Caribbean Cruises can be an amazing experience for a first time and even experienced cruiser. Exotic ports of call and warm tropical weather is just a little of what you will experience. There are few things you’re going to have to remember.

Photo credit: gailf548

X marks the spot!-gailf548423

10. Know Your Cruise Ship
There are five basic categories which are the ultra-luxury market, the upscale mass market, the middle of the road mass market, the bargain/smaller lines, and specialized cruise lines. Make sure to carefully research the ship and cruise line so you’re not stuck on the boat not having a good time. Decide what type of cruise suits your style & needs. Some cruise lines also target specific age groups and this tends to set the atmosphere of the boat. Make sure you review the available off-shore excursions; some cruises ask that you book these activities ahead of time. Remember use the internet to find cruiser reviews, compare prices, and find the perfect Caribbean cruise for you.

9. Keep Important Items in Your Carry On
As you may or may not know; when you arrive on the ship you will not receive your bags for a few hours. So remember to keep important items, like your medication, change of clothes, and any other items you will need immediately in your carry one. This is also a good precaution to take, as many people may have experienced in the past, your luggage may be misplaced or damaged.

8. Always Pack For the Unexpected
Even though the weather is expected to be very warm, you will want to pack a few extra items just in case. Remember the air conditioned dining areas will not be as comfortable in your summer attire as the outdoor pool. Remember to bring nicer outfits for formal dining and clothing for activities like the onboard club and gym. Remember always pack for the unexpected when you going on a cruise. You can also check with your specific cruise line to find out what you should bring.

7. Don’t Forget Your Camera!
From personal experience I can tell you how much it hurts when you can’t document that amazing sunset you experienced while sitting on the deck of the boat enjoying a refreshing pina colada. Always test your camera before taking it with you to avoid an unexpected surprise. Remember to bring an extra memory card and film just in case you run out or misplace your storage media. Always bring extra batteries, because you know batteries always run out at the most inconvenient times. I recommend you keep your camera in sight when you leave the boat and keep your used film and media cards in your room safe, just in case.

Photo credit: stephenvance

Grand Turk-stephenvance692

6. Beware of the Sun
Yes, the entire point of this cruise is to enjoy the magnificent Caribbean sun but you don’t want to cause permanent damage to yourself just for the experience. Remember to wear polarized sun glasses to protect your eyes from the glare. Always, no matter how tan you want to get, wear sunscreen when you’re outside. The UV levels are higher in the Caribbean than where most people live, so always take precautions to protect your skin. Remember to bring a bottle of water whenever you leave the boat or are sitting out in the sun. The number one cause of sun stroke is dehydration, and remember alcohol just speed to process up. And as my mother always said “Bring a hat” just in case the sun gets to be too much.

5. Bring the Right Footwear
Don’t forget that various activities you will take part in will require different footwear. Bring flip flops or sandals for hanging out at the beach and pool. Remember some the off-shore excursions will require walking or even hiking, so remember to bring comfortable shoes for these activities. Make sure you break in those new shoes before your cruise. Also, there may be a formal, semi-formal, or another night activity that will require nicer footwear. And always pack backups, because you should always expect the unexpected on a cruise.

4. Research your Destinations
Cruises are great way to experience multiple vacation destinations without having to deal with the hassle and planning. You should research each location your cruise ship plans to stop at. Find out the best locations to visit, get information about activities or events that may be going on during your visit, and learn about local culture. Since some cruises only dock at ports for specific amounts of time, you are going to want to use your time in port efficiently.

3. Shopping!
As you know you will find some amazing deals when you visit the Caribbean. You will be able to shop in open air markets and enjoy some nicer stores on the various islands. Remember to always find out what your money is worth and if they accept your local currency. Some deals may seem too good to be true, and they usually are. Be wary of the products you purchase while you are on shore. Research the island and find out the shopping hot spots. The helpful staff on the cruise ship will surely be able to direct you to some of the more popular shopping destinations on the island.

2. Travel Advisories and Health
Based on where you ship will start you may need to visit your local doctor to be inoculated for common sickness you may come upon in the Caribbean. Most tourist destinations are safe but you should visit your physician before you cruise and let me them know which countries you plan on visiting. You can also contact your cruise line for more information on health advisories so you are prepared for anything (also, be sure to check out travel advisories from the US government). Remember every ship has an onboard infirmary with a qualified medical staff that prepared for any medical emergency.

1. Protect Those Important Documents & Items
The biggest way to ruin the magical Caribbean cruise is to lose your passport or even worse all of your cash. Most cruise ships will provide you with a small in room safe you can store your valuables in. Remember to keep your passport and ID safe. You should make copies of these documents and keep a copy in your carry on and keep the originals locked in your safe. Sometimes it easier to have cash but remember it is just as easy to lose that cash. Convert your cash in to travelers check and only cash them in when you need them. Most on shore locations will accept your travelers’ checks. They are traceable and replaceable so if you do loose them you can have a new set issued. Cruise ships are very safe but remember to always keep your valuables safe just in case.

Remember these tips and you will have a spectacular Caribbean cruise. Always do you research; you will enjoy your trip more when you are prepared for the unexpected. Have a great time on your holiday vacation cruise in the Caribbean!
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10 Tips for Your Caribbean Cruise

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These days, the operative word in cruise ships is big. And getting bigger as cruise lines order up bigger ships with more amenities. Here’s a look at some that are already sailing as well as a preview of what’s to come.

Queen Elizabeth 2

Photo credit: dazzy1960

QE2

The flagship of the Cunard Line from 1969 until the Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2004. The QE2 is considered one of the last great Transatlantic ocean liners. At 70,327 tons and 963 feet in length, the QE2 operated on steam until 1986, when she was retrofitted with a modern diesel engine.

The QE2 has logged more than 5.6 million nautical miles, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers. With a top speed of 32.5 knots, QE2 is the fastest passenger ship in the world and can sail backward faster than most cruise ships sail forward.

Photo credit: dazzy1960

QE2 in London

During her 40 years in service, QE2 has had a host of famous passengers ranging from Royals such as Prince Charles and Princess Diana; rock stars, including Mick Jagger and Elton John; and movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Meryl Streep, Bob Hope and John Travolta. US President George W Bush has sailed the QE2 as has South African President Nelson Mandela. In November 2008, the QE2 made its final stop, in Dubai, where it became a floating hotel.

Photo credit: lemoncat1

QE2 Dubai

Freedom of the Seas

Photo credit: gailf548

A tender passes Freedom of the Seas

The 160,000-ton Freedom of the Seas first set sail in 2006 with more than 1,800 rooms for up to 4,375 passengers. It is more than 1,112 feet long. Featured among the ship’s amenities are:

• The first-ever shipboard surf park
• Water park, featuring geysers
• Dedicated sports and lap pools
• Adults-only solarium with two cantilevered whirlpools
• Rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink
• A full-size, flat-screen TV in every stateroom
• A boardwalk with the sea’s first ever carousel and other amusement park features
• A youth zone with a theater, art studio and science lab
• A pool zone with four swimming pools, six whirlpools and a solarium
• A sports deck offering guests a chance to play basketball, volleyball, ping pong and miniature golf

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Photo credit: All your picture are belong to us Stairs

Independence of the Seas

Photo credit: garybembridge

Independence of the Seas Leaving Southampton 2 May 2008

The sister ship of Freedom of the Seas, is the first of the new sailing behemoths to have her headquarters in Europe.

The 160,000-ton liner, boasts a central promenade lined with shops, bars and restaurants and the Skylight Chapel, a wedding chapel with room for 40 guests. To make British passengers feel at home, kettles have been installed in all cabins so they can brew their own tea.

Photo credit: orangetaki

Liberty of the sea

A third Royal Caribbean Freedom-class ship is Liberty of the Seas.

Carnival Destiny

Photo credit: Tomás Fano

San Juan. Carnival Destiny cruise ship

Destiny underwent renovations in 2008 and now boasts a new theater as well as renovated cabins with balconies. Carnival Destiny is the first of Carnival Cruise Lines’ five Destiny-class liners. At just over 101,000 tons, Destiny carries 3,360 passengers. Three football fields long, Destiny features two-level dining halls, a two-tiered dance club, a three-story show lounge, four pools and a nine-story glass-domed atrium provides.

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia image via MSC Cruises

MSC Fantasia, which made it debut in late December 2008, is the largest ship in the line’s fleet at 133,500 tons and carrying 3,300 passengers.

The ship, built for winter cruising in the Mediterranean, features a covered pool for dips during inclement weather, a Formula One simulator, an aqua park on the lido deck with water fountains that light up at night. The ship also features five dining venues, a spa with Balinese treatments and the MSC Yacht Club, the line’s new exclusive VIP area. The Yacht Club boasts 99 suites up to 700 square feet, with butler service.

Queen Mary 2

Photo credit: gailf548

The Queen with a rainbow

The QE2’s replacement, the Queen Mary 2, weighs in at 150,000 gross tons and carries 2,620 passengers and 1,253 crew members. She is the largest ocean liner ever built, although she was surpassed in gross tonnage with the construction of the Freedom of the Seas. A throwback to the golden age of ocean travel, the QM2 boasts a Grand Lobby more than three decks high with two sweeping grand staircases. The ship has the largest library at sea, with more than 8,000 books and the sea’s only planetarium. Five swimming pools, an art gallery with works by Dali, Chagall, Erte and Picasso, a 2,000-square-foot spa and a casino are among the QM2’s amenities.

Solstice

Photo credit: Tomas Mascardo

Celebrity Solstice-Tomas Mascardo863

Celebrity’s newest ship features the first-ever top deck lawn, featured in an environment known as the Lawn Club where passengers can play bocce or croquet or kick back and have a picnic in the grass.

Solstice and her sisters will offer over seven different stateroom categories. The ship’s new Aqua Class staterooms, located on the same deck as the Aqua Spa Relaxation Room, bring spa elements such as five-head showerheads, mood lighting and relaxing scents into the stateroom. Guests in this class get exclusive access to the Blu Restaurant, a specialty restaurant serving healthy fare in a soothing atmosphere. The Family Veranda stateroom, measuring 753 square feet, features a bedroom is separate from the living room, which will be equipped with fold-out couches; there’s also an extra alcove, just big enough for twin bunks.

Guests can choose from among 10 different options for dining, not including room service.

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas Float Out image via Oasis of the Seas

Central Park takes to the seas when Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas sets sail late 2009. The 220,000 gross tons of Oasis will feature a park a football-field long complete with formal gardens. Known as Central Park, the area will include three themed gardens, bars, restaurants and boutiques as well as 300 staterooms that rise six-decks high and overlook the park.

Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream image via Carnival Cruises

The largest of the line’s “Fun Ships,” the 130,000-ton Dream will launch in late 2009. The ship features a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship on Promenade Deck 5; the Piazza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; enhanced children’s facilities, including a waterpark; and a two-level miniature golf course.

Some staterooms on the new ship can accommodate five passengers as well as 65 spa staterooms and suites that will offer guests exclusive amenities and privileges.
Photo credit: Phil of Ottawa

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World’s Biggest Cruise Ships

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So, you’ve finally decided to take a cruise? Well, before you start throwing your swimsuit in a bag while humming the theme from “The Love Boat” stop and consider the variety of cruise lines there are to choose from.

If you’ve never cruised before you want to work with a travel professional in choosing your cruise line. They have the ability to match your needs with the line most likely to provide a memorable trip. There are so many to choose from!

Start first with how the cruise lines define themselves: there are the Mainstream Lines, such as Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean; the Premium Lines, which include Celebrity, Holland America and Princess and the Luxury Lines, such as Crystal and Regent Seven Seas. This division, which can be an indicator of price, is really more of a barometer of your style, desires and special needs. Do you love formality and dressing for meals or are you more casual? Are you looking for a spa experience at sea? Do you want a lively casino experience and world class entertainment or do you just want to relax?

photo credit: Phil of Ottawa
Next you must look at your traveling companions- is this a romantic getaway for two or a multigenerational celebration of a family milestone? Will you need entertainment for the younger ones or are you looking for a port intensive educational experience?

photo credit: Phil of Ottawa
If you are traveling with children you will want a cruise line that is prepared to offer their younger cruisers the same care they offer the adults. You want a line with a children’s program – especially one that is well segmented by age. Some people feel that their children won’t want to be part of the programs – they will want to spend their vacation as a family but they are usually surprised! Most youngsters like the opportunity to take advantage of the offerings – even if it’s just as hour or so of video games away from Mom & Dad.

photo credit: quinnums
Disney Cruise Lines, not surprisingly has a great deal of time and space devoted to their Junior Cruisers. Parents are issued pagers to allow them to stay in touch. Activities are scheduled from 9AM – midnight in the Oceaneer Club for ages 3-7 (must be toilet trained to participate) and the Oceaneer Lab from ages 8-12. There is also a teen club – The Stack – with a dance club, internet café and large screen televisions. A small fee is charge for Flounders Reef Nursery, where children from 3 months to 3 years can spend some time.

photo credit: All your picture are belong to us
Carnival Cruise Lines, the self proclaimed “fun ships” has earned very high marks for their Camp Carnival. It is run year round by trained professionals. They have an extensive childrens’ area with playrooms and splash pools. They have more levels of campers with narrower age divisions. This makes for smaller more manageable groups. The 2-5 year olds are entertained with puppet shows, drawing and coloring while the 6-8 year olds get computer time and arts and crafts. There is also a group for the 9-11 year olds with pool parties and dance lessons, social events and sports for the 12 – 15 year olds and “Club 02” for the 15-17 year olds. They have late night movies, karaoke and a place to just hang out. There are even shore excursions just for teens.

photo credit: Zesmerelda
Holland America Line has worked very hard to promote their Club Hal. They offer a professionally staffed youth and teen program with groups from 3-7 years old, 8-12 years old and 13-17 years old. The offerings include storytelling, pizza parties and Sony Play Stations. The teen club has its own dance contests and, on some ships, their own sun deck.

photo credit: Phil of Ottawa
If there are no children along then you have some other questions to answer. A cruise vacation is your money, your time and should fulfill your dream. Consider your likes and dislikes. How long a cruise do you want to take? Which lines offer the itineraries you’re interested in?

photo credit: quinnums
How about the style of the ship? Do you love the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas? Are you delighted with an action packed casino? Carnival Cruise Lines is probably for you. Their ships are fun; all of the public rooms are decorated with themes ranging from ancient Egypt to a futuristic décor. The food is the best of the Mainstream lines – with 4 set meal times and casual alternatives. The service may not have a great deal of polish but it is always upbeat and friendly!

photo credit: mrmatt
If you are a lover of the Disney Theme Parks, can’t get enough of audience participation entertainment and won’t miss a casino – try the Disney Cruise Lines. Strangely enough many adults on their own love the Disney ships. There are adults’ only sections throughout the ship and even an adult restaurant. Their short cruises are all casual – no formal nights and the ships horn plays “When You Wish Upon A Star”!

photo credit: joiseyshowaa
Moving up to the Premium Lines will usually offer you more itineraries, different length cruises and some different ports of call. This is usually the place where more gourmet food choices make their appearance. Holland America has long been known as a food lovers cruise line. Celebrity also bills itself as having some of the finest food at sea.

photo credit: lyng883
The décor will take a step back and be more understated. Some cruise lines showcase world class art throughout the ship and very high end merchandise in the on board shops. The service will be a bit more polished and personal – on Holland America it isn’t unusual for room stewards to recognize previous passengers! The entertainment will be more Broadway than Las Vegas and there won’t be too many wacky games around the pool!

photo credit: Phil of Ottawa
The Luxury Lines, including Crystal and Regent Seven Seas, offer very personalized service. They are usually smaller ships with generous staterooms, a variety of dining options and amazing food. Not many Junior Cruisers on these lines! Some have small youth programs but only offer them during a specific season. Some of these lines bill themselves as “country club casual” and the casinos are more Monte Carlo then Atlantic City.

photo credit: Phil of Ottawa
One last consideration – how large a ship do you want to be on? Cruise lines are building new ships at an incredible pace – and some of them are enormous! Holland America has pledged to continue with their mid size ships of 1500 to 2100 passengers. Princess Cruise Lines offers both the mid size ships (1500-3000) and has a group of smaller ships holding less than 700 guests. This smaller size allows them to offer visits to some unusual ports that are unable to handle the larger ships. Royal Caribbean keeps going for “bigger is better!” When they introduced Freedom of the Seas it was the largest cruise ship afloat at 1112 feet long. It has a capacity of over 3600 people, has hot tubs that cantilever 12 feet over the side of the ship and The Flowrider” a wave pool that allows you to surf at sea. By this summer there will be 2 more Freedom class ships offering the same amenities. What’s coming in the future? An as yet unnamed Royal Caribbean ship with a capacity of over 5000 passengers!

photo credit: dbaron
How to decide? Cruise ships are like small (and not so small) cities at sea. When you make a decision for a land vacation you look at where you want to go, what you want to see and how long you want to stay. The questions for a cruise are the same! Work with someone who knows what to ask – listen to what they say – pack a bag – have fun!

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How To Choose The Perfect Cruise Line For You!

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Lots of luggage as a large family prepares to go on an extended trip

No one brings steamer trunks on cruises anymore, instead we’re all faced with the airlines’ 50-pound weight limit on suitcases. When packing for a cruise you should look to limit what you bring as much as possible by packing things that can be worn more than once. But cruises also require special thought: You’ll want to make sure you bring essential things like toothbrushes and cotton swabs because you won’t be able to zip into a supermarket or discount drugstore. And you may need special things, such as formal wear. Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special requirements that may affect your packing.
2. Make a packing list. Although you can buy some necessities on the ship or in ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not find exactly what you need.
3. If traveling with a friend or spouse, divide your clothing equally among your suitcases. Then if you lose a bag you’ll each have something to wear.
4. Pack lightly, especially for warm-weather cruises, but pack a sweater, shawl or light jacket for evenings.
5. For warm-weather cruises, bring quality swimwear. Women should bring a sarong or other coverup, since most cruise lines require that you wear more than a swimsuit in the dining rooms.
6. Bring a pair of rubber-soled shoes for slippery decks.
7. Pack wrinkle resistant clothing.
8. Find out if your cruise ship has self-service laundry facilities for passengers. If it does, you can pack fewer things.
9. Even when formal wear is requested, it is not necessarily required. On cruises with formal nights, you can avoid getting dressed up by ordering have room service that night. Or nap during dinner and opt for the midnight midnight buffet.
10. Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers will go all out with tuxedos and ball gowns, but you don’t have to. Men can wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and tie on formal nights. Women can wear cocktail dresses, separates or or suits. It’s like getting dressed for a nice wedding.
11. The key to packing smart is bringing mix-and-match clothing.
12. Pack some inexpensive foul-weather gear, a slicker and a collapsible umbrella.
13. Bring a tote bag; this will come in handy for shopping excursions and for bringing your lotions, towels and reading materials to the pool.
14. Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a black skirt skirt can be mixed with different tops or jackets depending on the occasion.
15. Use the purser’s safe if you brought expensive jewelry–even if there’s a safe in your room–as sometimes only valuables in the purser’s safe are covered under the ship’s insurance.
16. Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on.
17. Carry on at least one change of clothes, just in case.
18. Pack a power strip; most cabins have only one outlet and you’ll need to charge your camera, cell phone and MP3 player.
19. Buy sample sizes of shampoo and other toiletries and pack them in Instead of bringing full-size bottles.
20. Bring reading materials–you’ll likely spend a lot of time poolside–and an extra pair of reading glasses.
21. Bring your cellphone. You can use it on the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land. And you can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore.
22. Pack ziploc bags in different sizes to store things like bathing suits, open bottles of lotion, or your camera.
23. For Alaska and Northern Europe: Pack warmer clothing, but bring one lightweight outfit to wear should the weather be warm one afternoon.
24. For Alaska: Pack rain gear, waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell, warm gloves, and a cap.
25. For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are like the Caribbean, while spring and fall call for warmer and more formal clothing. Winters can be quite cold.

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How To Pack For a Cruise

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Though many of us dream of someday taking a cruise, sometimes our wallets don’t stretch that wide. Luckily, MSNBC has brought us 13 tips to save money on your next cruise.

1. Now’s the time to buy: We’re about to hit the cruising high season, so the best deals are available right now.
2. Buy your own airfare: Though the all-inclusive deal may be tempting, you may get a better itinerary, fewer connections, and a smaller price tag if you book your own flight.
3. Use a preferred agent: A travel agent who specializes in your preferred cruise line will be the best-connected, bringing up to a 20 percent discount.
4. Use logic: Booking an inner cabin (no window) on the shoulder season will be your least expensive option. And keep in mind, you only spend nights in your room, so you don’t really need that window, do you?
5. Buy some shares: Share holders get cabin discounts, so if you buy 100 shares of Carnival or Royal Caribbean, you’ll end up saving a bit.
6. Don’t be shy: Ask for a discount. Military, AAA, student, senior, you name it. If you think you might qualify, it never hurts to ask.
7. Private tours are great for groups: When traveling with a group (6+), a private tour on shore will probably cost you less than the generic individual tour.
8. Cruise often: Frequent cruise travelers are often offered perks like room upgrades, priority dinner reservations, etc.
9. Call yourself a VIP: Have your travel agent play you up, calling you a VIP. If the cruise line knows you’re a good customer, they’re likely to give you an upgrade.
10. DIY: Instead of hopping on the bus that meets passengers at the docks, opt for your own transportation. It’s less crowded, less confusing, and often costs less.
11. Buy a soda sticker: If you’re going to drink a lot of soda, buy the unlimited drink sticker and save a bundle.
12. Bring your own booze: Bring your own wine to dinner and pay the uncorking fee – you’ll get better quality wine at a better price. If you like the hard stuff, fill up a water bottle and take it with you.
13. Plan for your next cruise while you’re on this one: When you’re onboard, the cruise will offer special deals that you can’t get elsewhere. If you want to cruise again, take advantage now.

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Cruising for less

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Who wouldn’t dream of a trip on one of the Cunard ships: the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth 2 or the Queen Victoria. When I’m old and rich, I’m definitely going to sign up for a three-month, round-the-world stint on whichever ship passes my nearest port.

This week the Cunard ships have made the headlines for both good and bad reasons. Apparently, last week a fight broke out on board the Queen Mary 2. Two passengers were “disembarked”, in official Cunard lingo – in other words, they were forced to leave the ship at the next port, which happened to be the British Virgin Islands. Unfortunately one of them was the father of a nine-year-old girl who continued the cruise with her grandparents.

But the PR people have been clever enough to keep the positive Cunard headline higher in the news: next week, all three Cunard ships are due to meet up for the first time, on the Queen Victoria’s maiden voyage. Head down to New York Harbor on January 13 and you should see all three anchored in the waters off Lower Manhattan. Fireworks will commemorate the event and New York cruise companies and hotels are offering special packages for those who want a good view.

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Cunard: Good news and bad news

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For more than 60 years, Holland America Cruise Lines has been sailing to Alaska and wowing vacationers with the unparalleled beauty of the last frontier. The cruise line has gone to great lengths to ensure that the whole vacation experience embodies the splendor of Alaska: The five-star ships feature panoramic wraparound teak decks, and private verandas. The ships carry fewer passengers than similar cruise lines so there is less noise and foot traffic.

Here’s a sample of the cruise line’s available itineraries to Alaska:

The Alaskan Explorer Cruise departs from Seattle. Among the six ports of call is Glacier National Park, which has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else on earth. At the park you can see humpback and killer whales, sea lions and harbor seals, moose and bald eagles. Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is another port of call and a prime spot for outdoor adventure activities like glacier hiking and sport fishing. You’ll also see Ketchikan, which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles.

The Glacier Discovery Tours focus on Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage. College Fjord, named after leading Ivy League colleges, surrounds the ship with three flowing rivers of ice. At the port of Haines, one of the northernmost towns on the Marine Highway, brown bears and the once-endangered bald eagle are prevalent. Holland America also has exclusive privileges at Icy Point, which offers excellent wildlife-watching vantages. Vancouver, BC is the final destination for this cruise and it’s truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. World-class shopping and dining are a nice way to cap off a week of the great outdoors.

The Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, BC. The ship sails to Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage, and swings through the Tracy Arm and Sawyer glaciers. The trek through this 26-mile long fjord offers many opportunities to view whales, bears, harbor seals, Kittiwakes and mountain goats.

The Holland America website offers a comprehensive view on Alaska travel, including an e-brochure and online cinema that offers a brief demonstration on the adventures that await you. Visit www.hollandamerica.com to plan your Alaska cruise.

photo credit: controltheweb

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Cruise Alaska with Holland America

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Taking a Nile cruise is a great way to see the wonders of Egypt without packing and unpacking and enduring hot, dusty bus trips. Many companies sail between Aswan and Luxor, but arguably the best of these is Sonesta. The same people that own hotels around the world operate five luxury ships of varying size that ply the Nile.

The Sonesta Ships

The Sonesta Cruise Collection ranges in size from the 33 cabins to 63 cabins. The ships vary slightly in the amenities they offer, but all are luxurious. All ships have a private on-board water filtration system, outdoor swimming pools, an elegant dining room, a fitness room, and a game room. Cabin amenities include a mini-bar, a full-size bath tub, a TV and a movie program, and a music system.

• Nile Goddess – This five-deck ship has 63 guest cabins and two suites, all with large panoramic windows.
• Sun Goddess – The Sun Goddess has 58 cabins and 4 suites, all with panoramic windows. This ship is ideal for small business meetings and has a conference room that will accommodate 16.
• Moon Goddess – This ship has 48 cabins and two suites, all of which have a private balcony. In addition to the features mentioned above, the ship has a disco and a jogging track.
• Star Goddess – The Star Goddess boasts 33 cabins, all with private balconies.
• St. George – This newest addition to the Sonesta fleet is also its most deluxe. The ship has 47 cabins and 10 suites, all with plasma screen TVs, private balconies, Internet access, and spa bath tubs. Ship facilities include a full spa.

The Nile Cruise Itineraries

All of the Sonesta ships sail between Luxor and Aswan and vice versa on four and six-night voyages. Among the ports of call along the route area:

• Luxor – built on the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is near many Ancient Egyptian temples and palaces, including the Temple at Karnak and the temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh
• Edfu – About 60 miles south of Luxor, Edfu is home to one of the oldest and best preserved of the ancient temples.
• Kom Ombo – Just north of Aswan, it is home to the temples of Haroeris and Sobek, the Crocodile God.
• Aswan – Site of the “old” dam of the Nile, built by the British in 1898 as well as a traditional winter resort for centuries.

For an unusual vacation, one steeped in history and yet not lacking in luxury, a Nile cruise on one of the Sonesta ships is difficult to top.

(photo credit flickr cc)
(photo credit flickr cc)

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Sonesta Sails the Nile

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Silversea Cruises began in the early 1990s as the Lefebvre family decided to take their Sitmar Cruises to a new level and create a luxury cruise line. The ships in the Silversea line offer travelers a pampered vacation and exotic ports of call.

Several of these ports are in the Orient as the Silver Shadow sails with 12 different itineraries in ten different Japanese cities. These cruises begin in April when the cherry blossoms are at their peak in Japan. Trips range from nine to 14 days and the first three scheduled trips also include trips to China and Russia.

Ashore the Silver Shadow residents will experience many different aspects of life in the Orient from ancient temples and shrines, incredible architecture, to nature’s distinct hand in the mountains of Japan and the local flora and fauna.

Onboard the Silver Shadow guests have access to Le Champagne, the ship’s wine room. This section of the ship can be reserved for private parties and comes with a full menu complimented by perfectly paired wines.

The Personalized Voyages program offered by Silversea Cruises allows embarkation and disembarkation according to the guest’s particular whims. This means you’ll never have that déjà vu experience while on vacation and it also means that you can return to your favorite vistas again and again.

Each stateroom aboard the Silver Shadow functions like a suite with marbled bathrooms, double vanities, full-sized bathtubs and showers. Each room comes with an interactive television that gives guests on-demand movies and email capabilities. Bed linens are by Frette as comfort is a top priority on these luxury cruises.

Seven different suites give guests the option of rooms ranging from 287 square feet to more than 1,400. Many of these suites feature glass walls that can be opened onto private teak verandas. If this is a special trip and top of the line accommodations are key, then the Royal Suite or Grand Suite are exactly what you need.

If you’re actually inclined to step outside of your stateroom you will be delighted with the attention to details and the fare provided at The Restaurant, the ship’s main dining room. For more casual dining, yet still exquisite meals, try the indoor/outdoor café, The Terrace Café, or the Poolside Grille. Those souls interested in an active nightlife will appreciate the 24-hour in-suite dining option as well as the casino, the bars, live music, dancing and possibly the cigar bar.

Exercise junkies will get their fill with the swimming pool, two whirlpools, the fitness center, saunas, steam rooms, exercise classes, and even practice golf and private lessons. And of course, no day of heavy exercise or sightseeing is complete without a trip to Mandara Spa for one of their customized treatments designed to pamper your mind and body.

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Silver Shadow: Japanese Cruise

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New Zealand has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful places on earth: comprised of two main islands, North Island and South Island, the country is nicknamed God’s Own Country and Paradise of the Pacific.

Boasting sweeping vistas, sparkling oceans, and wildly diverse tourism options, New Zealand was named the World’s Top Travel Destination in both 2003 and 2004 by Lonely Planet. The Guardian and Observer’s People’s Choice Award named it the the best long-haul travel destination for 2004. In 2005, Condé Nast’s readers declared New Zealand to be the best holiday destination in the world. You can’t refute that.

Perhaps one of the best ways to see New Zealand and it’s beautiful sister, Australia, is by cruise ship. Packed to the brim with amenities — pools, fine dining restaurants, and on-board entertainment — a cruise ship allows you to relax and enjoy your days, drinking in scenery like sunsets over the endless ocean, and debark to enjoy some of the best tourism gems at your destinations.

Holland America Cruise Line offers some of the most comfortable and classy cruise ships in the world, coupled with delivering you to fantastic destinations. Their recommended 18-Day Wondrous Holidays cruise takes you on a meandering journey from Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand.

As you board Holland America’s ms Statendam, you’ll feast your eyes on over $2 million worth of art and artifacts, keeping with the ship’s theme of Dutch life and exploration. Fine-dining options dot the ship, offering something for everyone. Particular favorites are the Rotterdam Dining Room, a beautiful two-tier restaurant featuring five-course menus and an impressive wine list, and The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where you’ll participate in making delicious creations. The ms Statendam also offers Club HAL for children 3 to 12 and both The Loft and The Oasis for teens that want to have some fun with their peers while the parents play.

The 18-Day Wondrous Holidays cruise winds its way through the waters, stopping in Sydney, Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania, Australia), Milford Sound (NZ), Fjordland National Park (cruising only), Dunedin (NZ), Christchurch (NZ), Picton (NZ), Queen Charlotte Sound, Captain Cook Ship Cove, Wellington (NZ), Tauranga (Rotorua, NZ), and the Bay of Islands (NZ). With so many days and stops, you’ll be sure to get a nice taste of New Zealand and southern Australia.

For more details on this once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand cruise, check out Holland America’s detailed cruise itinerary. And if you’d like to take a cruise in a different destination, check out our cruise directory.

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Cruise New Zealand and Australia with Holland America

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A cruise around the Greek islands is the kind of holiday sitting near the top of many dream vacation lists. But a Greek island cruise isn’t as costly or as complicated as you might think, and there are hundreds of tour companies with thousands of itineraries to choose from, so your ultimate Greek island experience is definitely out there. You just have to look.

The first decision to make is whether you want to cruise by yacht or by cruise liner. The yacht, of course, is the romantic choice, but you have to remember that it’s much more like being in a boat and much less like being in a hotel: you might not have as much space, you won’t find a pool or a gym, and you might get more sea sick. So if those are important criteria for you, stick to the cruise liner. Whichever kind of vessel you’re cruising on, you’ll enjoy the trip – it’s the Greek islands!

Viking Cruises is a tour company that specializes solely on Greek island excursions, and they’ve been operating successfully for 40 years. The name comes from the fact that the founders, three brothers, were of both Greek and Swedish origin. The nice thing about Viking is they know their region very well, and offer quite a range of voyages, from week-long yacht trips with various itineraries, the option to charter your own yacht, and through close links with cruise companies, cruise options from between three and 14 days in length.

If I had to choose, I’d take the Magnificent Greece yachting option, which includes a week on the yacht, a four-day coach tour around classical Greece and three days in the capital, Athens. The cruising part of the tour starts from near Athens and you travel on a traditional wooden yacht, looking exactly like the yacht in my ultimate Greek island daydream. From the first beautiful stop of Santorini, you sail on to Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Syros and Kea before returning to Athens and continuing with the land based content of the tour.

While you’re on board the yacht, you’ll share either a twin or double cabin on the main deck (complete with ensuite and air-conditioning), and receive breakfast and lunch each day. The evenings have a variety of entertainment and options at the various stopping points and several dinners are also included. Get planning for next year because the cruising season for such a tour runs from May through to October, with cruises available in April on request.

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(photo credit flickr cc)
(photo credit flickr cc)

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Sail Around the Greek Islands with Viking

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Art and culture await you in the Mediterranean. You can indulge in the wonderful cuisine, architecture and beauty of Greece, Italy, France and Spain. From the coastline to the countryside, you will enjoy the essence of the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean International Voyager of the Seas sails round-trip from Barcelona in this fabulous 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise.

Ports on this trip include Villefranche, Florence, Rome, Naples and Palermo.

The Voyager of the Seas is a 3,114 guest cruise ship that features a one-of-a-kind ice skating rink, a rock climbing wall and so much more.

Guests can choose from several categories of accommodations. Staterooms start at 160 square-feet and feature two twin-size beds, a sofa, vanity and private bathrooms. You can also opt for a room with an ocean view with or without a balcony. They also offers several types of suites, including the Royal Family Suite, which features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area with double sofa bed, private balcony and concierge service.

To travel in style, choose their 1,188 square-foot Royal Suite. This luxury suite is fit for a king. It features a separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony with hot tub, whirlpool bathtub, living room with queen-size sofa bed, baby grand piano, concierge service and many other luxurious amenities.

While on the cruise, you can choose to dine in one of the ship’s elegant main dining rooms or from the buffet at the Windjammer Cafe. Voyager of the Seas also features a romantic Italian restaurant, Portofino, Johnny Rockets for burgers and many snack and coffee shops.

For entertainment, you can see performances at the theatre, enjoy a drink and dancing at one of the many bars and clubs, or spend the evening in the casino.

Don’t miss out on ice skating at Studio B. Voyager of the Seas also offers rock climbing, scuba diving lessons, shopping, art galleries, a health club and a full spa.

If you have children with you, the ship has babysitting services available, a children’s pool, outdoor play areas, teen programs and a youth counselor staff.

Ports

Villefranche, France offers sunny beaches, quaint villages and beautiful views. It’s also very near Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo.

Spend some time in Florence, Rome and Naples to experience the culture and history of the area. And don’t miss out on the stunning architecture and art in Palermo before returning to Barcelona.

For more information on this 7-day Mediterranean cruise, call Royal Cruise Adventures & Tours at (303) 771-7245 or toll-free at (800) 533-4588.

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Voyager of the Seas Sails the Mediterranean

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