Cruise vacations from dream to reality

People go cruising for different reasons. One thing is for sure that the experience of a cruise will always keep its unique images alive in your brain.
Here are some tips and guidelines you should take into account when you discuss the details of a cruise with your cruise travel agent. They would help you to organize your thoughts and ask direct and targeted questions without unnecessarily wasting your time, for a proper understanding of the situation.
- There are different types of packages (family packages or single travellers packages) offered by cruises line; choose the one that fits you best according to your individual requirements;
- Who comes with you? (your children, you need a romantic getaway, you are a honeymooner or plan to get married – some cruise lines offer wedding services, too);
- How long do you plan to cruise? (from three to fourteen nights, to world cruises which are the longest, lasting up to three months);
- Where and how to search? You have two alternatives: a cruise travel agent or agency or the websites of cruise lines;
- Port of departure. You can choose it by the proximity to your home, if you want to save money and avoid expensive airfare;
- Facilities offered during the cruise (for instance, if you like to gamble you may want to choose a cruise line that has casinos on board; maybe facilities for your children which are offered by all major cruise lines);
- Land and shore excursions (they are offered by all cruise lines, and last from two to three days, before, after or even during the cruise vacation). This kind of excursion gives you the opportunity to explore new cultures, destinations, visit new places, practice water sports, do some shopping etc.
- Destinations and suggestions:
Europe – a cruise in Europe is recommended to be taken for at least fourteen days of cruising, because of the long distance between the ports of embarkation;
Weekend Cruises – for at least three days;
Alaska – for summers only;
Mid Winter Cruise – The Caribbean (for a two weeks vacation one should choose a line that alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean, thus you would have the chance to visit more islands), South America;

A Perfect Cruise Experience

A perfect cruise experience means no unwanted surprises. This depends on the seriousness and professionalism of the agent or agency you have chosen. Give honesty and require an honest opinion of your cruise travel agent, concerning the cruise you are about to choose. Ask your cruise agent for some tips and thorough details that might help you during the cruise and help you to avoid unexpected or completely new and unknown situations. It’s easier to get these pieces of information from relatives, friends, and acquaintances that have been there before you and have already experienced that particular cruise offer or perhaps a related one. Another source of information is made available by cruise reviews which are offered by Internet websites and forums (very subjective, but suggestive), magazines, newspapers etc.

Sometimes the decision for a vacation comes unexpectedly, so here are some guidelines that might help you to plan a proper cruise vacation. You might not have in mind all these details when you are about to take the decision so these guidelines are meant to be helpful. This cruise may give you years of pleasant recollections or years of misfortunes to forget.

Booking A Cruise Vacation

Cruises are the most versatile of vacations no matter what your age. Not only that, it's a great way to bring the whole family but still have time alone with your spouse while the kids-only activity coordinators take charge of your children's fun.

The first step to putting together a great cruise vacation is to find yourself a travel agency that specializes in cruises, or to book directly through a cruise vacation Internet site.

Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when you're going, where you're going and from which port you'll depart and to which you'll return.

There are some seasonal rules of thumb about your destination. If you're limited in the time of year you can get away then you're also somewhat limited in your destination. You can't, for instance, cruise the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska any time during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If you're planning on heading out in the spring or fall you might want to consider an excursion up and down the Panama Canal. Just about any time of year, including the winter, you can cruise to Asia or the Caribbean.

Determine who is going to go with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact, it's best to gather everyone together, or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. You need to know if crafts are important; how many are going to lounge by the pool; who wants to get off and explore at the first land stop; who prefers exotic locations and who'd rather just play shuffleboard.

The size of the ship can be important as well. Larger ships have a vast variety of entertainment options, such as dancing and stage shows, although smaller ships may provide a lower guest to staff ratio, and thus more personal attention to your needs.

Know how much you and the others can spend. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early, or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. These are not usually included in the quoted cruise cost and may cost you dearly. You'll also be expected to tip room stewards and wait staff.

If you're not going as a large group and you might be interested in getting to know your fellow passengers then be sure and inquire about the usual demographics of these travelers. If you're 20 something and it's a baby boomer cruise you're apt to be bored. If you bring your grade schoolers and most of the other kids are in their teens they won't have enough playmates and you'll be their entertainment for the extent of the cruise.

One very important inquiry to make of your travel agent as well is the formality of the cruise that you're considering. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits, shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner you're going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion.

Australian Tall Ship Cruises

If you are looking for a unique and fun way to tour the coast of Australia, then a cruise upon a tall ship is the perfect adventure for you. Tall ships are large sailing vessels traditionally rigged with a number of masts and sails. Tall ships include clippers, barquentines and schooners. They conjure up images of times long past, of pirates, conquistadors and overseas explorers. In Australia there is an impressive fleet of such vessels and tours are widely available. For the sailing experience of a lifetime, don’t miss out on an Australian tall ship cruise.

The best Australian cruises sail in the waters of Queensland, off the northeastern coast. The tropical waters of the Coral Sea are of a crystal blue and are dotted with small islands to explore. The snorkeling is superb, especially in the nearby Great Barrier Reef. Tall ship cruises are fully equipped to allow the visitors to snorkel and even scuba dive from some vessels. While the ship is anchored near one of the innumerous islands, passengers can swim and dive off the deck. During the voyage, guests can sunbathe on deck and even help hoist the sails and steer the ship. A tall ship cruise promises to be an exciting experience for all those onboard!

There are a variety of tours available, from one-day tours to six-day tours and tall ship cruises aim to cater to the guests. The tours usually include all meals as well as mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. The menus feature a gourmet mixture of local seafood and international cuisine. All meals are cooked onboard, and most ships are equipped with a bar and a good selection of Australian wines. Special menus are also available for children. The sizes and occupancy of the cabins vary according to the ship. Double beds and family size rooms are usually available with bedding and linen provided. Guests will be pampered by the excellent service and cuisine aboard the tall ship cruises.

What better way to celebrate a special occasion than on a tall ship cruise? These cruises are a romantic way for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon. Imagine sailing on a majestic ship around the tropical islands. Honeymooners can stay in a double suite and enjoy all the magic and romance of the sea while receiving first-class service. For birthdays, other occasions, or just for fun visitors can also arrange for a thematic cruise aboard a tall ship. Pirate cruises, which match perfectly with the look and feel of tall ships, are a load of fun. The whole crew enters into character providing entertainment and making sure the guests eat, drink and be merry! Some guests may even get to walk the plank! Other theme cruises are available upon prior request and need to be planned in advance. A tall ship cruise is guaranteed to provide the most fun one can have, whether it be a romantic honeymoon, or an adventurous pirate tour.

Tall ship cruises in the beautiful Australian waters will spark the romanticism and imagination in all passengers. The charm of the tall ship can make one feel like they are living in another era, only with all the luxuries available today. It is highly recommended for people of all ages, children, families, youngsters and couples. A tall ship cruise is the perfect way to explore the marvelous shores of Australia.

Discounted Cruises - Things You Should Know

What is the same thing did 11 million people worldwide do in 2004? They took a cruise. Of course, some extremely rich people did not take a cruise technically but they used their yachts and spent days in opulence in the midst of the ocean. But for people like you and me, we have to be content with a cruise package offered by various travel agencies. If you think cruising is for old people or your parents, than you are wrong, my friend.

Before you hurry up and buy your discounted cruise tickets advertised in the Internet or one of those travel magazines, you should be aware of the reality. Cruise prices are going up every year. Rooms are filling up very fast. So, bargains may not always be available. However, bargain prices can be found just before or after the holidays, or in shoulder seasons. Shoulder seasons vary from region to region, for example September for Alaskan cruises.

Get ready for some unexpected problems in a deep discounted cruise ship. But, hey, don’t forget that you also saved a bundle by purchasing a discounted trip. Engine problems are very common and some port of calls may be cancelled due to engine problems. If a port of call is cancelled you may have little recourse for a partial refund because your discounted ticket may have small prints that say that the cruise line can change their itinerates at their discretion.

Imagine thousands of people in close proximity in a cruise ship. What do you expect? Well, how about viruses? Yes, a cruise ship is an idle breeding ground for all those nasty viruses. Check the CDC (center for Disease Control) web site for worldwide virus outbreak. But that should not dampen your cruise going spirit. Just stay healthy, exercise, wash your hands frequently with disinfecting soap and you will be fine. tight sexy clothes

Don’t pay a premium for airfare purchased through the cruise lines even if they promise you that they will hold the ship if your flight is delayed. Shop for your own airfare and the connections you prefer. Most of the time you will be ahead of the game and you don’t have to fly red eye or use lousy connections.

If the cruise line is promising an all-inclusive fare, try to understand their language. They are saying, hey, we will cover your foods, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment. You are on your own if you want to get intoxicated. But that should be fine because there is not much opportunity to spend a fortune in a discounted cruise ship.

Don’t fall for the gourmet food hype. Realize that it is a buffet style food, plenty, good but definitely not gourmet. There may be alternative restaurants besides the buffet style food. Sometimes, you have to pay in those restaurants. So be prepared for that.

When the ship arrives at a port of call, either you can purchase their excursion tour or explore on your own. These excursion tours are money maker for cruise lines. If you want to purchase travel insurance, shop at insuremytrip.com and try to avoid the insurance offered by the cruise line. Don’t get upset, if you find beer and pretzels, instead of, champagne and caviar. Enjoy your cruise and be happy that you are not spending a fortune for your vacation.

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