February 22, 2008
Cruises from Galveston: What to Wear, Do and See
Cruises from Galveston have different occasions on a cruise ship and different expectations of how you dress. Believe it or not, there are dress codes and you have to dress a certain way at the different types of evenings on board the ship. The different evenings on a cruise ship are a casual night, a smart casual night, and a formal night.
Cruises from Galveston are a lot of fun, but you must adhere to the dress code for the dining room or you will not be allowed to enter. On casual night men are expected to wear a sport shirt and slacks to dine in the dining room and women must wear sundresses or pants. If you go into the dining room for dinner wearing shorts and a t-shirt, you will not be permitted to eat.
The smart casual night is not so casual at all. Men should wear a suit of some sort, preferably a jacket and tie and women should wear pant suits or dresses. If you have children, be sure to pack them some of their nice clothes because they should be dressed nice also.
The formal night is just as it sounds, it is formal. Most cruises from Galveston have a formal night so be prepared. Men should wear suits or tuxedos, in most cases men are wearing tuxedos. They will take professional photos of you and your family on the ship also. Women should wear a nice cocktail dress and pants will not be permitted. Formal night is taken seriously on the cruise ship. If you don’t want to partake in the formal night for dining, then you will have to eat at a buffet later, possibly midnight.
The shorter the cruise, the less formal nights there will be. On four day cruises from Galveston, you can only expect one formal night. If you are taking a 2 week cruise from Galveston, then you will have three or four formal nights in the dining room on the cruise.
Cruises from Galveston have a dress code in the dining room, most cruises do to. Think about this when you pack and be prepared to dress up and look nice at every dinner.
February 1, 2008
Cruise Boston to Bermuda – What to Pack
So you are finally going to cruise Boston Bermuda on the Norwegian Cruise lines or one of the other many cruise lines that offer cruises and you aren’t sure what to pack. Well, you have to keep the weather in mind and the time of year you are planning on taking your cruise. You have to keep in mind the airline limitations on luggage, a cruise ships limitations on luggage, and the size of the rooms on the cruise ships.
The weather in the Caribbean is fabulous. This best time of year for to cruise Boston Bermuda is from November through March. This is when the rainy season is pretty much over and it isn’t too hot and humid that it is unbearable to enjoy yourself on the cruise. The weather will average between 80-90 degrees and the humidity in Bermuda may be up to 80 % which is normal. You might get out of the shower and immediately feel sweaty. This means the clothes that you pack on this trip should be very lightweight. Linen is a favorite because it provides for breathing in the warm and moist weather and it isn’t uncomfortable. Bring a sweater for nights, but you won’t need it in the daytime. Also, don’t forget tons of sunscreen to protect yourself from the ultraviolet rays because you are going close to the equator. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes, and if you are really fair, you might consider a hat too.
Most airlines have a weight limit on the baggage and the cruise ship for your cruise Boston to Bermuda will have a baggage limit of 200 pounds. Plus, the rooms are really small. Don’t bring too much stuff or you will be totally crammed in your room and annoyed and you will be wanting to throw things overboard. Unless, you really plan on working, there is no need for the laptop and all of the books and extra stuff. Many people bring them on the cruise and they won’t touch them the entire trip. You shouldn’t anyway, you are on vacation.
Your cruise Boston Bermuda is going to be exquisite. Don’t over pack and make sure you are bringing the right items.
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.
August 20, 2007
Norfolk Cruises: Adventure, Romance, History
Whether you want to head down to the Caribbean or want to see Norfolk in a new and exciting way, you’ll find Norfolk cruises give you the vacation you’re dreaming about. Many different cruise lines offer cruises that leave from Norfolk. You can also take short cruises in the Norfolk harbor.
When you’re vacationing in the Norfolk area, a cruise in the harbor can enhance your experience and give you unparalleled views of the city. You’ll start at the Waterside Festival Marketplace and continue along the Elizabeth River waterfront. During the cruise, you’ll see the city skyline and see the vessels in the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.
If you’d like to take one of the Norfolk cruises, you’ll get to choose between lunch, early dinner, dinner, or moonlight cruises. You can also book some of the ships for your own private parties or events. Imagine holding your fundraiser onboard as you sail past historic sites. The cruise companies also offer special themed cruises from time to time.
Maybe you’re looking to get away for a few days or a week and want to experience the best that the Caribbean has to offer. If so, consider taking a cruise out of Norfolk for ports south or north. You can visit Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas among other Caribbean ports. You can also head north to visit Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Boston among other New England and Canadian ports.
Several different cruise lines depart from Norfolk, among them Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Consider the cruises available and the ports that they’ll be visiting in making your decision. You can often find a number of discounts and last minute deals. The cruise lines offer a variety of options including three, five, or seven day cruises.
Before departing on your cruise of Norfolk’s harbor or heading off to other ports, do some sightseeing in Norfolk. The area is rich in history and has a state of the art cruise ship terminal that has received positive reviews from travelers.
Norfolk cruises are a great way to see more of the city or to visit places in the Caribbean or New England. You’ll love the ease of traveling from Norfolk and the ability to see historical sites and the skyline from the water. Enjoy a Norfolk cruise the next time you’re in town.
Filed under US by Denise Walker
August 18, 2007
Find Paradise on Hawaiian Island Cruises
A Hawaiian Island Cruise is one of the best ways to experience multiple islands during your vacation. You’ll travel from island to island in luxury and be able to spend one or two days enjoying the sights of the particular island you’re at. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the experience.
A Hawaiian cruise can begin on one of the islands or it can begin on the mainland in places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Acapulco, or Papeete, Tahiti. Obviously, cruises from the mainland take longer to complete than those that start in Hawaii, but they can be a relaxing vacation just the same. On these cruises, you’ll have more time to explore the ship and participate in onboard activities before you reach Hawaii.
Whether you cruise in from the mainland or come aboard in Hawaii, you’ll find plenty to do and see. Water is an important part of Hawaiian life and culture, both in the present and historically. Spending time on the water, although very different than how the early Hawaiians did it, can enhance your experience. You’ll feel the rolling waves, enjoy the ocean breezes, and watch the sun set over the horizon.
Many Hawaiian cruises stop in the following ports: Honolulu, Oahu; Nawililiwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; and Kona and Hilo, Hawaii. Each port offers new experiences, sights, and shore excursions. You’ll generally have a day or two in each port, but you’ll want to plan your time carefully because there is more to see and do in each place than you’ll have time for. Decide on the things that you really want to see and do before hand and keep to a schedule.
Each island has its own flair and famous attractions. On the big island of Hawaii, visit Volcanoes National Park and take a historical tour in Kona. On Kauai, you might want to take a helicopter ride to see waterfalls, seaside cliffs, and Waimea Canyon. As the second largest island, Maui has a lot to offer. Don’t miss Haleakala National Park where you can view the volcano. Finally, in Oahu, you’ll want to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona and USS Missouri memorials.
A Hawaiian Island Cruise gives you the chance to experience multiple islands on the same trip, while someone else handles all the travel details for you. You’ll wake each morning to a new location with exciting shore excursions and activities. Island hopping is one of the best ways to experience all that Hawaii has to offer.
Filed under US by Denise Walker
You can take a great discount Alaska cruise with your family. Discount cruises are easier than ever to find and book with many online sources offering low prices. If you are debating between a Caribbean or Mexican cruise and an Alaskan cruise, you’ll find many advantages and reasons to take a cruise to Alaska.
The number one reason people take a discount Alaska cruise is the scenery. You’ll see glaciers, mountains, sky-blue icebergs, and wildlife like grizzly bears, orca whales, moose, and bald eagles. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean while you sip champagne. Cruises offer a great way to see Alaska and experience the frontier spirit.
In addition, the shore excursions in Alaska are unlike any that you’ll find on other cruises. Take a helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs, go on a bus trip to Denali National Park, or fish for king salmon. The excursions will allow you to experience Alaska’s native culture, Gold Rush history, and Russian influence. You’ll have a week or two to see the different parts of Alaska and its history.
Discount Alaska cruises make a great vacation for the whole family. Onboard, many different activities for all ages take place throughout the day. Both kids and adults will find activities to keep them busy and entertained. Kids will also love seeing the various species of wildlife that exist in Alaska. Take an off-road tour or head to Denali National Park during your time off the boat for more viewing opportunities.
While you could drive or fly to Alaska, cruises give you the same sights with much less hassle. All of your needs will be taken care of onboard the ship. Your accommodations, meals, and activities are included in the price of the cruise. You won’t have to worry about your car breaking down, delayed flights in the airport, sold out hotels, or the other hassles of travel. You’ll also get unparalleled sights on the ocean that you can’t get from land.
You’ll also find more options opening up every day. Alaskan cruises have become very popular and cruise lines are taking notice. With greater competition, you’ll find better discounts and more variety in activities and shore excursions.
Everyone in your family will love a discount Alaska cruise. You’ll see amazing sights and view a variety of different types of wildlife that you’ve probably only seen on TV or in a zoo before. Experience Alaska’s rich history and gorgeous scenery with a cruise!
Filed under Budget Cruises, US by Denise Walker
August 17, 2007
Take Cruises Out of Galveston Texas
When you’re thinking about taking a cruise, consider the cruises out of Galveston, Texas. You’ll find a wide variety of cruises leaving from this port heading to many interesting places in the Caribbean. Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Princess all call Galveston home.
Galveston, Texas is located 40 miles southeast of Houston on the Gulf of Mexico. The city has a rich history, but maintains a relaxed beach town feel. The popularity of this port is growing and more lines are adding cruises out of Galveston.
Cruises from Galveston visit Mexican and Caribbean ports such as Cozumel, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Progresso. In addition to the time you spend in these great ports, you’ll also spend fun days at sea. You can choose to relax in the sun or take part in onboard activities.
One of the best reasons to take a cruise out of Galveston is that the city offers a great place to start and end your vacation. Spend a couple of days before or after your cruise to explore this great port city. You’ll find 32 miles of beach, great shopping, and many entertainment options, including golf and walking trails.
If you have a week’s vacation time, consider taking a three or five day cruise and spending the remainder exploring Galveston Island. You’ll feel less rushed if you stay in Galveston for a night or two before your cruise. Two of Galveston’s best visited attractions, other than the beaches, are Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark.
Moody Gardens features a 10 story pyramid rainforest where you can see birds and plants from tropical locations. The Aquarium Pyramid has fish and plants from four oceans. The attraction also contains several different theaters and a replica paddleboat.
Kids will love the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. You’ll find whitewater rapids, water slides, wave pools, and hot tubs. You can hit the water park before or after your cruise.
Cruises out of Galveston, Texas give you a number of options. You can go on short or long cruises and choose from several different cruise lines. When you’re looking for a cruise, consider Galveston and look for a cruise that contains the activities that you want.
Filed under US by Denise Walker
August 16, 2007
How to Find Cheap Disney Cruises
When you and your family are on a budget but want a great vacation, look for cheap Disney cruises to get an experience everyone will love. Family vacations can be expensive and it’s often hard to find activities for all the family members to enjoy. Disney cruises offer a wide range of activities for all age groups and won’t cost you an arm and a leg if you play your cards right.
Disney offers family cruise rates on all its vacations. Kids between 3-17 cost less than adults and children under three travel for free unless you want to enroll them in the Flounder’s Nursery child care program. Because Disney targets families, you can often find great rates for the family. While other cruise lines may offer children’s rates, you may not get the same family oriented experience. Keep that in mind in case you find similar rates on different cruises.
Look at several different websites and compare prices before booking your cruise. The Disney website posts “Magical Rates” on its special page. Other large sites like Expedia or Travelocity are more likely to have better rates than smaller sites. You should check out several sites to compare the prices and the cruises available.
Be flexible with your travel dates if you can. Being able to adjust the travel dates can get you a better price. Similarly, you may think about traveling on a Disney cruise during low travel times for better rates and specials. Traveling during the spring or fall may get you better rates than high travel times around the Christmas holidays or spring break.
Think about booking travel at the last minute. Although this tactic doesn’t always work and you run the risk of cruises filling up, sometimes you can get a great deal at last minute travel sites. You’ll want to do some comparison shopping beforehand to know whether you’re getting a good deal. You may also want to have back up plans in case you can’t find a cruise or can’t find a good rate.
As you look for cheap Disney cruises, don’t discount package offers. Often you’ll have to travel to the cruise launch point and you may need a hotel room for before or after the cruise. You may also be able to find packages that include on-board pampering or special activities. Add up the costs and see whether you’ll save money. If you plan on sightseeing before or after your cruise, package deals can sometimes give you great rates.
Cheap Disney cruises will delight the whole family. You’ll be saving money and the kids will love the children oriented format of the cruise. With a little patience and searching, you can find a great deal on a Disney cruise.
Filed under Budget Cruises, Kids, US by Denise Walker
August 15, 2007
Find Adventure on Boston Cruises
See the sights of the harbor and beyond on one of the Boston cruises. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of a whale, see Boston’s sights from a different vantage point, or take a romantic dinner cruise, you’ll find a cruise to take you there. Break away from the crowds and ordinary forms of sightseeing to experience Boston in a brand new way.
Cruises around the Boston area focus on several different aspects. They include whale watching tours, lighthouse cruises, narrated sightseeing, sunset cruises, and ferries to other locations nearby. Spend a few hours on the water for a time that you won’t easily forget.
Kids of every age will love a whale watching tour. You’ll get out to the whales quickly and many companies will guarantee a whale sighting or they’ll give you another tour. Cruises most often sight humpback whales which can grow up to 50 feet long. Don’t forget your binoculars and a camera!
Many visitors also like lighthouse tours, which focus on the many lighthouses around the Boston area. These tours often take more time than some of the others because of the distance you’ll be covering, but you’ll see the beautiful New England coastline on these cruises from Boston. Tours include narration from a knowledgeable guide who will talk to you about the history and use of the lighthouses up and down the coast.
Visitors to Boston won’t want to miss the narrated sightseeing cruises in Boston’s harbor. Depending on the cruise, you may see many of the historic landmarks or venture through the Charles River Locks. You may see the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, and Old North Church among other sites. The Boston cruises make a great introduction to Boston at the start of a trip or a wonderful way to remember the city at the end.
Couples will want to get a little romantic with a sunset cruise in Boston. Witness the USS Constitution’s sunset ritual of lowering the flag and firing the cannon or dance the night away under the stars. Many options exist for dinner and/or sunset cruises so look around until you find one that grabs your interest and includes the activities you want.
Finally, Boston also has a number of ferries that offer transportation to Provincetown or other places. You’ll get the same great water views and be swiftly taken to your destination. You’ll avoid the traffic and hassle by heading out on a passenger only ferry. Spend the night or the weekend on the outer cape.
Boston cruises are a great way to see the city and other nearby sights. Both kids and adults will love watching whales and other wildlife appear as well as learning about the historical stories of the city. You’ll get panoramic views and see everything in a new way.
Filed under US by Denise Walker
You won’t want to miss Baltimore cruises in the harbor on your next trip to Maryland. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers unparalleled views of the city and ocean. Choose from a variety of themed and informational cruises that will leave you wondering why you haven’t done this sooner.
Baltimore’s cruises include dinner, lunch, sightseeing, or brunch options. Look for a cruise that includes activities that you’d like to participate in such as dancing under the moonlight or seeing the sights from the harbor. Compare the options from various companies to find the one that best suits your needs.
If you are looking for romance, dance the night away on a Baltimore dinner cruise with your special someone. You can choose from a buffet cruise or one with a menu option. While you enjoy the culinary delights, take in the beautiful night skyline and ocean views.
Sightseeing cruises are great if you want a short tour of the Inner Harbor or are looking for a family activity in the city. The narrated tours will show you the highlights of the city from the water, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Fells Point, and Federal Hill. Afternoon sightseeing cruises offer a more relaxed option for families and individuals who don’t have more than an hour or two to spend on the water.
Sunny weekends demand water and fun. Try a brunch cruise on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. You’ll sip champagne while enjoying panoramic views of Baltimore. On most cruises, you’ll find both open air and enclosed areas so that you don’t need to worry that cold weather will end your fun.
When you want to experience the luxury of a Baltimore cruise but don’t want to ruin your vacation budget, try a lunch cruise. Available on most days of the week, you can dine on options like Caesar salads, roasted chicken, and chocolate deserts. You’ll see the same panoramic views and spend less money than a full dinner cruise. Lunch cruises, while less romantic than dinner, offer a great option for families and friends.
You won’t want to miss the Baltimore cruises on the Inner Harbor. Romantic, informative, and beautiful sights and sounds await you on the various cruise options. Right in downtown Baltimore and just a short drive from other East Coast locations, the cruises give you views of the harbor and city that you can’t get any other way.
Filed under US by Denise Walker
