Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations
August 25, 2007
Alaska is one of the world’s great cruise destinations, particularly for those with an interest in world class fishing. Alaska is arguably the most beautiful of the American states, and cruise ships offer a unique way of seeing Alaska’s beauty. In addition, Alaskan cruises yield an abundance of opportunities for anglers. The combination of these attractions makes Alaska the ultimate cruise destination for many.
Cruising in Alaska is mostly seasonal, with the primary months running from May through September. The prices in May and September are generally a bit cheaper since these months are at the edges of acceptable climate conditions.
There are many things to see and do on Alaska cruises. Glacier Bay is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in Alaska. Glacier Bay is abundant in wildlife, and you are likely to see seals, Dall sheep, bears, and perhaps even Humpback whales. Trolling around in a massive ship through iceberg infested waters to see some of the most majestic views of glaciers and arctic scenery in the world is a thrill that should not be missed.
Fun and Fat Free Cruising
August 24, 2007
This year more than 10.5 million people will go on a cruise. Almost all of them will have a fabulous time but when they step on the scales after they get home, they will let out a shriek at how much weight they have put on.
However, going on a cruise can be both fun and healthy. You can eat, drink and be merry without packing on the pounds by following our ten simple steps for fun and fat free cruising.
Now before you all roll about laughing, let me explain that I have just come back from my first ever cruise. I ate three meals and some a day, drank more than my doctor would have liked me to yet I didn’t put a single pound on for the seven days we were at sea. I appreciate that most of us go cruising to get away from it all and have a good time.
Many of us even go on a diet before sailing so that we look our best as we lounge by the pools but there really is no need to put on a lot of weight while we are at sea only having to shed it all once we get back home.
Taking A Paddleboat Cruise
August 23, 2007
In May my husband and I took a wonderful steamboat trip on the Colombia River, 1,240 miles long, and Snake River, 1,038 miles long, aboard the American West’s Empress of the North. This is the first time we had ever done a "niche" type cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Yes, the clientele tends to be older, but, what a shame that the younger mature adults are missing out on all this fun. It is steam boating in the true sense of the word. The paddlewheel turns as you leisurely make your way up and down the rivers and through the many dams that have been erected since the time of Lewis and Clarke. The ship is patterned after the river boats that plied the waters of Alaska, Oregon and Washington over 100 years ago and has a distinctly Russian flavor.
Cruising—What Everyone Should Know
August 23, 2007
August 7, 2005 — Taking a cruise is now one of the hottest vacations around. Why- because it has great vacation value. You pay for your cabin and all the food you can eat for 7, 10, or 14 days of luxurious pampering. That alone should put your mind at ease. Think about it. Not only don’t you have to worry about keeping enough money for lunch or dinner on your fourth or fifth day of the vacation but you don’t have to worry about trying to find a place to dine. There are a multitude of choices when you are cruising. On most of the large ships there are many restaurants to choose from. You can go casual, formal or just have pizza or hot dogs. And don’t forget that there is always room service ? 24 hours a day. Picture having your breakfast brought to your room, sitting on your balcony and dining alfresco while you arrive in a new port.
Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
August 22, 2007
Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there exists a cruise to please even the most jaded traveller.
If you think about it, it’s an extremely cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Consider all the time you’d spend driving yourself to several different destinations, packing and unpacking at each hotel, and searching for restaurants and other services. On a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for seven, ten, fourteen days or even even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you haul your luggage or at least one package and unpack it at every new stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or even suite. You’re at home for the duration of the cruise. And the food! Every ship has several restuarants staffed by world-class chefs, and the cost of the food is included as part of the cruise. At each port, guided tours are available so you won’t miss any local attractions. Supervised activities such as snorkeling are available to keep the children occupied. And at the end of your holidy staff will pick up your luggage and place it on shore at the intended pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from so many of the hassles of traveling, and leaves you with more time to relax and enjoy your destination.
Kid-friendly Cruises
August 21, 2007
Kids and vacation ? trying to find the perfect option can be a real challenge but with a kid-friendly cruise, it does not have to be. If you were like most parents, you want to take your family on a special vacation, some place different, fun, adventurous, and affordable. For some reason, people forget about cruise ships when in fact, this is by far one of the greatest choices you could make.
Family cruise vacations are growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. Not only are cruises a great way to expose kids to different cultures in an affordable way, but cruises are also very safe. Because of that, we see the number of families taking to the seas growing. As a matter of fact, of all areas within the cruise industry, family cruises is the fastest growing.
Recent reports show that more than one million children took a cruise with the family in 2002, an increase of more than 50% from just a few years prior. Just 10 years ago, cruises were considered a luxury vacation taken only for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary. However, over the years, cruise lines have recognized the value in offering different options for the entire family. Because of that, the current offerings have been revamped. Today, we see new destinations, themes, and activities to better match the younger passenger’s needs.
Taking a Deaf Cruise
August 20, 2007
Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from anyone else except they cannot hear or hear well. Because the deaf culture consists of mainly deaf people who hang around each other simply because of communication, finding a cruise that caters to the deaf is a true blessing. A deaf cruise provides deaf people with an opportunity to enjoy the same things as a hearing person but in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Many times, you will discover deaf people appearing shy when in fact they are merely protective over themselves and other deaf people. Because a deaf cruise is designed specifically for deaf people, there is a sense of security.
With a deaf cruise, many things are modified to accommodate. For example, there are certified interpreters onboard who can guide the passengers through the cruise, answering questions and just being there to provide service. In addition, the ships are equipped with TDDs or TTYs (telephone/computer systems used by the deaf), flashing doorbells and wakeup alarms, and so on.
The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!
August 19, 2007
We all want to please and impress that special someone in our lives with a romantic gift. Millions are spent every year trying to accomplish this feat. We may peruse the jewelry store and spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on beautiful trinkets. Perhaps a night over at an elegant resort is a consideration for your romantic gift idea. But consider this…
A lasting impression can be imprinted on our special someone if he/she is treated to an unforgettable experience. For the price of a fine pair of earrings, you can treat your romantic partner with a dinner cruise along one of the waterways near your corner of the world. For the price of a necklace and earring set, you can book an elegant cruise of four to eight days aboard a magnificent cruise ship. How impressive is that for a romantic gift?
Consider your options here. An afternoon cruise near your home for less than the price of an elegant dinner can provide for a memory of romance and togetherness. For a few dollars more, an enchanted evening of romantic cruising with a lovely dinner and a bottle of fine wine will be lastingly remembered.
Types of Cruise Ship Cabins
August 18, 2007
Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size and accoutrements, with the price differential being the location. The least expensive, inside standard cabins on a mainstream cruise ship run from about 120 square feet to 180 square feet. Since most cruise ships are relatively new or have been refurbished, the cabins usually are tastefully decorated with twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen-sized bed for couples. The cruise staterooms have wall-to-wall carpeting, individually controlled air conditioning/heating, dresser or storage space, closet, telephone, and satellite television. The television usually has news, sports, local on-ship channels for broadcasting information on shore excursions or from guest lecturers, and movies.
Some cruise cabins have VCRs or DVD players, and some televisions also have radio/music channels. The cabins also usually have a night table, reading lamps, and a chair. Most modern cruise ships come with a hairdryer, so you won’t have to bring one from home. Some standard staterooms feature personal safes, table, desk with chair, convertible loveseat, mini-refrigerator, and even Internet access, although it is often much more costly than in the common Internet lounge. The cruise line brochure or Web site usually specifies what amenities are in each cabin.
Cruise Trips: Just How Popular is Cruising?
August 18, 2007
The results are in for 2004. The number of people looking for travel deals has reached record levels for cruise trips. 10.5 million cruise passengers got on board cruise ships last year.
According to the 19 cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) this was a new record for cruise vacations. The Association expects that number to increase in 2005 to over 11 million.
Most of the cruisers included in these numbers are from North America, totaling about 8.8 million. Many of these vacationers are looking for travel deals for cruises only. Cruise vacations have become so popular that cruise lines are recommending that potential cruisers book their cruise packages at least 6 months in advance. Even this does not assure that you will be able to get your preferred cruise destination and itinerary aboard your preferred cruise ship in your preferred stateroom category.
CLIA is the cruise industry’s chief marketing organization and the largest travel industry association based on agency membership in North America. The president and CEO of the association says that cruise vacation bookings are coming in "fast and furious". Consumer demand on cruise ship trips continues to rise and cruisers are looking to farther destinations like Europe and the Asia.
