General

December 21, 2007

Bargain Cruises are the Best Vacations

There are so many benefits of bargain cruises and there are so many of them to choose from. Almost every cruise line is offering some sort of a bargain on a great cruise. You can choose from several different types of bargain cruises with several different itineraries. The benefits of bargain cruises versus a vacation at a resort outweigh the latter tremendously.

Many of the different bargain cruises you can choose from include 3 day trips, 5 day trips, 7 day trips, and if you want you can even go on a cruise for two or three weeks. Depending on how long you would like to take a vacation, you can pay as little as $50 a day.

The bargain cruises are with almost every cruise line out there including the Royal Caribbean, the Norwegian, Princess, and more. You can choose from destinations like Panama, the Caribbean, Mexico, and other places. Design your cruise itinerary with the duration and the places you would like to see. You will be surprised all of the different options you have to choose from.

The benefits of bargain cruises rather than settling at one location include being able to see many different places on the same trip. You can travel on a beautiful cruise ship that offers plenty of activities to do while you are at see and you can tour and take part in excursions at different destinations. There is no experience like a cruise on a ship. Another benefit that outweighs a vacation at one destination is the fact that bargain cruises save you a bunch of money. You won’t come nearly as close to paying what you would in a hotel room every night at another destination. Plus, you would have to pay for meals outside of the hotel room, and all activities you would like to partake in. On a cruise, the meals are a package deal and the activities. Extras include alcoholic beverages and drinks ordered from the bar.

Bargain cruises outweigh the benefits by far of a vacation where you are stuck in one location. What if you decide you don’t like the place you have chosen for an entire two weeks?

Filed under Budget Cruises, General by Denise Walker

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December 7, 2007

How About Alaska Cruise Travel Plans this Year?

An Alaska cruise travel package might be exactly what you need. There are many places to go, sites to see, and maybe not enough time to do all of it. A few of the favorite destinations included for Alaska cruises are Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and Seward. Once the ship is docked, there are so many things to do like flight seeing, kayaking, fishing, rafting, all day tours sightseeing independently or guided.

In Anchorage, hop on another boat for a glacier and wildlife tour down the coastal Alaska waters. You can even go bear viewing. Anchorage is also the world’s busiest place to watch over 800 floatplanes take off and land everyday at Lake Hood.

Denali is a favorite place with whitewater rafting trips down the Nenana River Canyon, or check out Mount McKinley, through incredible glaciers and peaks. Other favorite day trips in Denali include jeep backcountry safari adventures, jet boat safaris, and another favorite site is the Denali National Park Road Tours.

If you Alaska cruise travel includes Seward, then you cannot miss this incredible historic town. Day trips in Seward include the Alaska Sea life Center, touring the Exit Glacier, which is the most accessible glacier in the world by road and absolutely amazing. Other things to do include taking a sled dog tour and kayaking through Resurrection Bay.

If your cruise includes a stop in Fairbanks, then you cannot miss an Arctic tour or stopping by the Gold Dredge No. 8 and the El Dorado Gold Mine.

Alaska cruise travel is the best way to tour through Alaska, with the incredible amenities of the cruise ship and so many places to see once the ship is docked. It is hard to make a decision which cities to add to your cruise and tour through Alaska because there just isn’t enough time to see everything and there is so much to do. Most of the cities in Alaska offer trips flightseeing by plane above the amazing glaciers and mountains. There is nothing as spectacular as seeing Alaska from an aerial view.

Fairbanks, Denali, Seward, and Anchorage are only a few of the wonderful places that Alaska offers to see and explore in your Alaska cruise travel guide. Build your days in your cruises to see all of the places that interest you the most. 

Filed under General, US by Denise Walker

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August 19, 2007

Take a Luxury Cruise Vacation

A luxury cruise vacation offers you the utmost in elegance and sophistication while you experience what the world has to offer. Many different types of cruises exist including singles cruises, family cruises, and so on. Luxury cruises offer the best of everything that you’d find on a larger cruise, but with more elegance and pampering. With smaller sizes than traditional cruise ships, luxury cruises cater to fewer passengers, meaning you’ll get special service the whole cruise.

Luxury cruises exist for almost any destination that you’d want to visit. Popular destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and many other locations around the globe. In some cases, luxury ships travel to some of the more remote locations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, or some of the smaller islands in the Pacific. The best part about a luxury cruise is that all the details are handled for you. You get to experience fabulous locations and activities and don’t need to worry about any of the usual travel hassles.

Many luxury cruise ships are all-suites and all-balcony and the size can vary from just several guest rooms to ships that can carry several hundred passengers. Dining options include elegant fares, often with every table having a window seat looking out over the ocean. Often, one restaurant will feature the cuisine of the region that you are traveling in.

The crew to guest ratio tends to be lower on luxury cruises, giving you unparalleled service and attention. In addition, you’ll often find a different range of activities and classes than on a traditional cruise. Lectures about the region, culture, and history may be given by experts in the field. Lessons on cooking, wine, computers, ballroom dancing, and other interests will help you learn something new while you enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll also find a greater variety of activities and events than most land based resorts can offer.

If intimate and romantic describes the luxury cruise vacation you’re looking for, you’ll want to look for a ship that holds fewer passengers. For the right amount, you can even charter your own ship and crew for the destination of your choice. But, keep in mind that your choice of activities, classes, and lessons will be better of luxury liners with a few more people.

Experience the utmost in comfort, elegance, and pampering when you book a luxury cruise vacation. Look for a destination that interests you and the size of ship that will fit your needs. Then, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and let the pampering begin.

Filed under General by Denise Walker

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August 17, 2007

Explore Cruises to Mexico

Cruises to Mexico offer visitors adventure, sun, and romance. Many cruise lines offer Mexican destinations among the ports they visit. Before you book a cruise, you should research the different destinations to find the ones that you want to have included in your cruise.

Many people visit Acapulco each year. Famous for its beaches and nightlife, the city offers many different distractions for visitors. Watch cliff divers jump 150 feet into the ocean, swim with dolphins, golf luxury courses, or discover the history of the city. Whether you dance the night away or sway in a hammock, Acapulco is a favorite destination.

Although it’s just 20 miles from California, Catalina Island feels much farther. Small towns, unspoiled wilderness, and beaches lure cruise lines in. Once you’re there, take a boat ride on a glass bottom boat, kayak along the shore, or snorkel near the kelp beds.

Puerto Vallarta blends history with a gorgeous setting. Hike to a jungle waterfall, relax on the beach, or explore the city’s historical sites. Active travelers will particularly love the variety of activities offered in this port from hiking and mountain biking to parasailing and scuba diving.

Mazatlan is another popular cruise destination. Golden beaches, blue lagoons, and great sport fishing await visitors along with art galleries and tequila tours. Sitting just below the Tropic of Cancer, the city makes a great winter destination.

Whether you are looking for excitement or a laid back day, Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas will meet your needs. This destination is a great place to go whale watching during the winter and for kayaking any time of year. Water lovers will soak up the sun and activities here.

Ensenada, the second most visited Mexican port city, produces 90 percent of Mexico’s wine. Aztec history abounds in the city’s sites. Dine on seafood while sampling some of the regions wines and stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Ixtapa offers visitors young, modern destination. You can tour the countryside or golf two of Mexico’s best courses. You’ll also love the sandy beaches and coves while you swim, relax, or participate in other beach and water activities.

Cruises to Mexico often take in at least one of these port cities, although you can also find other options. Consider what you’d like to do on your days off the cruise ship and try to find a cruise that will take you to the appropriate destination. While all the towns offer beaches and water activities, some also offer jungle hikes or historical sites.

Filed under Caribbean, General by Denise Walker

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August 16, 2007

Find Cheap Last Minute Cruises

Whether you want to soak up the sun in the Caribbean or want to watch whales cavort in Alaskan waters, you can find cheap last minute cruises for a relaxing vacation. While you can’t just show up at the destination port with your suitcase and expect to find an open cabin anymore, you can still book cruises in the weeks and months before departure. By definition, last minute cruises are those sailing between 60 days and 6 months in the future. Cruise ships have to finalize passenger lists 24 to 48 hours before departure so true last minute deals don’t really exist post 9/11.

One of the best times to find last minute cruises at great prices is 60 days before departure. Generally, travelers can cancel their reservations up to this time without penalty. So, 60 days before departure, cruise lines know exactly how many cabins are left and if there are more than they want, they discount, often heavily, to get the rooms filled.

Look for last minute deals at off-travel times. You’re more likely to find cheap cruises during hurricane season than at Christmas time, for example. By looking at non-peak times, you can find great deals to the locations that you are interested in.

You can also find some great deals with repositioned cruises. Sometimes a cruise doesn’t sell well and the company will reposition one of the ports. These cruises are often longer than normal and you’ll visit lots of ports, but you will be responsible for your own one-way travel which can be expensive. However, if you’re willing to fly an airline like Southwest that sells one way tickets and they fly to both the port locations, you can get a great deal.

When you’re looking for cheap last minute cruises, you should keep in mind some things though. Most cruises are already discounted on many sites so if there is one that you really want to go on, you may just want to pay the little bit extra. You’ll also want to read the fine print and know what the price includes. Be sure to add up extra expenses like airfare for cruises. You may get a great deal on one cruise but if the airfare is expensive, you may be better off choosing a more expensive cruise with lower airfare.

With a little homework and a keen eye, you can find some great cheap last minute cruises. By being flexible and willing to take an off-peak or less desirable cabin, you’ll find a variety of cruises to hot destinations.

Filed under Budget Cruises, General by Denise Walker

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August 14, 2007

Escaping the Cold on Winter Cruises

When you’ve been trapped inside for several months because it’s too cold to go outside, it’s time to get yourself signed up for a winter cruise.

Winter cruises are a great way to break up a cold, boring winter and are very popular among those who live in cold climates. It’s worth taking off a few days of work to be whisked away to a hot, sunny climate for four or five days.

Aside from the obvious advantage of getting to see the sun and get a tan, winter cruises can be cheaper than summer cruises. Cruise lines tend to have an off-season from September through December. This is especially true for Caribbean cruises as this time of year is defined as hurricane season. Don’t worry, the cruise line will not put you in danger’s way. If there’s a hurricane en route, the cruise ship will not leave.

Popular Winter Cruises

You can find a cruise line that will take you on a winter cruise to just about any location in the world. You can go to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the East, Hawaii or Alaska.

Caribbean cruises tend to be particularly popular winter cruise locations. The Caribbean is one sunny destination that’s close to the states. The close proximity makes it easier for people to get away for a long weekend. If you’re considering a Caribbean cruise for your winter getaway, you might want to choose one that goes to the Virgin Islands. These islands are very low key and laid back. If you’re looking for adventure, you can sign up for one of the island excursion and spend your day snorkeling. A more active couple or family might want to go on a Mexican cruise because it’s so diverse. At these cruises you can go on ATV tours, walk through the jungle and visit historic Mayan sites.

Thailand and Malaysia are popular winter cruises, though they require a lot more vacation time than a Caribbean cruise. These cruises are also more expensive. However, they give you the opportunity to see Ko Lipe, Phang Nga and the Phi Phi Islands. A cruise of this length is a great way to spend a Christmas vacation.

Other popular winter cruises include Patagonia, New Zealand and the Galapagos Islands.

How to Find Your Cruise

Several different cruise lines take people on winter cruises. Norwegian Cruise Lines will take you to South America, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Disney Cruise Lines will take you through the Caribbean and will start the trip in Florida. Princess Cruise Lines goes to the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand.

The best way to find the right winter cruise for you is by doing some research on the Internet. You should also talk to travel agents because they know how to find deals on winter cruises.

Filed under General by Denise Walker

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Exploring Wedding Cruise Packages

Sailing away to your honeymoon using wedding cruise packages is a great way for you and your guests to enjoy a tropical vacation.

How Wedding Cruises Work

Wedding cruise packages work two ways. You can either have the wedding on the actual boat, or get married on land at a port and start your honeymoon on the cruise. Most cruise lines have wedding cruise packages for people who want to get married on the ship. Basic packages include a champagne toast, a ceremony site and music. Some ships have an on-board pastor who will also be included in the package price. Catering, decorations and other additions may cost more money.

Getting married on a cruise ship is nice, but it limits the number of people who will come to your wedding. Not everyone has the financial means or time to go on a cruise. Another downside to wedding cruise packages is that your guests will be with you at the start of your honeymoon. Some couples prefer to be alone at this time. If this doesn’t bother you, go ahead with the package. If it does, arrange to have the wedding on the last night of the cruise.

Hot Wedding Cruises

Wedding cruise packages literally go all over the world. But, there are a few destinations that are more popular than others. Caribbean wedding cruises are popular because they’re close to the states, they stop at some English speaking ports and they offer lots of excursions. Excursions such as snorkeling, ATV riding and horseback riding on the beach, are great for wedding cruises because they give everyone something to do. Some of your guests will be happy sitting on the dock of the boat while others will want to engage in some kind of tropical adventure. Also, places like Cancun are great “party” stops for the younger crowd. These ports have fabulous bars and clubs.

One downside to having your wedding on a Caribbean cruise is that the Caribbean is a very popular tourist destination. This means the ports you stop at may be rather crowded and overrun with tourists.

Hawaii is one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world. Wedding cruise packages to Hawaii tend to be more expensive than those in the Caribbean, but it’s well worth it. Hawaii is known for its beautiful, lush islands and world class snorkeling. One advantage to going on a Hawaiian cruise is that you don’t have to worry about bringing along a passport. One disadvantage is that you have to leave for your cruise on a Hawaiian island and flying to Hawaii is rather expensive.

Europe is a great place for a winter wedding cruise because in the winter, the cost of these cruises is significantly reduced. Also, you can your final port in Europe as a launching off point for your honeymoon.

You won’t have any trouble finding wedding cruise packages, but you might have a hard time picking just one!

Filed under General by Denise Walker

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August 11, 2007

Spice Up Your Life with Mexican Cruises

Stick a margarita in your hand and put on your salsa shoes because this is the only way to start your adventure on Mexican cruises.

Covering the Basics

Mexican cruises literally go all over Mexico. They vary in regards of boat size, amenities and length of stay, but they all give you a delicious taste of the wonderful experiences Mexico has to offer. Obviously these trips get more expensive as you choose ships with more amenities. Some cruises are all inclusive, which means that you have access to every feature on the ship. This also means that all food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) are included in the plan. Other plans include some extras and not others. Most cruise ships have different packages so you can decide how much you want to spend.

Mexican cruises become more expensive as the length of stay increases. Some of the cruises are very short (three days) and others can last for more than a week. Longer cruises are nice because they allow you to see more of the country.

Choosing Your Port Cities

All Mexican cruises stop at various ports. Passengers are allowed to get off the ship and explore the port cities. These ports run up and down both Mexican coasts. Some even jump over to Cozumel. As you’re researching your Mexican cruise, don’t forget to research the ports included in the cruise because this is where you will be spending your time on land.

Mazatlan, for example, is a great port for history buffs because it was settled by the Spanish in 1531 and was a stop off for Americans headed to the California gold rush in the 1840s. Mazatlan also has great fishing and beaches.

Cabo San Lucas is a great place for young people. It’s a very lively area and has plenty of bars, restaurants and other evening entertainment for the party crowd. Cabo San Lucas also has great whale watching for any nature buffs.

Cruise lines have a litany of excursions that they offer to their guests. These excursions cost extra money, but many are well worth it. Once you’ve chosen your port cities, figure out what kind of excursions your cruise offers in that area and sign up for the ones you like. Excursions include the following: cliff diving, ocean-kayaking and snorkeling, whale watching, ATV adventures, mountain bike riding, horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving and many, many more.

Finding Your Cruise

You can find Mexican cruises that suit your style and cruise preferences by using the Internet or talking to a travel agent. You can also go directly to the cruise ship’s Web site and research its cruise options. The following companies are among many that cater to Mexican cruises: Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Filed under Caribbean, General by Denise Walker

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August 3, 2007

Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises to the Caribbean

It is possible to find cheap cruises Caribbean, you just have to know where to look. You also have to be flexible and willing to go to any Caribbean location.

The best piece of advice you can adhere to when looking for a cheap Caribbean cruise is do your research. Finding a cruise is like anything else. The more you know and the more you look, the better deal you’re going to find. So, get out some paper and a pen and get ready to spend a lot of time sitting in front of your computer. You’re also going to need to talk to some travel agents either on the phone or in person.

Making Tips Work for You

You’re ready to do the research, but now what? First, look for off season cruise travel dates. In the off season, tickets are much cheaper than they are during peak seasons. In the Caribbean, the off season is in the fall. The off season typically ends after Christmas. There’s a reason for this. The fall is when the Caribbean sees its highest frequency of hurricanes. Though your changes of actually being in a hurricane during your cruise are slim, the chance of your cruise getting canceled is higher than it is during peak times.

Cruise lines drop their rates in the fall (sometimes by as much as 40 percent) so they can fill their ships. Your cruise could get canceled, but you could also end up enjoying a much cheaper cruise than you would during peak seasons.

You can also increase you chances of finding a cheap Caribbean cruise by being flexible with your travel dates. Travel Web sites will send you a weekly email of their best specials. These specials start and end at different locations, but they frequently include cruises. Cruise ships will offer great deals a week before they leave so they can fill their remaining seats.

While you’re being flexible with your cruise dates, don’t forget to extend that flexibility to cruise location. You may not be able to find a last minute cruise booking that goes exactly where you want to go. However, the Caribbean is full of beautiful ports, so keep your options open!

Internet Limitations Onboard a Cruise Ship

Though we rely on the Internet for a lot of things, it’s not the cure all for everything. After you’ve researched your cheap Caribbean cruise on the Internet, get on the phone and talk to some travel agents. They may have deals that are different than the ones you found. They also may have a good deal on a flight and cruise. Remember, unless you live in Florida, you’re probably going to have to book a plane ticket in addition to your cruise ticket. After all, you can’t board your cheap cruises Caribbean from Colorado!

Filed under Budget Cruises, General by Denise Walker

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July 26, 2007

My First Cruise

I took my first cruise when I was 14. My grandparents took me to Hawaii. I really thought it was the coolest thing I had ever done. I’m quite a bit older than 14 now, but I’m still taking cruises.

I like cruising so much I decided to create a website dedicated to it. Stay tuned for more info about cruising coming soon!

Filed under General by Denise Walker

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