Carribian Cruise – Caribbean Cruise

Posts Tagged ‘Cruise Deals’

New to Cruise

Your complete guide

1st Time Cruising

IS IT YOUR FIRST TIME ….. ON A CRUISE?

OR….. NEVER BEEN AND THINKING ABOUT IT?

Taking a cruise is the IN thing in the holiday world – lots of people take their first cruise in trepidation with lots of misgivings only to find they are not true and wonder why they never cruised before. Many get the bug and end up taking a couple of cruises each year. Cruising is the fastest growing sector of the holiday industry with more than a million people in the United Kingdom taking a cruise each year.

Here‘s why:

CRUISES COST TOO MUCH

When asked – most non cruises expect Caribbean cruises to cost upwards of £1500 per person and Mediterranean cruises to anything from £1000pp. Also many people are not sure what is included in the cost – many think that flights and tax are additional. Here – at Jetline we have been at the leading edge of the cruise industry for the past 10 years bringing to the public new and innovative ways to enjoy a cruise holiday. Our collective expertise and contacts in the cruise industry mean that we can provide amazing cruise deals and great prices which are hard to match elsewhere. We pride ourselves in being the first to find incredible prices, exclusive offers and bespoke packages.

Cruises start from only £399 into the med for a week, Caribbean from £699 and the Nile from £399 including 10 excursions. These prices include stateroom accommodation, any flights that are required to take you to your port of departure, food virtually 24 hours per day and all port / air tax and fuel surcharges.

Also included are the majority of facilities and entertainment on board such as – theatrical shows every nights, nightclubs, variety shows, fitness centre, swimming pools, hot tubs and much more. Plus you will always find tea and coffee on tap 24 hours a day. Extras may include: tips foe the cabin crew, transfers ( in the case or our exclusive low cost tailor made cruise holidays), on board drinks that are served to you at the bar and at dinner, specialty restaurants, excursions and any additional service such as massages etc.

CRUISES ARE FOR SNOBS

Gone are the days of the Titanic with the first Class people on the upper deck and steerage passengers in the bowels of the ship. Cabins are priced from the bottom upwards and all passengers have access to all public areas of the ships. Cruises these days are a classless society.

CRUISES ARE FOR OLD PEOPLE

Cruises were traditionally the realm of the retired – but these days the average of the cruises if around the mid forties. Gone are the days of sedate cruises sitting in a deck chair under a tartan blanket, dressing up, ball room dancing and perhaps a game of shuffleboard for the energetic. Cruise ships have an incredible range of facilities and are built to appeal to all age groups. Perfect for families with a wide range of children’s clubs and facilities which far surpass the best land based resorts. Ideal for couple young and old and amazingly satisfying for the most energetic of holiday makers. After all you would not catch grandma in the video games arcade, scuba diving, rock climbing or ice skating … would you???

CRUISES ARE TOO FORMAL

Pardon – no way. Gone are the days of dressing for dinner every night and jostling for position at the captain’s table. Some cruise lines even go out of their way to market themselves as informal – one tag line sums it all up – “The cruise for people who don’t do cruises!”. During a standard 7 day cruise most cruise ships will hold only 2 formal nights in the main restaurant for dinner only. Formal could mean as little as a business suit for the gentlemen and trouser / skirt suit for the ladies. If you did not want to participate you could simple eat in one of the many other places on board. Throughout the day casual attire (as you would wear in any beach resort) is the norm. Even on Cunard you could get away with cruising without any formal clothes at all.

CRUISES ARE TOO CONFINED AND ORGANISED

Imagine standing outside a 14 storey office block that is the length of four football pitches. The building towers above you and stretches further than the eye can see without turning you head. This is the size of typical modern cruise ship above the water line – confined – I don’t think so. Ships are being built bigger and bigger – the average size of ships these days being twice the size of the Titanic and 1.5 times the size of the QE2. Quite often with so much to see and the different ports of call many people disembark without having seen the whole ship. As with any beach resort hotel there are organised activities – but equally passengers are free to do their own thing: many cruise ships having dining options at any time, pool areas that have no organised events and each port of call you do not have to book organised excursions – you simply get off and do your own thing. Also you can escape the crowds and find quieter parts of the ship and bars to enjoy some solitude if needed.

CRUISES ARE BORING

Imagine a hotel with the following : 13 bars, 9 restaurants, 3 swimming pools, 24 hour pizzeria (free), rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, 1400 seat theatre, mini golf course, in line skating, night club, shopping mall, casino; state of the art panoramic fitness centre, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, thalasso therapy pool, thermal relaxation lounges, sports court, surfing pools, 4 kids clubs, internet café, video arcade, and cinema. Plus when you walk out of your hotel you can visit a different set of beaches, local shops, historical sights and places of interest each day. Ask yourself again … Are cruises boring????

CRUISES TAKE TOO LONG

That’s the point – see more and do more whilst your floating resort cruises between destinations. Avoid travelling time in planes, trains and automobiles and enjoy all your floating resort has to offer as it takes you on to the next destination. Wake up at a different destination each day and take several holidays in one.

CRUISES ARE TOO COMPLICATED

You check – as you would a hotel. Drinks and excursions are charged back to your room – as you would in a hotel, the difference being that there is so much more choice on a cruise than the limited facilities of a hotel resort. Everything is at hand at no extra charge – unlike a hotel. No need to find other places to eat and drink unlike the limited choice at a hotel. No need to work out how far places are and what taxi’s cost to see different places of interest – unlike a hotel. What could be simpler than a cruise?

CRUISES DONT HAVE ENOUGHT TO DO

Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruises are actually floating luxury hotels and some of the larger ones have more facilities than your local town. Imagine Ice skating in the Caribbean, rock climbing in Alaska or catching a wave on their brand new surf simulator called the flow rider. These ships have everything on them from gyms, theaters, libraries, internet cafes and more bars and restaurants than you can imagine. If just sitting down reading a book is your thing then you can do as little or as much as you want. And remember nearly everything is covered in the price.

PEOPLE GET SEASICK

Yes they do – if they are ultra sensitive or crossing the Atlantic in a Force 10. The majority of cruise holidays cruise around sheltered waters such as the Med, the Caribbean or the Alaskan coastline. All modern ships have stabilisers on them which reduce the rocking motion and all public areas and passenger accommodations are on decks above the waterline. Quite often passengers do not realise the ship is moving until they look out of the window! If you are ultra sensitive – book a cabin in the middle of the ship on a low deck when any motion is minimal.

Seasickness – not an excuse!

….. GO ON TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH – BOOK YOUR CRUISE – YOU WILL GET HOOKED!

Alaska Amongst the top spots in Alaska, the Inside Passage, the Glaciers and the Bering Sea are the ones which contain hidden treasures such as massive glaciers, waterways, Eskimo settlements near the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands respectively. On board activities to warm you up are always available in the cruises.

New England and Canada. Depending on the traveller preferences, cruises can include Ireland, Iceland and Maritime Canada. The usual destinations are Montreal, Nova Scotia, Quebec and New England. Fully equipped cruises with a wide variety of facilities cruise these waters so that holidaymakers can enjoy before getting to the ports.

Hawaii. With two basic alternatives, Hawaii is one not to be missed. Start from Honolulu, go around the other Polynesian islands and get back to the most populated island takes around seven days. Other choices would leave from Vancouver, San Diego or LA. The longest cruise would take almost two weeks from mainland, taking few of those days to get to Hawaii. Visit the big Island and look at the volcanic formations, enjoy luxurious Oahu and Maui full of resorts and beautiful beaches.

The Bahamas. With around seven hundred islands to visit, the Bahamas region is one of the most favourite destinations for tourists. Do not miss the chance to visit the Grand Island or do some shopping in the Freeport Harbour. Spectacular sandy beaches where one can enjoy water sports and other marine related activities, and luxurious hotels and villas to have the time of the life.

Caribbean. Most cruises leave from Miami and take around seven days, though there is a large variety of other US ports one can take a cruise from. This popular zone is divided into three areas, Western Caribbean including Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, South Florida and the Keys, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The Eastern Caribbean compromise Puerto Rico, Leeward and the Virgin islands. And finally the Southern Caribbean which covers Martinique, St Lucia, Dominica and Grenadines also passing by Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba and Curacao.

If you are new to cruising, the Eastern Caribbean makes an ideal destination. The area is relatively compact as the islands are close together. It also offers plenty to see and do for everybody, beautiful beaches, watersports, shopping, dining, and nightlife. The weather is almost perfect year round, with temperatures ranging around 78F to 85F. Planning a cruise to this part of the world is simple since many cruise lines travels to the Eastern Caribbean.

St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands has the advantage of being part of the United States, so US citizens do not need passports. St. Thomas is also one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. This island offers just about everything for the cruise ship passenger, including some of the best shopping in the Eastern Caribbean, excellent beaches, fishing and scuba diving. Nearby St. Croix and St. John, half offer a more relaxed and laid back feel.

Tortola is the largest of the several islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands. Tortola has a West Indian flavor, along with plenty of maritime charm. It is also an island of stunning natural beauty, with dramatic mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, and clusters of mango and banana trees. The island is also a major destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts.

St. Lucia remains one of the most scenic and well-preserved destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. The island has been named one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world; it is also a popular spot for honeymooners. St. Lucia has two volcanoes, both rising to over 2,000 feet, as well as a spectacular lunar landscape with bubbling hot sulfur springs and rejuvenating mineral baths.

The island of St. Martin is the smallest territory in the world shared by two states. St. Maarten, the Dutch side, is well known for its duty-free shopping and nightlife. The French side of the island, St. Martin, is a little more relaxed and has a decidedly French feel to it, complete with excellent bistros and restaurants. Scuba diving and snorkeling are both popular on the island. The nearby Dutch islands of St. Eustatius and Saba both offer a break from the crowds since it is in a more secluded area. This provides a more relaxing experience when compared to the other islands.

Martinique is considered one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, with its lush rain forests and miles of pristine beaches. Like St. Martin, it also has a noticeably French feel to it, especially in its modest capital of Fort-de-France. The landscape varies from distinctive black sandy beaches to high mountains and rain forest. It is also a great place for bird watching.

Some people insist that Guadeloupe offers a more authentic French experience than Martinique. Guadeloupe offers cruise ship passengers the usual sandy beaches and wide variety of sporting activities. It is also an island of great beauty, with its still active volcanoes, tropical jungle, and sugar plantations. Much of the island has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is also home to many restaurants many of which specialize in delicious Creole cuisine.

Dominica is the greenest island in the Caribbean, still relatively untouched by mass tourism. It is an excellent place for hiking, mountaineering, and bird watching, rather than for beaches and shopping. The center of the island is still covered with dense tropical rain forest, which contains vegetation found nowhere else in the Caribbean. One highlight of a stop in Dominica is a trip to the Carib Indian Reserve. Indigenous Indian people still live here as they have for centuries.

Barbados has been named “the fantasy island”, perhaps for its natural beauty and many opportunities for outdoor activities and watersports. It also has a British feel to it, along with plenty of reminders of its often turbulent history, as well as some wonderful duty-free shopping. There are lavish resorts as well as miles of beaches. Barbados is generally regarded as having more natural and man-made attractions than any other Caribbean island.

Regardless of which island you visit, one of the highlights of an Eastern Caribbean cruise is simply the chance to relax, celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or to meet new people amid some beautiful scenery. The Eastern Caribbean provides many opportunities for an exciting vacation. Whether you enjoy shopping, relaxing on pristine beaches, or just enjoying the beautiful weather, there is something for you with a trip to this area. Some islands to consider are St Thomas, Tortola, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Croix, and St. John. These are all beautiful islands. Next time you are planning a trip to the Caribbean, consider these islands because a trip to the Eastern Caribbean is well worth it. A cruise to the Eastern Caribbean can create memories that last a lifetime.

After availing the “Caribbean cruise” majority of people who love to travel will never ever forget the cruise. If you haven’t experience it, don’t wait and make your decision quickly. This is because a cruise will provide you lot of excitement, observance of different cultures, an amazing feelings and interaction with different people. Cruises to the Caribbean have been popular since long due to beautiful ports in its way especially Western Caribbean itinerary because it gives you the opportunity to spend more time at sea.
Just the sound of a “Caribbean cruise” is enough to excite anybody who loves to travel. You may suddenly find yourself thinking about the activities that you’re going to do and get excited even more. This is because a cruise offers opportunities to learn about different cultures, interacting with new kinds of people and having new experiences that you will cherish for life.
Choosing a Caribbean cruise itinerary is therefore important when you make this trip and that will depend on your budget, expectations, and interests. It is best to start deciding on the length of your cruise. Most would recommend seven days for first timers but it really depends on your schedule and finances.
Different itineraries are available for the adventurous spirit. A Caribbean cruise offers both short- (five-night) and long (seven-night) trip schedules, both with exciting itinerary lined up. For first timers, the Western Caribbean itinerary may be to your liking. It can give you the opportunity to spend time at sea usually for two days and visit Central American and island ports. You can also choose from several ports where you can embark so it really gives you great choices to plan for your trip easily. A western Caribbean cruise usually includes ports in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Jamaica; and Bahamas. There are opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the Mayan ruins and other scenic spots that you will truly enjoy.
There is another itinerary that you can consider as well: the one that cruises the Eastern part of the Caribbean. This time, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico are part of the itinerary stops. You will enjoy exploring the rainforests, swimming, combing the islands, rock climbing, or just lying on the beautiful, sparkling beaches. There are also two to three days at sea so you can enjoy the serenity and breeze. Cruise ships are packed with amazing amenities that include ice skating, boxing, fine dining, spa and fitness, mini-golf and swimming facilities. There are entertainment features as well so you will never get bored during the trip.
The Southern Caribbean itinerary presents different discoveries as well. Islands are far from each other and take a longer time to reach so an eight-day schedule is a wise option. Your day at sea may be shorter than other itinerary lists but you can enjoy the exotic beaches and visit Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, Grenada and St. Bart’s. You may need to depart from Puerto Rico or Barbados if you choose this trip.
There are so many more to choose from so if you have time and the money, why not just try them all out?