Posts Tagged ‘Holiday’

PostHeaderIcon Great Cruise Vacation In The Caribbean

Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.
With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.
Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.
But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.
There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.
Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.
The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.
Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.
If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.
Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.
The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.
You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.
By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.
For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.

PostHeaderIcon Great Cruise Vacation In The Caribbean

Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.
With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.
Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.
But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.
There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.
Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.
The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.
Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.
If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.
Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.
The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.
You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.
By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.
For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.

PostHeaderIcon A Caribbean Cruise Is The Perfect Getaway

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.

PostHeaderIcon Escape the Cold-the Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

The Caribbean is arguably the number one cruise destination in the world. The tropical chain of islands offers sun and fun with enough variety to keep it interesting and exciting. The tropical location keeps the temperatures warm, while the ocean breezes make it comfortable. The exotic beaches, mixed with luxurious accommodations, make these truly island paradises.

The Caribbean encompasses over 7000 islands, islets, cays and reefs with an island chain that spans 2500 miles. These islands encircle the Caribbean Sea. The ownership of these islands was contested during colonial times and many of the territories changed hands several times before reaching their current status. Due to their location along the Western trade routes these islands have a rich history.

The top five Caribbean destinations will depend on the goals for your vacation. Most of the islands offer plenty of beaches for sun and relaxation. The tropical waters offer plenty of underwater enjoyment as well. Some of the islands offer lush tropical forests to explore or tall mountains to hike. The cost of entertainment on most of the islands is reasonable. The following are five of the most popular cruise destinations from last year.

1.When deciding to take a cruise to the Caribbean to escape the winter cold and blues, the most popular choice has to be a multi-destination cruise. A cruise that swings through several of the islands in a nice 7-day vacation can give you the best variety. You will get a taste of the different cultures and each stop will leave you wanting just a bit more, as any good vacation should. The time spent on the ship can be used for rest and rejuvenation between beach excursions that may include diving, submarine voyages, hiking, biking, or any number of other exotic adventures. The rich history and cultural diversity in the region makes each beach excursion a trip in itself.

2.Another very popular cruise destination in the Caribbean is Barbados. Barbados has a fairly constant 80-degree temperature. This island has lush vegetation and great, white sandy beaches. It has a good mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The people are very friendly and approach life with a laid back attitude. Plenty of duty free shopping abounds. Also, water sports, great resorts and a hopping nightlife make this a great destination for fun in the sun.

3.If nightlife excitement is what you are looking for, then Aruba would be a good stop. The story on the seas is that Aruba is the Caribbean’s version of Las Vegas. Its upscale casinos and luxury-packed resorts will satisfy even the most expensive tastes. The trade winds help cool things off on the island, as well. The dry, arid climate promises sunny days for enjoying the beaches. This island knows how to treat its tourists, which is why half of their gross national product is earned through tourism. Add to that a low crime rate and you have a great destination to relax and have some fun.

4.St. Lucia is another great destination in the Caribbean chain of islands. This is a good choice for sheer beauty. The approach to the island on the ship is breathtaking and the undisturbed nature on the island provides a glimpse at the past. Trails through the secluded coves and lush, green vegetation offer a relaxing opportunity to reconnect with nature. The beaches are carpeted with golden sand. Don’t be mistaken, however, the capital, Castries, is a lively place. There are plenty of shops and attractions to keep even the most urban traveler busy.

5.The Dominican Republic attracts many people for its beaches. It does have the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the 10,164 foot Pico Duarte, but it is the beaches and resorts that attract most of the visitors. The fairly constant tropical temperature, ranging from 78 to 88 degree Fahrenheit, is also a popular attraction. It is also a good destination for shorter cruises due to its close proximity to the U.S. It has a good selection of all-inclusive resorts in the southeast. History can be found in the buildings in the capital city, Santo Domingo. If kiteboarding and windsurfing is your thing, then the North-central area of Cabarete would be a great place to visit. Overall, if you are looking for sun and relaxation the Dominican Republic is a good stop.

Whether the goal for your vacation is just relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the hills and jungles, the Caribbean has a lot to offer. While a single destination cruise gives you the chance to fully explore an island, a multi-destination cruise will give you a taste of many different cultures. If you want to escape the gold and grey winter a cruise to the Caribbean is a great choice.

PostHeaderIcon Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines… Having the Time of Your Life!

Enjoy a cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line today!
If you’re like me, you would do 10 cruises a year… in fact… non stop cruising… with be alright with me. But, if you can’t do that, than picking a quality ship line is the next best thing.
Who is This company?
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is one of the best ship vacationers in the world. They offer vacations to a number of destinations around the globe. Whether you want to take a voyage to Alaska, Australia, Canada, or you want to book some travel to the Caribbean, or Europe, … going with them is the way to travel!
They run many – big, beautiful cruise ships – all over the world. Wherever your travel dreams take you, This company can probably take you there. Have you ever been on a cruise holiday? Now you can! They make it easy… and fun.
Why is Royal Caribbean Lines so good?
Easy to book a cruise reservation because of their qualified holiday planners. These experts can help you decide where you want to go, how much you want to spend, and they can book your reservation for you. You can do it online or over the phone, whichever is easier for you. Check out their website, give them a call, or visit Travelocity, Hotwire… and any other number of cruise websites to help you select the perfect one for you. Don’t delay! Their vacations book fast. Cruise vacations are a hot item and you don’t want to “miss the boat.”
Once on your on your holiday, cruise planners will make sure that every moment of your stay on their huge cruise ship is filled with nothing but good times.
What will you do?
From the moment you board your luxury cruise ship, They will take care of your every need. You’ll be a pampered VIP guest. Do whatever you want on their cruise ship… it’s your vacation! Want to spend time at the spa? Want to watch a move in their onboard theatre? Want to catch a Broadway show? Want to shop in their huge cruise ship shopping mall? You name it, it can be done!
Spend the day on a shore excursion, enjoying fun activities, tours to historical sites, and local shopping. Then, head back on board your This company cruise ship to spend the evening gambling before dinner. At dinner, choose from a number of restaurants with top of the “cruise line” chefs to cater to your every dietary whim. After dinner, spend an evening dancing in their ballroom before retiring for the evening in one of their many luxurious cruise line suites. Your entire trip will be marked by This company’s stamp of exquisite luxury. Every moment will be an experience.
Go from your port of origin to your destination port. What you’ll find is that the journey is as delightful as the destination on a This company cruise ship vacation.

PostHeaderIcon How to Plan the Perfect Caribbean Cruise

A Caribbean cruise vacation is something everyone should experience. Waking up to a crystal blue ocean, greeting you as you make your way to a tropical island shore is reason enough to visit the sea to the south. However, as great as a Caribbean cruise can be, a little bit of planning before you cast off can make your cruise and island experience even more enjoyable. Pre-trip planning is crucial to ensure the most enjoyment from your cruise. There are many important points to be considered beyond just where to go, when to go, and how to get there.

The warm temperatures, sunny beaches and variety of cultures make the Caribbean a popular winter cruise destination. The Caribbean Sea contains over 7000 islands, inlets, and beautiful coral reefs. Since the hurricane season generally ends in November, the weather is a promising feature during the winter months. Cruises to the Caribbean can be a very relaxing, fun-in-the-sun vacation, especially when well planned and coordinated.

The Caribbean has something to offer for every cruise vacationer. The choice of destination should be determined by what the vacationer would like to experience. Some travelers look for popular nightlife spots, such as Aruba and Barbados, while others would rather focus on the inland jungles, mountains and towns a specific island may offer. The weather, of course, is huge draw to the Caribbean, and its pristine beaches are heaven on earth for many. It is a good idea to research several destinations and choose the one that appeals the most to you or your family.

If you are not traveling with children, you may also want to plan the trip to correspond with a special date such as a wedding anniversary, birthday, or perhaps even Valentine’s Day. This can easily develop into a tradition. The history and romance of the many Caribbean destinations help make them ideal for developing new traditions. A little research before the trip will help you plan the right vacation experience to make your cruise holiday perfect.

After selecting the date, you will want to pick the specific trip and cruise line. At this point you should have a basic idea of where you want to go. Also, most travelers have a set budget in mind. Considering these aspects you will be able to narrow down your choices and with a little digging you can find the best cruise to fit your specifications.

There are many online resources to explore when researching and comparing cruise lines and specific destinations. When investigating cruises it is important to consider the value of an all-inclusive cruise versus a regular cruise. For some the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive cruise is worth the expense while others would prefer to save the money and pick and choose their extras.

Packing for the cruise can require a little strategic planning. If you know you will be spending most of your days on the beach then swimwear, beach towels and suntan lotion will take up a lot of space in the luggage. Of course, it is important to pack some clothing for inclement weather, but even rainy days are warm in the Caribbean. If the cruise is mostly spent on the ship, then planning for on-board entertainment will be important. Swimwear, active wear, and formal wear are all essentials on a cruise ship.

Although there are many variables to consider, there are some crucial items to bring with you. Remember to bring important documents such as your passport, proof of citizenship and visa if necessary. Also, it is a good idea to bring along a few copies of your airline tickets and your cruise ship information. Your medical insurance cards and any record of medical history should be included as well. Many vacationers bring a pre-paid phone card if they will be roaming on their cell phone or will be unable to get reception in the tropics.

A currency conversion chart is also a great idea for those who will be visiting several islands. Most islands are specific countries or territories with their own money. Traveler’s checks have been popular for some time, and when you are away on you Caribbean cruise keep your cash separate from your travelers checks just in case you loose your wallet or bag.

The enjoyment you find on a cruise can last a lifetime. There are some specifics you should plan out before you cast off. A little planning can make the vacation even more relaxing. While planning where to go and how to get there is important, there are many other points to consider for the perfect vacation. To plan the perfect Caribbean cruise vacation, take a bit of time before so you can enjoy your time sailing through the paradise that is the Caribbean islands.