how to Cruises

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.

Vacations can become costly. The cost is often associated with extra expenses such as food
beverages
and entertainment. If you plan vacationing aboard a cruise ship
you do not necessarily have to be worried about the cost.

All inclusive cruise ship is a ship where just about everything is included. The cost of your drinks
food
and entertainment are often taken care of. Many people wonder whether or not they you should book reservations aboard a traditional cruise ship or an all inclusive cruise ship.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to an all inclusive cruise ship.

The biggest advantage is that the majority of your needs are taken care of. Most all inclusive cruises cover food
drinks
and entertainment. If you plan to drink a large amount of alcohol or feasting on the amazing onboard food
you may be able to do so free of charge. You may also be granted exclusive admittance into movie theatres and video arcades.

While many of your food and drinks are included in an all-inclusive package
not all are. It is possible that you may be required to pay for your alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise ships where alcohol beverages are included in the package
but on others it is not.

When it comes to food
your food at a sit-down restaurant may be provided free of charge
but your snacks are typically not covered. This often includes snacks or small meals purchased at onboard specialty shops and vending machines. You can save money by brining your own snacks onboard
if the cruise ship allows it.

Entertainment is often included in an all inclusive cruise ship package. As with food and drinks
the entertainment is often limited. It is likely that you will gain free admission into a dance or ball
but you will not be able to gamble free of charge.

To find out whether or not you will save money aboard an all inclusive cruise ship
you should estimate your cost of food
drinks
and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise. By comparing the two
you can determine which cruise package offers the better deal.

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.