea the cruise the ship’s boutiques will have “sales” so wait until then to see if what you want has been reduced.

If you know what you want to buy when you are cruising
check out the costs at home before you go
including the discount stores. Sometimes you can get a better deal at home with the comfort of knowing it’s returnable if it is defective.

If you buy perfume open the sealed box before you leave port to make sure the perfume has not evaporated. At one of the islands we visited I purchased some perfume and just out of curiosity opened it when we returned to the ship. The seal was still it tact but the bottle was three quarters empty. Since we were still in port I was able to return it to the store for another bottle.

I’d like to add just a word on traveling to different ports everyday and credit cards. When we were traveling in Europe I purchased several things in different ports on different days. By the third day the credit card company would no longer honor my card because they were suspicious of theft. For that reason
I always carry two credit cards and make sure both companies know I will be traveling extensively. This is a very good tip to know.

Follow this money and shopping advice and you should get along fine no matter which country you visit. Happy Cruising.

Copyright ฉ 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.

Are you interested in taking a cruise? If so
you are not alone. Each year a large number of individuals consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship. If you have never been on a cruise ship before
you may be wondering what activities
facilities
and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard a cruise ship will vary from ship to ship
but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.

Some of the most well-known facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls
restaurants
and cafeterias. Large cruise ships may offer a number of onboard dining facilities. It is important to note that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants. In addition to a sit-down restaurant
there area usually a number of small eateries located onboard. Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruisers. To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal
you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board the ship.

Aside from dining facilities
bars and dancehalls are also found on most cruise ships. As with most of the bars and dancehalls found on land
there may be age restrictions in place. If you are traveling with your family
they may have to complete other activities while you enjoy the nightlight over the seas. If this should occur
you are in luck because most cruise ships have daycare centers and other activities geared towards children of all ages.

When it comes to placing your child in the care of a ship’s daycare center
you are urged to quickly familiarize yourself with the staff. This familiarization may help to calm your nerves. It is also important to note that cruise ship employees are often closely monitored
highly educated
and properly trained. While it may be difficult at first
you should feel comfortable leaving your child in the care of a cruise ship childcare worker.

Childcare is ideal for smaller children; however
if you are traveling with a teenager
daycare may not be an option. Swimming pools
libraries
video arcades
and movie theaters can often be found on cruise ships. Adult supervision is a policy that prevents children under a certain age from roaming freely around the ship.

Teenagers may be able to visit these facilities without adult supervision. Each cruise ship is likely to have different adult supervision policies. You are encouraged to review these policies before purchasing your tickets.

In addition to the above mentioned bars and dancehalls
gaming halls or casinos can be found on most cruise ships. As with gambling on land
there are age limits on those that can gamble aboard a cruise ship. Popular gambling activities include slots
blackjack
poker
and much more. Many onboard casinos are open for business twenty-four hours a day. Gambling is a popular cruise ship pastime. If you are booking a cruise just to gamble
you may want to further explore the gambling options aboard each ship.

Cruise ship operators know that many travelers take a cruise to escape their daily routines. Unfortunately for some
one routine that cannot be left behind is exercise. That is why almost all cruise ships have onsite fitness centers and fully equipped gyms. These gyms are often similar
and sometimes even better
than the gyms found in your hometown. In addition to a fitness center
a large number of cruise ships have jogging tracks.

If a particular activity or event is the only reason why you are interested in booking a cruise
you are urged to physically check for that event or activity before making your reservation. The above mentioned services
facilities
and activities are found on a number of popular cruise lines. These cruise lines are likely to include
but are not limited to
Carnival Cruise Lines
Paradise Cruises
Royal Caribbean
and Celebrity Cruises. With the click of a mouse or a toll free phone call
you can easily determine if your favorite activities can be found aboard the cruise ship of your choice.

Cruise ships are rated on a 100 point scale. They need to maintain a health score higher than 86 out of 100. Cruise ships are a great location to have your next vacation. If given the opportunity
many parents would choose to take a cruise alone. Cruise ships are very safe as well. They are equipped with life boats
life jackets
emergency personnel
doctors
and firemen all on the cruise ship.

Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair
breathe in the sea air
soak up the sun
read good books
or watch the ever-changing view. Cruise ships are required to follow strict environmental regulations that ensure that treated sewage and wastewater from showers
sinks and kitchen galleys are discharged properly at designated offshore perimeters. In fact
cruise line waste management is so highly regarded that cruise lines are often consulted by state governments on pollution abatement and sewage control. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the amenities fine resorts have to offer.

Passengers are invariably assigned to lifeboats or similar survival craft. The total capacity of all the survival craft on board will exceed the total number of persons on the vessel. Passengers become friends; they are never just cabin numbers. Unlike other larger ships
they are proud of the intimate world they offer
where modern-day conveniences sail in harmony with traditional values.

Statistically
cruise ships are safer than hotels and resorts when it comes to fires and violent crime. However
it is in your best interest not to abandon common sense just because you board a cruise ship for a wonderful vacation. Staterooms will receive upgraded soft goods
Shear Butter bathroom amenities from L'Occitane
flat screen TVs and DVD/CD players
and Bose Sound Docks for use with iPods
which can be borrowed at no charge from reception. Wireless connectivity in public areas is promised for all three ships.

Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins
you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. Staterooms on all of today's modern cruise ships are equipped with satellite televisions and in some cases in-cabin internet connections. And
you can make phone calls from most ports.

Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal
you'll find a varied selection of appetizers
salads
soups
main courses and desserts. Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal
you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers
salads
soups
vegetables
and desserts
too)
and each day the selection will be different.

Alaska - The Great Frontier

Aw Inspiring scenery
glistening glaciers
plentifull wildlife
and Native American culture are only some of the marvelous attractions that attract cruise vacationers to Alaska. With so much to see and do in Alaska
it's no wonder the state's official flower is the alpine forget-me-not!

Cruise Lines that sail to Alaska on a seven-day itinerary usually cruise along the Inside Passage and visit Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier
stopping at four ports along the way. Most cruise lines also offer a arrange of extended cruise-tour package options which take passengers deeper into Alaska via train and include land stays at lodges and sightseeing in Denali National Park - making their trip to Alaska even more exciting.

For weather and sunlight purposes
cruises to Alaska cruise strictly during the summer months
from early May to mid-September. June
July and August can be known as peak season when average daily high temperatures can reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit
so those looking for the best rates should check sailing dates in May and September when temperatures settle around 50 degrees.

A variety of ships & cruise lines sail to Alaska
including luxury vessels and midsize ships - most of which offer expanded kids activity for family vacationers. While the majority of cruise ships sail from Vancouver
BC
Seattle is increasingly becoming a favorite summer homeport for many lines. Both embarkation/disembarkation points allow cruise ships to visit the most popular ports on an Alaska cruise
including Juneau
Ketchikan and Skagway.

Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime
see the world
completely unwind
take a walk on the wild side
dance the night away
feast on fabulous cuisine
learn something new
make friends
bond with your family
steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires
is yours
when you choose to cruise.