Carribian Cruise – Caribbean Cruise

Posts Tagged ‘Cruise’

Cruising is now big business, only last week private equity group Apollo Management became a major shareholder in Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) having spent $1 billion for a 50 percent share of the company. Apollo has also recently purchased Oceania Cruises and has a deal with Regent Seven Seas and is a growing force within the industry. So what else is growing within the industry? Well the cost of a new build is staggering, Royal Caribbean are spending no fewer than $1.2 billion on just one ship, the yet un-named Genesis class ship due in service in the fall of 2009.Ships have grown rapidly, not just in cost but in size over the last few years. When you consider that Titanic was 52,300 tons and considered in its time to be a monster of a ship; nowadays car ferries are just as big. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line are renowned for being innovative within the world of cruising and are pushing the boundaries with their new cruise ship that will make the Titanic appear nothing more than a barge. At 220,000 tons the Genesis class ship will surpass the Independence of the Seas, due to enter service this spring, which at 158,000 tons will be the joint largest cruise ship in the world at present. It begs the question, just how big can they make a cruise ship?There is no doubt, wherever you look in the world of cruising, there is some form of growth. This year there is set to be 5 new builds and a couple of renamed ships cruising out of the UK alone. Add to this the number of new to Europe ships cruising out of the Mediterranean ports and Costa Cruises are set to send two ships to Dubai compared to only one last year. This all adds up to the number of ports being visited by cruise ships is set to reach an all time high.Another growing aspect is how we receive the news of what the cruise companies are doing and that is via the cruising website. Independent cruise websites are growing almost daily as more people try to get on the bandwagon of an industry that appears to be on a never ending uplift. The Cruise is one of these new, growing websites and has been designed by Drabdesign a UK based search engine optimisation company that has a history of cruising websites. What makes The Cruise stand out is the look and feel of a real newspaper and although it is still being worked on, it will have an archive of a whole year’s news. Being split into sections means if you are interested in the growing number of new builds, or news from a specific location such as US Based Cruise News even destination news, it will have it all.

With the addition of so many new mega cruise liners the cruise industry has cabin inventory with thousands of berths that they must fill each week or every two weeks. Cruisers expect these beautiful ships with a plethora of entertainment venues, shops and itineraries to choose from everyday when taking a cruise vacation. Everyone that has enjoyed the cruise experience knows that cruise lines are forever trying to come up with new ideas and interesting things to entice new and repeat cruisers. The ships are getting glitzier and the perks are getting better and better. Here are a few things that the cruise lines have added to their rosters to coax you into taking your next cruise vacation on one of their ships.

The world is health conscious today, and the cruise lines have noticed this trend. The first thing that they have decided to revamp and extend is their sports activities to cater to those cruisers who wish to indulge in the cruise experience without leaving their fitness routine behind. Royal Caribbean, for example, not only offers its rock climbing wall but has added a forty foot wave pool, an ice skating rink and a boxing arena for guests to learn how to bunch a bag. These are all very diverse activities sure to meet the tastes of almost everyone on board. On the higher end of cruise lines, SeaDreams Yachts has a retractable marina. The marina opens so that guests may enjoy all kinds of water sports including snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. The ship is even equipped with “Segways” for the clients to borrow to get around the ship or at tour ports when docked. Segways are high tech motor scooters rarely seen in port towns which make them doubly enjoyable.

Even non cruisers know the cruise lines reputation for good food, all of the time. Now the ships are creating activities that include the cruise guests when it comes to the culinary arts. The cruise lines want to show you how to prepare great food, present it and to savor it, a talent you can take back to your own kitchen. Holland America for one, has instituted the Culinary Arts Centers fleet wide. Each year they invite 20 well known culinary experts to sail and host cooking classes. Silversea on the other hand, has had Viking create a show kitchen on the beautiful Silver Wind. Jacques Pepin is the star of Oceania’s ships doing cooking lessons, taking guests on culinary excursions in port and dining with the passengers on board. What aspiring chef would not be delighted with that?

During this time, as the cruise lines are teaching you about gourmet food what would be the perfect pairing? Well, Wine of course. Carnival has taken this step by introducing the wine-themed vacation called the Presidential Wine Club Cruise. On this wine themed Caribbean cruise they offer seminars and wine tastings from famous vineyards. They have even included the Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc to oversee culinary dishes that are wine friendly. Silversea has instituted the Slow Food Experience excursions on its Genoa, Italy itinerary. With this unique program passengers become students at the University of Gastronomic Sciences for one day and then visit the nearby Wine Bank that has the top wines produced by 200 Italian vineyards. When touring the Iberian Peninsula, Princess Cruise passengers get to create their very own cognac in Camus, France at a family owned distiller. Another Princess Cruise line offering is a trip to Leith near Edinburgh, Scotland where you can visit a Scottish Malt Whisky Society and have single-malt tastings.

When it comes to spas, some cruisers will book just for that experience. Celebrity Cruises has packages that you can book ahead of time with a variety of spa treatments. Some of their exotic treatments include the Ceremony of Milk and Ginger, the Asian Ceremony of the Stone or the pricey Daily Well-Being Ritual. With all packages you have unlimited use of the Thalassotherapy pool. Costa Cruises offers the largest spa at sea on their Concordia. In the 20,000+ square foot spa there are Turkish baths, Rock saunas and thermals. If you book a suite on the Concordia, or a spa cabin, you have unlimited access to the Ristorante Samsaru where Chef Ettore Bocchia, another Michelin starred professional, has created the menu. All of the major cruise lines have choices which include aerobics, work out rooms with equipment, saunas, whirlpools and special programs like yoga or toning and stretching.

Because of our hectic world some people just don’t want to be without internet access. Well, the cruise industry has answered your concerns. It is safe to say that all of the mega liners have internet access. Some have portals in each berth while others have internet cafes. On the higher end cruise lines you can borrow lap tops to use in your cabin. Each cruise line is different, some charge for usage or some use it as a perk for repeat cruisers. For instance, Princess Cruises has free internet usage for their Captains Club members after they have sailed a certain amount of times on the Princess ships. The cruise lines clubs (once you have sailed on a particular cruise line you are automatically a club member) all have different “perks” for different levels of repeat cruisers but that is for another discussion.

As you can see, the cruise lines are keeping up with all cruisers demands so you have lots of options to choose from on your next cruise vacation. Check out all the cruise lines with your Travel Agent and pick the one that is tailor made for your needs.

Bon Voyage!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.BestCruiseSites.com

Caribbean cruises are fast becoming the most popular of all cruise vacations anywhere and it is not surprising; this could be a vacation of a lifetime because it will be one you never forget. It should be on everyone’s list of vacations with tropical Caribbean islands, clear, clean beaches and of course a fun filled time on board the cruise liner. How long you sail for really is up to your budget and what standard of cabin you want but these tours can be add-ons for other vacations or as long as fourteen or more days.

Sailing is an excellent way to enjoy yourself and this includes a person who just wants to send all day on board enjoying the entertainment to someone who can’t wait to explore all the new sights. Never worry that there will not be enough to keep you occupied as cruise liners are past masters at ensuring their travelers have everything they need.

In any situation where you are spending a great deal of money, it is worth checking out a few details that should put you on the right track and you travel agency will be a good place to start. Caribbean cruises travel to most parts of the world, but with different price packages for each itinerary together with the duration and the number of places visited.

For those individuals and couples that enjoy parties and event filled vacations then choose a cruise vacation that perhaps is designed more for adults than families. Even though your tour operator should be able to provide information on the types of Caribbean cruise packages that are available, there will probably be more advice to be found on the web sites.

Besides the usual, you need to pack suitable attire for many occasions like formal evening wear as well as beach, deck and other casual wear. For formal evenings and events a gown is necessary for women and tuxedo for men so that you can be seen in your finest and something you need to be prepared for especially if you are invited to the Captains table.

Don’t worry if you are uncertain about taking your children along on a cruise vacations because there will be plenty for them to do without you needing to be close at hand, watching over them. You can even take time off for a little quality adult time as there is fully trained staff to look after them.

But Caribbean cruises can be for adults to and there are those that do not have children on board. Other cruise liner packages are available and have been created for special occasions like weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.

Your Caribbean cruise will be a vacation of a lifetime as you don’t have to do anything but enjoy yourself as everything else is taken care of irrespective if you go on your own, a couple or part of a family group.

Why Take a Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the
different cruise ships in their line, all the destinations,and
the affordable price range, there are cruises to please every
traveller, no matter how jaded.

In our fast-paced society, Royal Caribbean offers a very
cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think
about driving all day through holiday traffic to a far-away
destination, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to
find restaurants and personal services. On a Royal Caribbean
cruise you don’t drive anywhere for weeks at a time. Even on a
tour bus , it’s you personally who must handle all the luggage
and repack at each new destination. On a cruise, your bags
arrive with you when you check in and the staff transports them
to your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You are at home immediately
and don’t have to move until the cruise ends. And cruise ship
cuisine is legendary in both quantity and quality. Each Royal
Caribbean ship has world class restuarants staffed by
award-winning chefs, and the cruise price includes the cost of
the food. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t
miss any of the spectacular attractions. You can take a holiday
from parental duties as well, since supervised activities and
games are available to keep children occupied. And at the end of
your holidy staff will arrive to pick up your luggage and take
it to the intended pick-up point. Cruise ship facilities free
you from so many of the worries and strain associated with
traveling, and allow you to relax and actually enjoy your
vacation time.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers the some of the best deals
in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates
Royal Caribbean Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship
lines. Services include informative lectures about your
location, upscale boutiques, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Some ships even have facilities for ice-skating shows. Try your
luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at the onboad
auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at clubs with various themes.

You’ll never feel neglected at the onboard spa. Try a deluxe
manicure and pedicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing
massage. You’ll leave glowing and invigorated.

But Royal Caribbean isn’t just for the adult traveller. Royal
Caribbean features an Adventure Ocean Youth Program and
Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots to occupy younger
passengers. When the ship reaches port, adults have the
opportunity to take cultural tours by themselves without hauling
along bored and unwilling children . And the the younger set can
enjoy vigorous, noisy activities such as a rock-climbing wall
without wearing out the parents. One ship under construction,
Freedom of the Seas, is being equipped with onboard surfing!

Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Modern cruise ships
are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of aged and
mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help
with the special medical needs of passengers. Nowadays most
major cruise lines accommodates those who require dialysis or
supplemental oxygen, and more medical services are available if
requested beforehand. An emergency clinic with CPR equipment is
available on each ship, saving you the trouble of finding an
English-speaking doctor in a foreign country.

Dinner is a major form of entertainment on a cruise ship, a
practice dating back more than a hundred years to the era when
cruises were for nobility and the wealthy who expected elegant
formal meals. With today’s laid-back lifestyle the old-fashioned
elegance is optional, and for those who enjoy casual dining,
meals can be obtained around the clock from room service and
cafeterias. However, what is a cruise without glamour? It can be
a lot of fun to go to a ritzy event where ladies show off their
best attire and jewelry, and gentlemen wear tuxedos.

And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Royal Caribbean
docks at a different port of call every few days, depending upon
distances and sailing time between local ports. Aside from the
caribbean, these ships sail all around the world, to Hawaii,
Mexico, the Panama Canal, New England, Alaska and many European
ports. It’s up to you whether you want to explore onshore or
lounge aboard the ship all day. You are free to investigate each
destination on your itinerary as long as you arrive back at the
dock in time for departure.

Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and
Royal Caribbean offers adventures geared toward the unique
features of every destination. There are cruisetours, a
combination land/sea package to further explore inland in
Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Whistler Resort and Europe.

With all these pleasing and unique services available at such
affordable prices, why not think about a Royal Caribbean Cruise
for your next sea vacation.

Why Take a Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the
different cruise ships in their line, all the destinations,and
the affordable price range, there are cruises to please every
traveller, no matter how jaded.

In our fast-paced society, Royal Caribbean offers a very
cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think
about driving all day through holiday traffic to a far-away
destination, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to
find restaurants and personal services. On a Royal Caribbean
cruise you don’t drive anywhere for weeks at a time. Even on a
tour bus , it’s you personally who must handle all the luggage
and repack at each new destination. On a cruise, your bags
arrive with you when you check in and the staff transports them
to your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You are at home immediately
and don’t have to move until the cruise ends. And cruise ship
cuisine is legendary in both quantity and quality. Each Royal
Caribbean ship has world class restuarants staffed by
award-winning chefs, and the cruise price includes the cost of
the food. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t
miss any of the spectacular attractions. You can take a holiday
from parental duties as well, since supervised activities and
games are available to keep children occupied. And at the end of
your holidy staff will arrive to pick up your luggage and take
it to the intended pick-up point. Cruise ship facilities free
you from so many of the worries and strain associated with
traveling, and allow you to relax and actually enjoy your
vacation time.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers the some of the best deals
in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates
Royal Caribbean Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship
lines. Services include informative lectures about your
location, upscale boutiques, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Some ships even have facilities for ice-skating shows. Try your
luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at the onboad
auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at clubs with various themes.

You’ll never feel neglected at the onboard spa. Try a deluxe
manicure and pedicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing
massage. You’ll leave glowing and invigorated.

But Royal Caribbean isn’t just for the adult traveller. Royal
Caribbean features an Adventure Ocean Youth Program and
Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots to occupy younger
passengers. When the ship reaches port, adults have the
opportunity to take cultural tours by themselves without hauling
along bored and unwilling children . And the the younger set can
enjoy vigorous, noisy activities such as a rock-climbing wall
without wearing out the parents. One ship under construction,
Freedom of the Seas, is being equipped with onboard surfing!

Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Modern cruise ships
are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of aged and
mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help
with the special medical needs of passengers. Nowadays most
major cruise lines accommodates those who require dialysis or
supplemental oxygen, and more medical services are available if
requested beforehand. An emergency clinic with CPR equipment is
available on each ship, saving you the trouble of finding an
English-speaking doctor in a foreign country.

Dinner is a major form of entertainment on a cruise ship, a
practice dating back more than a hundred years to the era when
cruises were for nobility and the wealthy who expected elegant
formal meals. With today’s laid-back lifestyle the old-fashioned
elegance is optional, and for those who enjoy casual dining,
meals can be obtained around the clock from room service and
cafeterias. However, what is a cruise without glamour? It can be
a lot of fun to go to a ritzy event where ladies show off their
best attire and jewelry, and gentlemen wear tuxedos.

And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Royal Caribbean
docks at a different port of call every few days, depending upon
distances and sailing time between local ports. Aside from the
caribbean, these ships sail all around the world, to Hawaii,
Mexico, the Panama Canal, New England, Alaska and many European
ports. It’s up to you whether you want to explore onshore or
lounge aboard the ship all day. You are free to investigate each
destination on your itinerary as long as you arrive back at the
dock in time for departure.

Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and
Royal Caribbean offers adventures geared toward the unique
features of every destination. There are cruisetours, a
combination land/sea package to further explore inland in
Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Whistler Resort and Europe.

With all these pleasing and unique services available at such
affordable prices, why not think about a Royal Caribbean Cruise
for your next sea vacation.

Why Take a Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the
different cruise ships in their line, all the destinations,and
the affordable price range, there are cruises to please every
traveller, no matter how jaded.

In our fast-paced society, Royal Caribbean offers a very
cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think
about driving all day through holiday traffic to a far-away
destination, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to
find restaurants and personal services. On a Royal Caribbean
cruise you don’t drive anywhere for weeks at a time. Even on a
tour bus , it’s you personally who must handle all the luggage
and repack at each new destination. On a cruise, your bags
arrive with you when you check in and the staff transports them
to your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You are at home immediately
and don’t have to move until the cruise ends. And cruise ship
cuisine is legendary in both quantity and quality. Each Royal
Caribbean ship has world class restuarants staffed by
award-winning chefs, and the cruise price includes the cost of
the food. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t
miss any of the spectacular attractions. You can take a holiday
from parental duties as well, since supervised activities and
games are available to keep children occupied. And at the end of
your holidy staff will arrive to pick up your luggage and take
it to the intended pick-up point. Cruise ship facilities free
you from so many of the worries and strain associated with
traveling, and allow you to relax and actually enjoy your
vacation time.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers the some of the best deals
in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates
Royal Caribbean Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship
lines. Services include informative lectures about your
location, upscale boutiques, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Some ships even have facilities for ice-skating shows. Try your
luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at the onboad
auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at clubs with various themes.

You’ll never feel neglected at the onboard spa. Try a deluxe
manicure and pedicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing
massage. You’ll leave glowing and invigorated.

But Royal Caribbean isn’t just for the adult traveller. Royal
Caribbean features an Adventure Ocean Youth Program and
Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots to occupy younger
passengers. When the ship reaches port, adults have the
opportunity to take cultural tours by themselves without hauling
along bored and unwilling children . And the the younger set can
enjoy vigorous, noisy activities such as a rock-climbing wall
without wearing out the parents. One ship under construction,
Freedom of the Seas, is being equipped with onboard surfing!

Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Modern cruise ships
are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of aged and
mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help
with the special medical needs of passengers. Nowadays most
major cruise lines accommodates those who require dialysis or
supplemental oxygen, and more medical services are available if
requested beforehand. An emergency clinic with CPR equipment is
available on each ship, saving you the trouble of finding an
English-speaking doctor in a foreign country.

Dinner is a major form of entertainment on a cruise ship, a
practice dating back more than a hundred years to the era when
cruises were for nobility and the wealthy who expected elegant
formal meals. With today’s laid-back lifestyle the old-fashioned
elegance is optional, and for those who enjoy casual dining,
meals can be obtained around the clock from room service and
cafeterias. However, what is a cruise without glamour? It can be
a lot of fun to go to a ritzy event where ladies show off their
best attire and jewelry, and gentlemen wear tuxedos.

And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Royal Caribbean
docks at a different port of call every few days, depending upon
distances and sailing time between local ports. Aside from the
caribbean, these ships sail all around the world, to Hawaii,
Mexico, the Panama Canal, New England, Alaska and many European
ports. It’s up to you whether you want to explore onshore or
lounge aboard the ship all day. You are free to investigate each
destination on your itinerary as long as you arrive back at the
dock in time for departure.

Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and
Royal Caribbean offers adventures geared toward the unique
features of every destination. There are cruisetours, a
combination land/sea package to further explore inland in
Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Whistler Resort and Europe.

With all these pleasing and unique services available at such
affordable prices, why not think about a Royal Caribbean Cruise
for your next sea vacation.

Why Take a Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the
different cruise ships in their line, all the destinations,and
the affordable price range, there are cruises to please every
traveller, no matter how jaded.

In our fast-paced society, Royal Caribbean offers a very
cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Think
about driving all day through holiday traffic to a far-away
destination, packing and unpacking at every hotel, and trying to
find restaurants and personal services. On a Royal Caribbean
cruise you don’t drive anywhere for weeks at a time. Even on a
tour bus , it’s you personally who must handle all the luggage
and repack at each new destination. On a cruise, your bags
arrive with you when you check in and the staff transports them
to your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You are at home immediately
and don’t have to move until the cruise ends. And cruise ship
cuisine is legendary in both quantity and quality. Each Royal
Caribbean ship has world class restuarants staffed by
award-winning chefs, and the cruise price includes the cost of
the food. At every port, guided tours are available so you won’t
miss any of the spectacular attractions. You can take a holiday
from parental duties as well, since supervised activities and
games are available to keep children occupied. And at the end of
your holidy staff will arrive to pick up your luggage and take
it to the intended pick-up point. Cruise ship facilities free
you from so many of the worries and strain associated with
traveling, and allow you to relax and actually enjoy your
vacation time.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers the some of the best deals
in the travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates
Royal Caribbean Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise ship
lines. Services include informative lectures about your
location, upscale boutiques, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Some ships even have facilities for ice-skating shows. Try your
luck in the Casino or even collect fine art at the onboad
auction. Enjoy exotic nightlife at clubs with various themes.

You’ll never feel neglected at the onboard spa. Try a deluxe
manicure and pedicure, a luxurious facial or even a relaxing
massage. You’ll leave glowing and invigorated.

But Royal Caribbean isn’t just for the adult traveller. Royal
Caribbean features an Adventure Ocean Youth Program and
Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots to occupy younger
passengers. When the ship reaches port, adults have the
opportunity to take cultural tours by themselves without hauling
along bored and unwilling children . And the the younger set can
enjoy vigorous, noisy activities such as a rock-climbing wall
without wearing out the parents. One ship under construction,
Freedom of the Seas, is being equipped with onboard surfing!

Age or disability do not hamper cruising. Modern cruise ships
are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of aged and
mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to help
with the special medical needs of passengers. Nowadays most
major cruise lines accommodates those who require dialysis or
supplemental oxygen, and more medical services are available if
requested beforehand. An emergency clinic with CPR equipment is
available on each ship, saving you the trouble of finding an
English-speaking doctor in a foreign country.

Dinner is a major form of entertainment on a cruise ship, a
practice dating back more than a hundred years to the era when
cruises were for nobility and the wealthy who expected elegant
formal meals. With today’s laid-back lifestyle the old-fashioned
elegance is optional, and for those who enjoy casual dining,
meals can be obtained around the clock from room service and
cafeterias. However, what is a cruise without glamour? It can be
a lot of fun to go to a ritzy event where ladies show off their
best attire and jewelry, and gentlemen wear tuxedos.

And don’t forget the cruise destination itself! Royal Caribbean
docks at a different port of call every few days, depending upon
distances and sailing time between local ports. Aside from the
caribbean, these ships sail all around the world, to Hawaii,
Mexico, the Panama Canal, New England, Alaska and many European
ports. It’s up to you whether you want to explore onshore or
lounge aboard the ship all day. You are free to investigate each
destination on your itinerary as long as you arrive back at the
dock in time for departure.

Optional activities are offered for a slight extra cost, and
Royal Caribbean offers adventures geared toward the unique
features of every destination. There are cruisetours, a
combination land/sea package to further explore inland in
Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Whistler Resort and Europe.

With all these pleasing and unique services available at such
affordable prices, why not think about a Royal Caribbean Cruise
for your next sea vacation.

Waves crash, breezes caress your skin and amidst the ocean, our place is in perspective. The Norwegian Sun, so incomprehensibly huge in port, is now but a pinpoint – a miniature model of the world. She carries 2,200 passengers and 960 staff from over 58 nations. We burn 200 tons of fuel a day for over 70,000 horsepower of propulsion and electrical generation. “We get about 12 feet to the gallon,” says Paul Baya, Cruise Director for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hungry appetites devour 20,000 pounds of fresh fruit and 35,000 pounds of vegetables each week.

Cruise ships are like all-inclusive resorts with changing scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of each port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grand Cayman’s elegance to Cozumel’s stunning reefs – all guests are assured water views and countless activities.

Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decks high, you navigate your new world as the captain navigates the globe. Journey to the spa, five Jacuzzis, two pools, the basketball court, theatre, nightclubs, casino, thirteen restaurants, jogging track, fitness center, shuffleboard and library. You can do your own thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Out of cell phone range and too busy for e-mail, you live for the moment and anticipate yet another exciting port.

A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on a cruise. It’s true: the food is tasty, all you can eat and available twenty-four hours a day. The dessert options are endless. A quick call to room service yields anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas.

Instead, we chose to sprint the stairs whenever possible, dined on delicious vegetarian entrees and fulfilled a New Year’s resolution to visit the gym. The result? Fitter, trimmer and feeling rejuvenated in just one week.

On Shore

Thousands throng to Jamaica’s 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls each day. A cascade of refreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from the ocean to the summit.

For Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt, 48, the climb is an extraordinary feat.

An amputee, Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an unassisted ascent – to the cheers of onlookers. Blatt’s climb is a first in Jamaican history. Regardless of your skill or experience level, there are shore activities for everyone. While some marvel at stunning fish of every color while diving the reefs, others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.

“Over 1500 divers explore Cozumel’s waters daily,” says Gustavo Costa, 35. Costa, an attorney from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now teaches diving. He sets the dive’s tone with the persuasiveness and knowledge you’d expect from an attorney. “Strict laws protect marine life from humans. Harming or killing is prohibited, ensuring our enjoyment of these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or gloves, harm or chase after the wildlife – fines exceed $5,000.” Costa’s conservation efforts were rewarded. The reef, vibrant and flourishing, passed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the current, adult Angel Fish danced about, Puffer Fish looked back with their big, helpless eyes, lobster loitered, a nurse shark nervously darted off, a Manta Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion – like a hawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home, it was far too soon.

Getting There

Several cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports. Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York are a quick train ride away. “If you do travel by air to Miami, it is advisable to arrive a day early, so you don’t miss your ship in case of weather delays,” suggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco hotels in Miami’s South Beach provide colorful, dynamic architecture. The ocean and people on parade are an extra bonus.

Sidebar

For More Information:

www.oceana.org

www.CruiseNorfolk.org

www.NCL.com

www.Pelicanos.com.mx

www.AtlantisAdventures.net

www.ThePalmsHotel.com

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.

The Caribbean is the number one vacation spot for thousands every year. It appeals to so many because it offers so much. You’ll find sun, sand, warm water and multitudes of friendly souls. Keep reading to learn why the Caribbean is so popular.

The Caribbean generally consists of the group of islands that find their home in the Caribbean Sea. The east coast of Mexico is sometimes considered part of the Caribbean as well, most notably Cancun, Cozumel, and the Mayan Riviera. This area of the world enjoys wonderful weather year round and is one the hot spots for pensioners heading south for the winter, otherwise known as “snowbirds”.

With so many beautiful places and islands in the Caribbean, how do you decide which one to visit? Each island has its own unique charm and history. Many of the islands host fascinating ruins that are the artifacts left behind by the original inhabitants to the area. If you head to the Mayan Riviera, the archeological sites and the ruins are awe-inspiring. These ruins date back to Mayan times. Some of the islands have a multi-national population, such as the island of Saint Martin (Sint Maarten). Half of Saint Martin is Dutch, and half are French. The two territories are unique and offer tourists different sites to explore.

One of the sights that you won’t want to miss when you visit the Caribbean is the island of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe consists of two islands: Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The islands have a huge Creole influence and culture, merging a flamboyant blend of African and French traditions. Guadeloupe is famous for its wonderful beaches and resorts, as well as its rum! When you visit Guadeloupe you will be pleasantly surprised as you travel the islands visiting the many beaches, the modern cities, and the out of the way inlets.

Another of the Caribbean Islands that is a treat to visit is St. Thomas, which is known by sailors the world around as one of the yacht capitals of the world. The shopping in St. Thomas will keep you busy for hours before you head back to your private villa or exotic resort.

When you visit Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, you will be able to dine at one of the many restaurants that line the streets before talking a stroll along the boardwalk. If you are in the mood for staying out all night you can indulge yourself in one of the many bars that can be found along the coastal waters.

Regardless of which Caribbean Island you choose to explore, you can always be assured of blue pristine waters, beautiful beaches and amazing sunshine. You’ll always find something to grab your attention and make you want to keep coming back for more.