Ritzy Cruises

Like a Chicken to Water… Your First Steps on a Boat

admin — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:42:27 +0000

Some people step onto a boat and are straight at home. For them the challenge, the mechanics, the simple joy of sailing all combine to make the sport less of a pastime and more of a necessity. These people ? let’s call them fanatics ? come alive on board a boat, forgetting the pressures of work and home in the sheer exhilaration of surfing down a wave on a tight reach, or coaxing the yacht upwind in a gusty force five. I am married to one of these fanatics. He is trying to teach me to sail. It is a difficult task, I admit, as I have absolutely no desire to set foot on the boat unless the wind (force 1 ? 2), the weather (sunny) and the sea (calm) are just right. But, being a man of considerable determination and luck, he finally succeeded in giving me my first few lessons last month. I learned a lot. Sailing is, when you come down to it, incredibly simple ? a matter of pointing the boat where you want to go, feeling for the wind, and adjusting the sails accordingly. Yet it is also incredibly complicated. I used to race dinghies, sitting in the pointy end, pulling in the sails, but even so I learned a fair bit about lifts and headers, cunninghams and kickers. It all came flooding back to me as I helmed the yacht last month, dodging the ferries between Largs and Cumbrae. For the first time I really began to understand the relationship between boat, sail and wind. I could feel the yacht responding to the helm; feel it spin in the water; surge down the waves, slow in the chop. I could see what was happening as the gusts hit and the sails either flapped in the header or the boat tipped over in the lift. And that was my problem. The boat tipped over. I guess that I will get used to it eventually, but I just cannot be comfortable sitting at a 25 � angle, staring down into black waves that look perilously close to my feet. Dinghies don’t tip over, or at least if they do they are not too hard to bring back upright again. Yachts are different. They are supposed to tip over, and you are not supposed to swear blindly and gibber at the helm when they do. And the noise! I thought sailing was supposed to be quiet! What with the wind on the sails and the boat slooshing through the water and the depth gauge beeping every two minutes, it was hardly peaceful at all. So I learned a lot: I learned that there was a lot I didn’t know. And my husband learned a few things too - most particularly, that there some things you just do not say to reluctant sailors who have consented to come on board:

‘Right! Well, why don’t you try reversing us out from the berth and then take us out of the marina!’
‘It’s only a tiny leak ? nothing to worry about!’
‘No, of course yachts don’t capsize ? not unless it’s really, really windy!’
‘I know the depth gauge is beeping. It’s not really working properly at the moment.’
‘Look at it this way, the boat really can’t tip over any more than it is already.’
‘When I said ‘aim for the buoy’, I didn’t mean for you to hit it!’

I, on the other hand, now know that it is not good to say:

‘So these are big cabins, are they?’
‘Which way is the wind coming from, again?’
‘Is this a tack or a gybe?’
‘I want to go home!’
‘Wow! Is the engine supposed to give off that much smoke?’
‘Oh! Sorry! Were those hatches supposed to be shut?’
‘What happens if I press this button?’
‘You didn’t tell me to tie it on!’; and finally
‘Well, it wasn’t too bad?’

Looks like I have another lesson pencilled in for next Tuesday. Previous article - July 2005 - In support of the reluctant sailor.

Helen MacKenzie is a freelance writer. She contributes to the web site at http://www.sea-dreamer.com The Sea Dreamer web site has articles, guides and news on sailing and cruising on the West Coast of Scotland.

Bookmark to:

Mexico: Going Native

admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:42:27 +0000

If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an affordable cost of living then there is one thing you must do–Go Native!

Now, this is not as scary as you might think. I am not talking about living in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta and hoping the locals will show you how to beat your clothes clean on the rocks "down to the river", (I’ve seen some Mexicans still doing this).

What I am saying is that you must adopt, as much as you are able, the spending habits of a middle class Mexican family. A middle class family of four lives on about $400.00 USD a month. I don’t mean that you should be living on so little also. You can live cheaply here if you assimilate some of the habits of the locals.

One area where you can save money is in your food bill. Shopping at the local supermarket will cost you much more than if you follow your neighbor to the local markets to buy your food. Many of the local farmers sell their produce in stands at far cheaper prices than the supermarket, which has a huge overhead.

Another area of money saving is eating out. You will mostly see upper-middle-class-looking Mexicans eating out regularly in the local restaurants. The menu prices here are so reasonable that eating out is a Go Native form of entertaining friends. In fact, you are more likely to receive an invitation to a restaurant as a guest before (if ever) being invited to someone’s home for dinner.

My wife and I could feed four adults for what it would cost us, as a couple, to eat out in the States. You can get a huge steak dinner, with all the trimmings, and drink for less than $6.00 USD each. Though we see many Mexicans in restaurants, we do know some who never eat out. But, I would have to say it is a cheap form of entertainment and a custom worth adopting.

One area in which I refuse to go native is in some of their traditional dishes, particularly pig’s head. One day, we were in the local supermarket when I saw a store flier with a pig’s head pictured in the meat section. They had its mouth turned up into a smile! I found this horror in the meat department and have suffered Post Traumatic Pig Head Stress Disorder since!

I live in constant terror of receiving an invitation to someone’s house and he or she will serve pig head as the meat dish. Can you just imagine this? There you are at the dinner table sniffing what smells like a pork roast. They bring a covered pan to the table only to reveal the head of a smiling pig staring at you (the eyes are still in its head, by the way).

And just what do you ask for? Is it like asking for dark or white meat when Dad’s carving the Thanksgiving turkey? Which part of the hideous beast is the best meat? Is it the ears (they eat a lot of those here), the neck, or perhaps the snout is the most succulent!

"Oh, that snout looks really good today. Snout please!"

Anyway, if you Go Native as much as you can (except for pig’s head), you will be able to save a large sum in your daily living expenses.

"Tha?Tha?That’s all folks!"

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate’s questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico. BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581124570

Bookmark to:

Luxury Cruise Line Vacations for Your Romantic Getaways!

admin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 15:42:27 +0000

Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some of the cruise lines raise the bar so high that they are referred to as Luxury Cruise Lines by going “above and beyond” what one might expect in a great cruise experience. Taking cruise getaways aboard their ships is really considered a Luxury Cruise Line Vacation!

This type of luxury cruise line includes such companies as Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Vacations with these cruise lines are truly an unforgettable romantic and luxurious experience.

For the most part, these cruise lines operate smaller ships on which they can better look after their passengers. They provide excellent service of “six-star” quality. Many of the cruise lines offer more exotic itineraries enhancing their Luxury Cruise experience. These lines also have a more genuine all-inclusive cruise nature.

You might think that the staff on the luxury cruise lines’ ships are telepathic. The crews are trained to anticipate your needs and desires and react with courteous service. Expect friendly service from a staff that will know you by name and remember your favorite drinks, remember your breakfast preferences and all the “little”, but very important items that you may wish.

In order to provide this type of luxury service, the staff to passenger ratio is higher than on the main stream cruise lines. As an example, The Paul Gaugan, a Radisson Seven Seas cruise ship has room for only 320 passengers with a staff of 211. Virtually every luxury cruise line has a passenger-to-staff ratio of at most, 2 to 1.

As mentioned above, the luxury cruise line ships are generally smaller than the mega ships of the “mainstream” cruise lines. The passenger capacities of the smaller luxury ships average between about 150 and 400. Crystal Cruises is an exception. This luxury cruise line has a fleet of three luxury ships with passenger capacities of about 900. This however does not compromise their luxury cruise experience.

All of the luxury cruise ships display expensive works of art, rare and exotic woods, fine fabrics and china and have expansive wine cellars. The luxurious accommodations aboard these ships are relatively large and very well appointed. The public areas - elegant dining rooms, enticing spa, exciting casino etc.- are in most cases smaller and more intimate on luxury ships than on the larger cruise ships.

Because these luxury cruise ships are smaller, they have the ability to sail to ports that are inaccessible by their “bigger cousins”. This again makes for a more intimate, luxurious and romantic getaway cruise experience in these ports - no crowds of four to six mega ships passengers.

Luxury cruise lines offer itineraries worldwide and in the most exotic places. There is truly something for everyone looking for that special luxury cruise vacation!

For more information on Luxury Cruise Line Vacations check out some of our other interesting articles at www.a1-discount-cruises.com/articles. There are also many informative articles here for other cruise lines, itineraries and other cruise related information.

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous romantic gift cruise vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.

Bookmark to:

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

admin — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 19:42:27 +0000

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches. These golden sun drenched beaches are just waiting for us to come and enjoy. A great way to experience a number of these beautiful tropical beaches while on one vacation is by cruising. Travel in relaxing and luxurious comfort across the sparkling turquoise water from one destination to another by magnificent cruise ships and then enjoy yet another tropical paradise and the marvelous beaches waiting there! You’ll want to check out some of the beaches listed below!

Best Sand Beach! Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island is only half a mile wide and three miles long yet has some of the nicest sand beaches with an unbelievable laid back atmosphere. The island has less than 2,000 locals and only a few tourists making it a special choice for a relaxing getaway. This tiny island was once the home of the capital city of the Bahamas, Dunmore Town. Enjoy the Georgian Architecture, stroll through the tiny shops on quaint streets. And of course, lap up the sun on the beautiful pink sand beaches!

Most Romantic Beach! Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

Just 18 miles long, Bora Bora is an enchanted tropical island in the French Polynesian chain. Nick-named the Romantic Island, Bora Bora lies in a secluded lagoon and boasts many secluded white sandy beaches. Intimate hotels and the quiet, relaxed South Seas atmosphere add to the feeling of romance. The secluded Matira Beach offers visitors all of that romantic atmosphere with bright turquoise water and brilliant South Seas sunsets!

Best Beach in America! Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

In May of 2004, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a respected environmental scientist, named Hanauma Bay America’s best beach. About 10 miles east of Waikiki, one will find the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Nearly three thousand people visit the area every day to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and picnics. The bay itself is believed to be a 35,000 year old volcanic crater floor. Swimmers and snorkellers take special pleasure from the sheltered bay and are often greeted by a host of tropical reef fish.

Best Family Beach! Palm Beach, Aruba

Cond Nast Traveler have named this gorgeous white sand beach as one of the 12 best beaches in the world. And unlike many of the Caribbean islands, this Aruba and her beaches are geared up for the entertainment of families and kids. At Kibama Miniature Village and Park, kids can explore mini Aruban-style buildings. Adventure Golf in Aruba is billed as the world’s largest mini-golf course. Swimmers, sailors, fishermen ? and kids will all find Palm Beach, Aruba as an idyllic family vacation retreat!

Best Kept Secret Beach! Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Very few have had the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled, breathtaking beaches of Fernando de Noronha. Only a mere 420 visitors are allowed on the island - off the northeast coast of Brazil - at any time. In 1988, the island was declared a marine national park. Being part of a volcanic archipelago, the island treats visitors to towering rock “sculptures”, pristine waterfalls with natural swimming pools and of course the exquisite white beaches tucked below jagged cliffs and caves.

Best Ancient Beaches! Tulum, Mexico

Dating from as early as 250 A.D., ancient Mayan ruins tower over the beaches. Swimmers and sunbathers can’t help but be swept up in the aura of ancient mystery when they look up from the beach. White sand beaches and crystal blue waters greet visitors to the water paradise!

These are but a miniscule sampling of the wonderful and beautiful tropical beaches awaiting vacationers. To enjoy a number of exotic tropical beaches in one vacation, check out various cruise itineraries. On some Caribbean cruises for example, you could visit four tropical beaches on a seven or eight night cruise!

For more information regarding beautiful tropical beaches and cruises browse through some of other interesting articles at www.a1-discount-cruises.com/articles. To find the best beaches and cruise for you, go to our main discount cruises pages www.a1-discount-cruises.com and click on some of the merchant links there. Many of the cruises are deeply discounted and offer a great vacation cruise deal! Then all that’s left to do is to book your cruise on-line? and Get Excited!

Bookmark to:

Renting out Cruise Ships for Hurricane Victims, a Brilliant Idea Indeed

admin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:42:27 +0000

Who says FEMA is not doing their job. They just rented out Three Carnival Cruise Line ships to shelter 7,000 Hurricane Victims from the Katrina Disaster. Brilliant idea and if and when we get another Hurricane they can sail out of its way, without causing further hardship. They have showers, food, giant institutional style galleys and no one can complain, they are on a cruise ship. I mean think of it these people will be taken on Carnival Cruise Ships with names like; The Ecstasy, the Sensation and the Holiday. Hey I want to be a Hurricane Victim? What a brilliant idea to rent out these ships, perfect solution. Take a look:

http://www.cruiseweb.com/CARNIVAL-ECSTASY.HTM

http://wahama_choir.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ship.jpg

http://www.bookcruise.com/ccl/cclholiday.htm

The Cruise Ship Ecstasy and Cruise Ship Sensation hold 2,606 people and the Cruise Ship Holiday takes over 1,800. This does not include the 1580 person crew to help the Hurricane Victims enjoy a slice of paradise during their previous hellish ordeal.

Likewise the water ship platforms of the US Navy are also the way to mobilize the relief efforts, we ought be thankful for such a strong and powerful military. We got what it takes. Lets all get on board for the relief efforts and stop criticizing the response time, after all this was the biggest Hurricane disaster ever to hit our shores. Think on this please, we have some brilliant people working on this and the Cruise Ship is an ingenious way of help alleviate some of the chaos.

“Lance Winslow” - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Bookmark to:

Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable

admin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:42:27 +0000

Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have several advantages over their traditional watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, are easy to transport, and can operate in more shallow waters than a deep hull boat. But many people don’t realize that inflatable boats are just as safe, or even more secure, than traditional boats. Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide.

Buoyancy

Buoyancy is one of the main concerns with any watercraft. How high a boat sits in the water and how well it stays afloat are important contributors to overall safety. Buoyancy also helps determine the amount and weight of cargo that a boat can transport.

Inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks tend to be more buoyant than traditional watercraft, mainly because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire area of the boat, making it more resistant to sinking. In addition, the collars or tubes on an inflatable boat are usually designed with separate chambers so that if one chamber becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not be noticeably affected.

Stability

Not only does the design of inflatable boats contribute to increased buoyancy, it also helps make the watercraft more stable. Unlike traditional V-hulled boats, an inflatable boat sits flat in the water and has a low center of gravity, making them virtually impossible to tip. They are better able to handle rough water, and people standing up in the boat are not going to cause the craft to capsize. And swimmers and divers can use the sides to pull themselves up without causing the boat to rock or flip.

Power & Maneuverability

With the right size motor, inflatable boats can be quicker and more powerful than traditional boats because they are much lighter. For this same reason, they are much more responsive and easy to maneuver. In fact, because inflatable boats are so light and quick, it is important that you do not use too large of a motor. For general boating and fishing on inflatable boats, an 8 horsepower motor is adequate for watercraft up to 14 feet. Larger boats and inflatable sports boats for activities such as water skiing will require a motor with around 30 horsepower.

Other Safety Factors

As with traditional boats, there are a number of other precautions that help increase the overall safety of inflatable boats. The following list provides comprehensive guidelines, both for preparing to use an inflatable boat and for operation while out on the water.

Before Leaving Port

? Familiarize yourself with all aspects involved with the operation of your inflatable boat and make several practice runs before heading out on the water with passengers.

? Familiarize yourself with the water safety regulations for your area.

? Explain basic boat operations to all passengers and make sure that there is someone else in the boat that can operate it in case you become unable to do so.

? Tell someone on shore the names of all people on your inflatable boat, where you plan to go, and when you expect to be back.

? If you have a cellular phone, bring it with you in case of emergency.

? Be sure to bring enough life vests or other allowable floatation devices for yourself and all passengers and make sure everyone puts them on before leaving if required by law to do so.

? Also pack paddles, maps, flares, and other essential navigational and safety equipment.

? When loading your boat, distribute weight evenly from side to side and front to back. Tie down loose cargo so it doesn’t shift.

? Check weather conditions for the area and consider bringing a waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF Marine radio.

? Learn about navigational concerns related to the specific body of water on which you plan to use your inflatable boat and don’t exceed the capabilities of you or your boat.

On The Water

? Require all passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion, and never allow anyone to ride on the bow of the boat. If anyone must stand up, be sure they maintain three points of contact.

? If using a motor, keep your hands away from the propeller and be sure passengers remember to stay clear of the prop when they are in the water.

? Always use the stop switch lanyard that attaches to the driver that will kill the engine should you fall overboard. Test it before leaving port to be sure it is operating correctly.

? Be aware that heavy rains and other water changes can create problems with debris floating in the water or hidden under the surface.

? Do not operate the inflatable boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

? Remember that the captain of the boat sets the standard for safety, and you are responsible for the operation of the boat as well as your passengers’ behavior.

Special Safety Considerations For Inflatable Boats

When using an inflatable boat, it is also a good idea to take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even though boats with independent inflatable chambers can still operate when one chamber deflates, there may be instances when you may need to patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some point. It is important to have the necessary tools as well as an understanding of how to make repairs.

In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council and the American Boat & Yacht Council provide information on boating safety. The Coast Guard, many state agencies, and private groups offer water safety classes and Web sites such as BoatEd and BoatSafe offer online testing and certification approved by many states.

Although it is unlikely that your inflatable boat will capsize if you follow these safety precautions, it is also a good idea to know how to swim. Those who enjoy boating on a regular basis may also want to consider a CPR course.

In addition to being easy to use and often less expensive than traditional boats, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, and other inflatable watercraft are more safe and secure in key areas such as buoyancy and stability. Following the tips listed in this article will add to the overall safety of your boating experience and enhance your enjoyment of your inflatable boat as well.

About the Author:

C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, providing consumer information on rigid inflatable fishing boats and the best inflatable kayaks. She and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada’s backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most inflatable sport boats.

Bookmark to:

Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths

admin — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 07:42:27 +0000

The Atlantic Ocean is Earth’s second-largest ocean. It covers approximately a fifth of the earth’s surface. The name Atlantic Ocean came from Greek mythology; it means the “Sea of Atlas”.

The Atlantic Ocean is second only to the Pacific in size. With its neighboring seas it occupies an area of about 41,100,000 square miles. The land that drains to the Atlantic is approxcimately four times that of either the Pacific or Indian oceans. The Atlantic Ocean has a volume of approximately 354,700,000 km�. 3,332m is the average depth of the Atlantic coean. The greatest depth in the Puerto Rico Trench is 8,605 m.

Due to it’s large area the Climate of the Atlantic Ocean varies greatly from one part to the next. The climate of adjacent land areas is directly influenced by the temperatures of the surface waters and water currents as well as the winds blowing across the Ocean. Because the Ocean can retain heat so well, maritime climates are always moderate and free of extreme season variations. Climatic zones vary with the latitude; the warmest climatic zones span across the Atlantic above the equator. The coldest zones are in the highest latitudes, with the coldest regions corresponding to the areas covered by sea ice. Ocean currents contribute to climatic control by moving warm and cold waters to other regions. Adjacent land areas are affected by the winds that are cooled or warmed when blowing over these currents.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Pixibot. Which is a great web directory and information center for information on all types of topics.

Bookmark to:

The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:42:27 +0000

Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the classic sailing characters: the old enthusiast, patiently restoring a wooden shell to its sleek former self; the dedicated racer, tweaking his stripped out, cutting edge craft; or even tanned BMW man, who turns up on sunny weekends to take his latest woman out for a spin in his souped-up power boat. Move to the bar, and you’ll find them easily. The old hand, scruffed down, ready for that all important anti-fouling job. The smart executive, shades in hand, leading an enthusiastic team-building session. Or the sun-bleached student, fresh from his gap year spent taking boats down to the Med. But what about the rest? What about the unsung sailors? What about those resigned individuals who, worn down after years of hints, huffs and sweet-talking, finally utter the fateful words: ‘Oh, for God’s sake, alright then!’ In less time than it takes to hoist a mainsail, these women (for they are usually women) find themselves huddled nervously on the deck of a boat, trying to come to terms with the fact that yachts are supposed to tip over, and that this is good thing. There are a surprising number of these reluctant sailors. Most, like me, would prefer never to set foot on a boat but, driven by the need to see their sailing-mad partners on at least one weekend out of twenty, occasionally venture out onto the water. In my case, my ‘Reluctant Sailor’ status comes largely down to a fear of venturing into an alien environment, where I am not in control. I do not like not being in control. When a yacht tips over, I want to know that it ? that I! ? can do something to correct it. When we are picking our way through a narrow channel, I want to know how to avoid hitting unseen rocks or other boats, and when my children are sitting on deck, I want to know how to rescue them if they fall into the water. Education is the key and unfortunately this means that I, as the terrified new owner of a yacht, now face the prospect of learning to sail, so that I am not frightened of sailing. But my reluctance stems not only from fear. There are many other reasons why I have no interest in sailing. It is cold. It is wet. It is usually raining, and always uncomfortable. Be honest now. How many good nights’ sleep have you ever had on a yacht? And yes, while there are around three days out of every year when weather, location and company combine to make sailing a blissful experience, does that really make up for the other 362 days when it is not? My husband thinks it does. And so, nine years after we exchanged our dinghy for a baby and a pair of patio doors, I have finally relented. We have bought a yacht. He is happy. The kids are happy. And I?. I have come up with some ground rules to keep me happy?

The Force Four Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not set foot on the boat if the forecast even hints at winds above force 4. [This rule is an adaption of the existing 12 � C rule for dinghy sailing]

The Sunshine Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not go sailing if there is no prospect of sunshine over the period of the sailing expedition.

The Anchorage Rule ? No anchorage will be acceptable to the Reluctant Sailor unless it is within 100 metres of a pub/restaurant/hotel, and preferably a small town with a guaranteed escape route.

The Fair’s Fair Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will match every week/weekend that the Reluctant Sailor spends sailing with a week/weekend somewhere warm, dry and comfortable - preferably abroad.

The Don’t Shout Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic must not shout excitedly when asking the Reluctant Sailor to do something. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to tell the Sailing Fanatic where to stick his boat if he raises his voice.

The Rain Rule ? Unless the presence of the Reluctant Sailor is required on deck to avoid capsize, collision or other near-death experience, the Sailing Fanatic will deal with all work on deck while it is raining. The Reluctant Sailor will be having coffee and Kit-Kat’s in the cabin.

The Maintenance Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor shall not be expected to maintain the boat under any circumstances. The words ‘anti-fouling’, ’sanding’ and ‘painting’ are of absolutely no interest to the Reluctant Sailor.

The Too Much Time Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic is not allowed to go into a huff when the Reluctant Sailor casually mentions that the Sailing Fanatic has spent the last four weekends ‘fiddling with that wretched boat’, and that the handsome divorcee from next door has moved in to keep the Reluctant Sailor company.

The Packing Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will keep his mouth firmly closed on the subject of packing for a sailing expedition. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to bring along anything and everything needed to sustain her through the ordeal, but will, if pushed, draw the line at the handsome divorcee from next door.

The Children Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not be solely responsible for entertaining/controlling the children in the cramped and un-child friendly environs of a boat. The Sailing Fanatic wished for a family sailing experience and a family sailing experience he shall get.

The Money Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic accepts that once the sailing budget is gone, it is gone. He will just have to wait for that essential bit of kit. Any suggestion that this is not fair will cut no ice with the Reluctant Sailor, who is perfectly aware of her moral high ground on the subject of sailing and money, and will calmly point to the outrageous expense of buying the bloody boat in the first place.

Helen MacKenzie is a freelance writer. She contributes to the web site at http://www.sea-dreamer.com. The Sea Dreamer web site has articles, guides and news on sailing and cruising on the West Coast of Scotland.

Bookmark to:

Celebrity Alaska Cruises!

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:42:27 +0000

Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance that magnificent experience with Celebrity Alaska cruises.

Celebrity takes cruising to the next level and their Alaska cruises are no different. Consistently being rated at the top in service by such experts as Conde’ Nast Traveler should give the most discerning cruise passenger a comfortable feeling about cruising with Celebrity.

Add to that a fantastic itinerary like Alaska, and you have a winning combination. The beauty of the land matched with the beauty on board. Celebrity has impeccable service having one staff member for every two cruise passengers. Fine wines being sipped on your Celebrity stateroom deck while watching an Alaskan glacier calving is an experience you will not soon forget!

In 2005, Celebrity will be running three ships during the Alaska cruise season. These magnificent ships offer exceptional amenities.

The Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Mercury is the newest of their Century-class of ships. Visually appealing with world class amenities and service make Alaskan cruising aboard this Celebrity a special treat!

Celebrity’s Infinity will be sailing Alaska cruises this year as well. Experience a world-class meal or a theatrical production of Broadway proportions. Celebrity Cruise Lines has done a marvelous job of d�cor on Infinity. Experience Alaskan cruising surrounded by warm woods, polished marble and etched glass.

The third Celebrity ship cruising to Alaska this year is the Summit. Alaska cruises aboard Summit will have cruise passengers feeling that they have reached the pinnacle of cruise experience with Celebrity!

Itineraries for Alaska cruises vary somewhat, but rest assured that whatever itinerary you choose, the experience will be unforgettable. Magnificent scenery, majestic glaciers, pristine waterfalls and the myriad of wildlife are all awe-inspiring and Celebrity brings it all to you.

Celebrity cruises to Alaska have six departure ports and cities. Included are Ensenada Mexico, San Francisco and Los Angeles in California, Seattle Washington, Seward Alaska, and Vancouver British Columbia.

Upon leaving one of these ports, Celebrity Alaskan cruising takes you from the hustle and bustle of every day life to wonderful relaxed ambiance where the staff seems to anticipate your every desire. Be pampered as you absolutely deserve to be! Alaska cruises with Celebrity will have you feeling "special"!

For more information on Alaska cruises and Celebrity Cruise Lines, browse through some of our other informative articles at a1-discount-cruises.com/articles. For the best cruise deals on the net, check out the merchant links on our a1-discount-cruises.com main pages. Compare the values, find your preferred itinerary, ship and stateroom. Then all that’s left to do is to book your cruise on-line and get excited!

Bookmark to:

Affordable Weekend Getaways? Romantic Cruises!

admin — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:42:27 +0000

If you are looking for affordable weekend getaways, romantic cruises may just be the answer. Unless you are living in the middle of a desert, there will undoubtedly be cruises of some nature within driving distance of your home.

Cruising has long been associated with romance. There’s nothing quite like being on the water, watching as the world passes you by in tranquility. It does not matter whether that water is from a river, a lake, or a sea ? romance and cruising go hand in hand.

An evening sunset cruise can cost less than ? and be more memorable than ? an evening "on the town". Make that a dinner sunset cruise, and you have the makings of an unforgettable and very affordable romantic getaway. And these types of cruises are available all over North America!

Extend your cruising pleasure with a river cruise for a day or two perhaps along the St. Lawrence River or down the Mississippi. Small boat charters are also available for those who choose to cruise by themselves. A houseboat rental cruising a lake or river near you can be an adventure filled romantic experience that you will not soon forget!

To add even more luster to your romantic getaway, how about a two or three day cruise to the Bahamas aboard one of the magnificent cruise ships. Major cruise lines are recognizing that many potential cruisers are looking for shorter and more frequent vacations and are adding two and three day cruise itineraries.

For example, there are three and four day Baja cruises provided by Carnival out of Long Beach, California. Carnival also offers two day cruises from Norfolk and New York as well as three day cruises from San Diego.

Perhaps a two or three day tall ships cruise is more to your liking? How about a paddle wheeler cruise? Even catamaran sailboat operators can provide a fantastic cruise experience for your romantic getaway.

No matter what type of romantic weekend cruise getaway you choose, you’re sure to experience an unforgettable vacation. The only problem may be that it proves to be too short!

For more information about romantic getaways and vacation cruises, take a look at some of the other interesting articles at a1-discount-cruises.com/articles. Check out the possibilities. Go to our main pages at a1-discount-cruises.com. Then click on the merchant links to compare offers. Pick your best cruise deal and order right online. All that’s left to do is to pack? and get excited!

Bookmark to: