Best Destinations For a Cruise in This Summer 2010

Posted by Unknown

By Saima Sheikh

Choosing a destination for a cruise in this summer 2010 can be very hard and confusing. The world is filled with so many beautiful places, and you could have chosen to travel round the world if budget is not a consideration. Of course, there is a world cruise that takes you to all the most beautiful places around the world. This is not the option for everybody, though, because a world cruise tour can break the bank and can take several months to completion.

If you are confused about which destination to choose for your cruise in this summer 2010, here is the much needed information you need to make the appropriate choice:

• The Mediterranean Cruise - the Mediterranean area is the perfect cruise for history, art and architecture aficionados. You get to visit the center of the Renaissance, such as Venice, Florence, Spain, Rome and Turkey. Nothing beats seeing the historical art and monuments you see in the flesh. The Mediterranean boasts a rich culinary background, too.

• Alaskan Cruise - Alaska is truly the land of extremes. It offers the most splendid natural scenery, icy climate and wildlife all infused into one. Alaska continues to mesmerize its tourists, a place most people dream of visiting again and again.

• Caribbean Cruise - for beach lovers, the Caribbean Cruise is your best choice. Visit the exotic islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, Trinidad & Tobago, and more. Get captivated by the spectacular Caribbean beaches, with its clear aqua waters, fine white sand and ample sunshine. First time cruisers especially are recommended to try a Caribbean cruise in this summer 2010.

• Antarctica Cruise - not many people see Antarctica as a summer destination, but why not give this place a try to see the beauty of its nature, through its glaciers and icebergs? Witness the penguins in their natural habitat, among other creatures like polar bears, sea lions and whales. A cruise to Antarctica can be quite expensive, and ceases operation during months March to September.

• Disney Cruises - Kids will love this family oriented cruise line! Families will have their most memorable moments in here, interacting with their favorite Disney characters. There are youth clubs for children to join, age appropriate programs from kids 3 months to 17 years old! Adults can have their own fun to, for they can join lounges and night clubs or rejuvenate at Disney's state of the art spa and fitness facilities.

• French Polynesian Cruises - Honeymooners who want peace and privacy will love the French Polynesian islands. You get to visit islands like Bora Bora, Tahiti, Papeete and Moorea. The cruise experience is more mellow, less crowded and much more intimate. You can enjoy fun activities like fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

• Hawaiian Cruises - Another popular destination is Hawaiian cruises. You get to visit the islands such as Kauai and Maui, and experience the total Hawaiian culture and the charming Hawaiian people. Visit their beautiful reefs, black sand beaches, and experience the bohemian lifestyle in Hawaii. On board, you interact with traditional Hawaiian parties and celebrations, like luaus. The best thing is, Hawaiian cruises are generally less expensive as compared to other cruises.

Find Cheap Cruises and Cruise Direct.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saima_Sheikh

The Best Cruise Ships For Couples

Posted by Unknown

By Sarah Forth

Twenty years ago, travel agents wouldn't think of putting honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway on a cruise. There was no such thing as open-seating dining. Almost all passengers had to dine at assigned tables, at assigned times. So much for intimate dinners for two. And there were no alternative restaurants to steal away to.

Back then, most cabins had twin beds, which isn't exactly what honeymooners have in mind. And ships weren't really designed to appeal to younger adults.

But that's all changed, and these days, cruises are extremely popular with honeymooners and couples celebrating their anniversaries. Since honeymoons are a big ticket item, many cruise lines have introduced new amenities and services to make them more attractive to couples.

Many cruise ships now have open seating at dinner, so passengers who don't want to dine with others don't have to. The cruise ships that still have assigned seating have alternative restaurants where love birds can reserve a table for two. On Sea Dream Yacht Club, the two of you can arrange to have dinner table out on deck in the moonlight. And couples aboard Paul Gauguin can arrange a picnic lunch on a private beach.

If you spring for a cabin with a balcony or stay in a suite, you can usually have dinner served course by course in your stateroom or on your verandah. And on several all-inclusive cruise lines, you can have Champagne and caviar hor d'oeuvres delivered to your stateroom 24 hours a day.

As far as destinations go, turquoise water, white sand, and balmy breezes are hard to beat. Paul Gauguin, which is in Tahiti year round, provides an unforgettable backdrop for romance.

Several of the cruise ships have upgraded or expanded their spas, and many offer treatments that couples can enjoy together. For the ultimate experience, reserve one of the Spa Villas on Seabourn Odyssey. The 750-square-foot suites have a treatment room for two, a double bed lounger, a tub for two, and wraparound deck with chaises for relaxing. The villa is yours for half a day.

The latest thing this year is private, pool-side cabanas where couples can enjoy the fresh air and a little privacy simultaneously. You'll find them on Oceania Nautica and Regent Seven Seas Mariner. Other al fresco hideaways include two balconies tucked away on either side of the Star Clipper Royal Clipper bow, the Canopy beds in the Bliss Ultra Lounge on Norwegian Gem, and the hammocks on Windstar Wind Spirit.

Perhaps the most romantic spot on any cruise ship is the Balinese bed at the front of Sea Dream Yacht Club vessels. The staff will tuck you in, with Champagne on ice, rose petals, and chocolates, so you and your one and only can sleep under the stars. Once they rope off the area, it's actually quite private.

Active couples will enjoy a ship with a water-sports platform that lets you jet ski, snorkel, windsurf, or sail right from the stern. Windstar, Sea Dream, and Paul Gauguin all have them. And the staff aboard Crystal Serenity are happy to arrange almost any activity ashore that a couple could want.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Fort

How to Put the 'Smooth' in Smooth Sailing - 12 Tips to a Relaxing Cruise

Posted by Unknown

By Amanda DeLuca

Vacations should be relaxing and stress-free and a cruise is just the ticket. In order to make that happen, a little planning beforehand is essential for a great cruise. Enjoy these tips for a relaxing time.

Talk to others who have cruised, or a travel agent. They can usually steer you toward the best cruise lines, tell you the differences between cruise lines, help you know which shore excursions are a must, and which are duds.
Set a budget and plan to stay within it. This will not only help you have a great time without worrying about spending money you don't have, but it will also help you stay real. The price of the cruise pays for many things, but not everything. All inclusive cruises usually include food (lots of it) and some non-alcoholic drinks such as tea, coffee and juice. Alcoholic drinks are almost always extra as well as sodas. There are some food venues that are extra as well. If you eat on shore, that's on your dime. While you can debark and go on shore, any activities (shore excursions) are extra.
Make sure all travelers have passports or other acceptable federal re-entry documents. Also, carry photo ID (i.e., driver license) while on shore. You will need these to board the ship.
Pack appropriate clothing. Most cruises, the dress code is casual and depending on the destination. For example, for an Alaskan cruise, casual may be khakis, nice shorts, comfy shirts, etc. while a for Caribbean cruise, swimsuits are the norm for on-deck. Dining rooms almost always want cruise casual or formal. Check your cruise line for details. Also, check the weather forecast for your destinations before cruising and make sure you bring appropriate clothing. Nothing sucks worse than packing only shorts for an Alaskan cruise.
Plan and purchase any shore excursions early as these tend to fill up fast. Usually, no more than one excursion per port allows time for having fun and shopping. If you try to book back-to-back excursions, you may not have enough time. IMPORTANT: Book your excursions through the cruise line. If you do not book your excursion through the cruise line and go off on your own, and your excursion runs too late where you miss the ship, it is your responsibility and expense to either catch up to the ship, or fly home. They will NOT hold the ship for you. However, if you book through the cruise line, most cruise lines will hold the ship for you if the excursion is running late. Verify this with the cruise line to be safe.
If you get motion sick, your doctor can prescribe a remedy for you. My wife swears by the trans-dermal patches that fit right behind your ear and keep you from getting sick. No sense ruining your vacation by being sick.
Don't cut it too close. Make sure you have plenty of time to travel to the departure port, whether by plane, train or automobile. If you are flying, keep in mind that connecting flights can be delayed and bring you in after the ship's departure. I find it better to arrive the day before the ship leaves to allow for these delays. Booking the flight with the cruise line, even though it is more expensive, usually gives you some relief in case of delays as the cruise line will usually fly you to the next port at their expense in case you miss the ship. Check with the cruise line.
When arriving at the pier, allow the porters to take your luggage and tip them (usually $1.00/piece is sufficient) so you don't have to wrestle it on board. They will take it on board where it will be delivered to your stateroom. Make sure you keep important things, like medication, money, credit cards, a book to read, etc. in a carry on that you will keep with you when boarding as it may be several hours before your luggage arrives at your stateroom.
Once on board, you can find your cabin and begin to learn your way around ship. Check your cabin, your dining assignments, etc. to make sure everything matches. If not, visit the customer services desk, usually located on the main deck, where they can correct any problems. Before sailing, there will be a mandatory safety meeting, usually at your muster station (the place to go when the general alarm sounds). It is important to listen carefully, even if you are a frequent cruiser, as things change.
Plan your on board activities. Each day, you will receive a newsletter outlining the next day's activities: shows, movies, contests, etc. These will also usually list the hours of operations of the spas, restaurants, shore excursion desk, etc. Most ships even have channels on the television with information such as weather, pool temps, and even the sea condition. Sea days (where you are sailing and not in port) are great for visiting the pool, spas gyms, and other amenities. They are also good for taking in some shows.
When in port, make sure you take all required documentation with you: passports, cruise card issued by the cruise line, photo ID and any other documentation required. You are usually required to be on-board 30 minutes to an hour before departure time. Watch your time and make sure you are back on board by the required time. Watch especially if you have to take a tender to the ship and make sure you know the last tender time.
Know what you're tipping. Most cruise lines will automatically charge a daily gratuity to your shipboard account. Typically, it is $10 per person per day and is split between the staff so you don't have to tip each individual. It isn't mandatory, but you need to make any adjustments before the last full day where your account is settled. Also, realize that there is usually a 15% gratuity added to any bar purchase, including colas. If you wish to tip extra, please do.

Have FUN! Forget about the world and this will be the most relaxing vacation you have ever had.

For more articles on cruising, check out this blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_DeLuca

Check Out the Culture and Cuisine on Offer on a Boating Holiday to Brittany

Posted by Unknown

By Dipika Patel

Article Word Count: 708 [View Summary] Comments (0)

France's Brittany region is one of the best parts of the country to enjoy a boating holiday, as the huge number of towns and cities dotted along its waterways and canals make each day on Brittany boat trips different to the last.

France is of course noted for its spectacular beauty and this is particularly obvious when sailing along the canals and rivers of Brittany. This region is home to lots of different types of places ideal for sailing and even if you have no experience of boat holidays, you can be sure a break here will be stress-free and relaxing. The meandering canals here make for easy sailing and also do not have many locks, so you can lie back and chill out on your boat without having to regularly get up and step off the deck.

A boating holiday in France would certainly not be complete without some time spent sampling the delicious wine and food which is available in this part of the world. From world class wine to great cheeses and sweet treats such as crepes, France is certainly a haven for foodies. Some food items which are linked to Brittany specifically include traditional Breton cuisine such as sweet crepes, oysters, savoury buckwheat galettes and amazing fresh seafood platters.

When you have had your fill of the beautiful food available along the banks of Brittany's waterways, you might fancy taking a stroll around the many towns and cities which are dotted around this region. For those who enjoy learning about the history of a place when enjoying a holiday there, the region of Brittany is ideal.

Many of the communities within its borders have been important in some of the most crucial times of French history and as such, in Brittany you will be spoiled for choice for castles, chateaux and medieval towns.

The Breton town of Dinan should be top of your visiting list on a boating holiday in France. This fortified town has some three kilometres of masonry and due to its location high in the Brittany hills, affords you great views of the countryside and rivers below. This town can be easily reached on a boat holiday along the River Rance and those who arrive here this way will be able to get the best view of the town's castle.

Along the Nantes-Brest canal you will be able to visit the incredible Chateau Blain. This stunning building dates all the way back to the 12th century and offers a real glimpse into the interesting past of this region. As you approach the chateau, you may also notice the beautiful forest which surrounds it.

If you are keen to see as many examples of French architecture as possible as you enjoy the Brittany region on a boating holiday, make sure you also head to Rennes, the capital of the area. This settlement is home to the Brittany parliament buildings as well as a number of 18th century manor homes and some stunning manicured gardens.

Those on a boating holiday along the River Oust should certainly make time to visit the medieval town of Josselin. This area may be of particular interest to those who fancy trying as much traditional Breton cuisine as possible as it is noted for its vibrant cafe culture. It really is the ideal spot for sitting down to a French meal accompanied by a delicious glass of the country's finest wine.

Josselin is also well-known due to the wide variety of wooden buildings that can still be seen here, which make a change from the imposing stone structures which could be more common sights along the waterways of Brittany.

While on the River Oust, make sure you travel to the point where it meets the River Vilaine. Here you will find the town of Redon, which is known as the little Venice of Brittany and is a really pretty place.

Two other must sees are St-Pierre-St-Paul Cathedral and Chateau at Nantes, which are easily accessible by boat and are two more stunning examples of French architecture and culture.

Whether you are after chateaux, fairytale castles or quaint French villages with winding streets and roadside cafes, you will find it all on a boating holiday to the Brittany region.

Brittany boat trips are a perfect way of seeing some of the best countryside that France has to offer - and boat holidays are ideal for anyone, from those with a lot of sailing experience to complete novices.

Check out a boating holiday in France today and plan a summer spent sailing the waterways of this amazing country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel