Cruise Line Critic

Last Minute Cruises

by: Nancy Jackson

Your "get up and go" has got up and gone, and you need a vacation. Right now. The best thing about taking a last-minute vacation, is cashing in on the last-minute vacation deals.

Travel agents will tell you that making your cruise ship reservation early can net you big discounts. Most cruise lines offer this incentive to fill the ships with reliable vacationers, and determine if they have enough passengers. On the other hand, last minute cruising can also offer a bunch of discounts.

Last minute cruises can be risky. It's possible that early bird cruisers can fill the ship and leave no space for those hoping for last minute tickets. If you are able to book a last minute deal and you live far away from the airport and seaport, your transportation fares can be very costly. Typically, airline tickets booked last minute tend to be much more expensive than those purchased in advance.

There are other potential problems involved with last minute cruises. You need to be prudent in your research and compare all cruise companies to find the best deals. Some companies offer better departure time deals, intended for cruisers who have no other choice but to book at the last minute. For example, the cruise company can offer increased last minute discounts in order to reach the designated passenger count for each cruise.

If you are thinking about last minute cruises, consider getting a middleman to take care of all the details. Or to save even more money, use the online cruise booking system. Most cruise lines offer this trouble-free booking option that allows you to save time and effort by planning your trip from the comfort of your home or office.

Keep yourself open to flexible cruise plans. It's good to know what you want to do and where you want to go, but don't thumb your nose at one cruise if it doesn't exactly meet your plans. If you find a great deal, grab the opportunity right away. Sometimes the shining stars are hidden inside dark clouds, and it's up to you to find them.

Finding deals on last minute cruises can take solid legwork. But as they say, destiny helps those who help themselves.

Here are some basic tips and strategies to help in your search for last minute cruises:

* Outline places that you'd love to visit. Whenever possible, meet with travel agencies for background knowledge regarding different cruises. Ask around to see if friends, coworkers and associates have any cruise lines they can recommend. You might discover possibilities you'd never even considered, such as an Alaskan cruise.

* Collect cruise brochures and flyers from the travel agencies. Read the material, research each company and compare cruise features. Check out the various ships online, to get background information on atmosphere, amenities, accommodations, on board events and recreation, fares, fees and destinations.

* Determine your budget. Knowing how much money you're willing to spend will help determine what type of cruise you'll be looking for. Cruises can offer a variety of accommodations including cheap, moderate, deluxe and extra-deluxe. Compare all types of cruises so that you'll know what to expect. You'll know which ones you'll find most comfortable, and which will fit your budget.

* Decide how many days you have available for your cruise. Then, find out the duration of the cruises being offered. Travel agencies can usually tell you how long each cruise is. Most trips last five to eighteen days, but some companies offer longer cruises with more things to see and do.

* Last minute cruises are all about fast turnaround time. Use the services of a travel agent to your advantage. Tell the agent about your budget requirements and your personal preferences. Get that person working for you while you take the time to scan brochures and look online to see which cruises are best for you.

* Decide where you'll be departing from, and book your departure points. You'll have clear details and you'll know exactly how much the transportation costs will be.

Last minute cruises can be just the ticket when you need to relax and unwind. Great deals are possible if you're willing to search them out. Do your homework, be a little flexible and it'll be smooth sailing for you.

About The Author

Nancy Jackson contributes articles to several web sites, such as http://yogey.com and http://zigug.com.

How To Cruise For Free

by: Judy Wilson

It’s possible to cruise for free and it’s not as hard as you might think. Gather up a group of your friends and family and you can earn free passage and group benefits. Just reserve eight or more staterooms on one sailing and you’ve got a group!

Most cruise lines define a group cruise as a minimum of 16 people occupying eight cabins. The 16th person (which could be you, the tour conductor) cruises free. Tour conductors work with a travel agency to make all the travel and onboard arrangements. Cruise Lines only award the value of the cruise fare only. Port charges, taxes and government fees are not free and must be paid by everyone in the group, including the Tour conductor. All you really need is a group willing to travel together and an excuse to go such as a family reunion, birthday, anniversary, wedding, college reunion, church groups, friends or just to have fun and you are on your way to cruising for free.

Getting a free fare is one thing. Getting a free cabin is something else altogether. For that you need to book twice as many people and cabins. Sixteen people means the 16th person cruises free; 16 cabins means the 16th cabin is free.

Some cruise lines also offer special perks available only to group cruisers. Amenities can include such things as private hosted cocktail parties, cabin upgrades and shipboard credits.

Each cruise line has its own group leader policy and they may vary depending upon the cruise lines guidelines.

About The Author

Judy Wilson is a travel consultant with over 10 years experience. For more information on cruises and travel visit http://www.cruisetravelspecialist.com

This article can be reprinted freely as long as all links remain active.

European Cruise - Not all Barges are the same

by: Colin Hartness

What image comes to mind when you hear the word barge? Most likely, an American will visualize a long low-slung cargo vessel situated on a river or the Great Lakes, dirty and loaded with coal or iron ore. The idea of a barge cruise may be reminiscent of an old black and white movie where the hero leaves home at a young age on a cheap tramp steamer to seek his fortune in the great world beyond. Or a barge cruise might bring to mind long-haired hippies of the 1960’s traveling through Europe on $3 a day. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The only resemblance between an American cargo barge and a European cruising barge is the long low-slung shape and overall proportions. A European cruising barge is, in reality, an exclusive and elegant means of travel. These barges are also called floating hotels due to the preponderance of amenities and staff.

Forget the thought of a tiny pigeon-hole stateroom just above the waterline of a 2,000 passenger cruise ship. All staterooms in a floating hotel are spacious and well-appointed, more like suites that you find on a cruise ship. Staterooms typically feature twin beds and a private bath. On luxury barge cruises, you will find even larger cabins and modern conveniences such as TV, jacuzzi, and computer hook-up. You have all the amenities of home, including air conditioning, carpeting, a commons area, a dining area and, of course, a bar.

The European barge cruise is an intimate and personal experience as barges typically accommodate as few as 4 people up to as many as 24. Each barge is staffed with a personal chef who prepares gourmet meals from locally purchased ingredients to please guests as well as a captain who pilots the vessel and stateroom staff. A cruise with 6 people can be served by as many as 4 staff members.

Barge cruises are available on most of the rivers and canals in Europe. You can experience up-close the beauty and cultural sites of Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, or Scotland. The pace of a barge cruise is leisurely. The itinerary includes stopping at historic and cultural places of interest along the cruising route. You can sightsee on foot or on bicycles that are available onboard. On barge cruise operator even provides an air-conditioned touring bus to takes passengers to local points of interest at each stop along the way. What a change of pace from the hotel hopping of a bus trip! Just depart from the barge in the morning, enjoy a day of sightseeing and return to the quiet of a private dining room where a gourmet meal is waiting.

The price of a European barge cruise, like all other cruises, varies based upon the cruise line, the accommodations selected, the area visited, and the season (high or low). However, a quiet and personal barge cruise can be had for a price competitive with a Caribbean cruise, without airfare of course. The barge cruise price usually includes accommodations, 3 meals a day, beverage service that includes wines and spirits, and pre-arranged sightseeing tours. And these barge cruises cater to the American tourist by providing English speaking crew members.

About The Author

Colin Hartness
Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

Cruise Tips For Cruise Travel At Your Ports Of Call

by: Mary Hanna

Cruise travel is one of the best vacations you can take. During your cruise vacation you will visit several different ports of call. Your cruise ship will dock at exotic islands or new countries almost on a daily basis. Check out the cruise reviews on line for cruise tips before you visit your destinations to find out what fantastic experience each port has to offer.

During your cruise vacation you will visit ports to shop, explore, beach, sightsee or hike. There are a wide variety of activities in each cruise destination. Or you could just depart the ship for a chance to walk around for a change of pace. Although this is a great cruise adventure, you should realize that you will only get a small sample of what each port of call has to offer. And be forewarned, as you step of your majestic cruise ship there will be hordes of natives trying to sell you a trinket or a tour around the city.

If you take the advice above and search the cruise reviews, you should have a pretty good idea what each destination has to offer. Choose the one that has the most encompassing tour of your port. In exotic ports they have full day tours, including lunch, that will take you to the highlights of the place you are visiting. This is an ideal way to sample the city or island getting ideas for what you may want to come back for at a later date. On island tours you may want to take an organized tour in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, then light out on your own to explore more fully, shop or just go to the beach.

If you are more adventuresome, skip the lunch on board and dine in the city. You get to experience the local cuisine and soak up the native culture. This is your vacation, learn new and different things. If you chose to do this check with the cruise director for the best places to dine and make sure you know the exchange rate. On of the cruise tips is to put your meal on a charge card so you will be charged the exchange rate on the day the bill hits the credit card company.

A cruise tip that is very useful is to use the brochure that the ship gives you for their organized tour and follow it on your own. Only do this if you are comfortable with the country you are visiting. If it is your first time overseas to a port of call, it is best to stick with the organized tour for safety and convenience. Other cruise tips can be found online about some of the wonderful things to see and do in various ports of call. Be conscious of one thing, if you chose to explore on your own, know what time the ship leaves and how long it will take you to get back on board. If you are not on an organized tour it is your responsibility to get back on time or the ship will leave without you. You then have to meet the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.

If you opt for an organized tour sponsored by the cruise ship, it should cost you anywhere from $20.00 to over $200.00 depending on what you choose to do. It could be just a simple bus ride around town for two hours or a two day trip from St. Petersburg, Russia to Moscow. The options are endless.

Most cruise lines will let you book in advance on their websites. This is very convenient and helpful with tours that sell out quickly. For instances, in the Cayman Islands the Stingray City tour is very popular and will sell out. If you book it in advance you guarantee your spot. The more inexpensive tours also tend to sell out because of some cruisers watching their budgets. So, don't miss out, check out the cruise lines website to see if you can book your ticket in advance.

It is good to know the game plan that the tour offers. Things you should be aware of is how much the guide will be with you and do they speak English clearly. Mostly the cruise lines have very competent tour guides, but better safe than sorry. Will have any time on your like for shopping or stopping in a café? It is very important to find out how much physical activity is required before you sign on for any tour. If you have limited mobility you don't want to go on a tour that climbs the Acropolis in Athens or Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. Find out if a snack or lunch is provided, so if it isn't you can bring along adequate funds to get your own.

There are private touring companies that you can contact on your own if you wish to tour in a more private fashion. Another alternative is to buddy up with some fellow cruisers and share taxi tours to cut your expense in half. Many times you will meet people on a cruise that have similar interests and you will spend a lot of time together on the cruise ship, why not touring also? It's a way to save money and enjoy other passengers company.

Only hire licensed taxi drivers. Their credentials should be prominently displayed in the front of the cab. With a licensed driver you are ensured a safe trip and a guide who is knowledgeable about the islands or cities background, where to shop, eat or gamble. And of course they will know the best beaches available. Negotiate the price of your tour up front. If you chose to go to a destination where you will be dropped off for a couple of hours, negotiate with the driver to come back and pick you up. Settle on a price and pay half up front and half on the way back. If the driver has been helpful and friendly, please tip him or her.

Some cruisers like to rent cars in their ports of call. It is recommended that you only do this in destinations that you are familiar with and have a good knowledge of where you are going. Be careful when renting a car. Be sure to check out the entire car for any damages that may already be there and note them on your rental contract. If you fail to do this you may be charged for damage that was already done.

Lastly, use common sense when touring. Don't travel in dark tight alleys, put your money under your clothes, don't wear expensive jewelry and don't let yourself be surrounded, especially by children. Always carry identification and the name of the cruise lines agents in the port of call in case you get in trouble.

You are on a cruise vacation make the best of it. Get off the ship at all of your ports of call whether you are touring or are just poking around. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you will have years of beautiful cruise travel memories.

Happy Cruising!

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.

About The Author

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.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com.

Cruise Deals

by: Mary Graves

Many travelers new to cruising do not always realize that not everything is included in their cruise price. Many are SHOCKED when they board their ship and realize they will need additional monies to get them through their trip.

So, you ask, what is included and what should I expect to pay for while I’m on my dream vacation?

Although each cruise line has its own set of inclusions, the following information does apply to the majority of the cruise lines; the ones that are categorized as Mainstream Cruise Lines.

What is included in the price of your cruise?

Accommodations
Meals
Limited Beverages
Onboard Activities
Children and Teen Programs
Fitness Centers
Entertainment

Accommodations - With your stateroom accommodations a cabin steward will be assigned to you. S/he will attend to your every need including turning down your bed at night, cleaning of your room at least once a day, etc. Cabins come equipped with televisions and stereos. Bathroom amenities that are often included are shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soaps, razors, etc. Most new ships may also include blow driers and refrigerators (but not always). Because of fire hazards, irons are not furnished and are not allowed in the staterooms; however, ships do offer ironing services at a fee.

Meals - You will certainly not go hungry while cruising. All meals are included from day to night. Most cruises have 24-hour buffet areas where you can eat any time of day. Sit down gourmet dinners that are served include appetizers, salads, main entrée and desserts. You can also order additional entrees (if you are glutton). Popular meals are also the ships’ midnight buffets, pizza parties, and ice cream parties. If you are still hungry or just want to order in, the ships’ 24-hour room service is always available.

Limited Beverages - Overall, drinks are not included unless they are being served with breakfast, buffets or dinners. Included drinks are usually limited to iced tea, lemonade, some juices, coffee, and water (not bottled).

Onboard Activities - You will never be bored on a cruise ship because they have ongoing activities throughout the day that are gratis. These may include swimming or relaxing in a hot tub, contests and games, dance and golf lessons, karaoke and sing-a-longs, etc.

Children & Teen Programs - All of the mainstream ships will offer organized children and teen programs that keep the entire family happy. These programs are normally categorized by age and include age-appropriate activities.

Fitness Centers - Cruise ships offer state-of-the-art fitness centers for the health-conscious traveler. Centers include fitness machines such as stationary or spin bikes, treadmills, and stair steppers. There are also offerings of aerobics, yoga or Pilates classes. Not all classes offered are free, but there are many to choose from that are included. Hint: these classes fill up fast!

Entertainment -What kind of entertainment is offered on a cruise ship? We don’t have enough time to list everything, but these ships include theatres that feature elaborate Vegas-style shows, singers, comics, etc. Additionally you will find cinema-style theatres that show current movies. There are bar lounges with music to dance the night away, karaoke bars to sing the night away, or piano bars. There are numerous deck and pool parties. And don’t forget the Casinos which may feature high-stakes poker tournaments (of course gambling money is not included).

You will find that the list of what is not included in a cruise is much shorter than what is included.

What is NOT included in the price of your cruise?

Tips
Beverages
Spa Treatments
Shore Excursions

Tips - When paying a cruise rate, the tips will not be included, although you can always pre-pay for the tips. Most of the workers on a cruise ship earn most of their money on tips….and they do EARN IT -- you will not find better waiters, stewards, or bartenders anywhere. Most cruise lines have “recommended tipping standards” that normally start at $10.00 per day per guest. Basically, these tips are distributed among the personnel that service your every need for the included cruise items such as your stateroom stewards, waiters, or bus person. Most cruise lines will automatically add their recommended tip amount to your stateroom account at time of sailing. This amount can always be decreased or increased based on the service received.

Beverages - Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise rate. Also sodas, specialty coffees, or bottled water are not included. There may be options to buy packages for unlimited wine or alcohol or sodas that may be worth purchasing your beverage consumption is high.

Spa Treatments - All cruise ships offer state-of-the art spa treatments such as messages, facials, and salon services. All these are extra…..but, boy, are they worth it!!!!

Shore Excursions - Of course shore excursions are not included. There are dozens of things to do when ships dock at the beautiful exotic destinations. Cruise lines make it VERY easy for their clients to book excursion on-line even before they board the ship. Of course, shore excursion bookings are also available once you board.

TRY TO REMEMBER TO….

…. Keep track of your spending by holding on to all receipts
... Check your account balance throughout the day.
... Book the must-do shore excursion ahead of time since they may sell out

About The Author

The author, Mary Graves, is a cruise specialist with Cruise Planners.
She may be reached at 888-456-SAIL or
comesailawaycruises@yahoo.com
http://ComeSailAwayCruises.com

A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations

by: Mary Hanna

An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship’s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship's home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.

What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?

The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.

If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?

No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.

Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?

Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.

Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?

Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.

Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?

No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.

Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?

Here again, use the air deviation plan.

How do I get from the Airport to the ship’s pier?

If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.

Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you’ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don’t book your flight through the Cruise Line?

If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you

use your transfer.

How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?

They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.

How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?

You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.

What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?

If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.

There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.

The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.

There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don’t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you’d pick for yourself.

You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you’ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.

The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn’t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you’ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.

Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor’s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.

When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don’t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.

Happy Cruising!

About The Author

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.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com 

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Carnival Cruise Bargains

by: William Jones

Ahh, cruising! There are a multitude of travel methods, but only cruising offers you the chance to choose on an almost hourly basis whether to seek excitement or solitude, activity or relaxation.

Relaxing on a cruise ship is a wonderful vacation at any age; however, such a getaway comes with a hefty price tag. Especially on higher-end cruise lines, these excursions can be very expensive and extract a toll on your bank account. Fortunately, many Carnival Cruise deals are available year round, so you can still take advantage of a cruise without spending every nickel you've saved.

First, check out Carnival’s web site to see what deals are available. Often, when departure time is fast approaching, Carnival will offer huge savings to book empty suites on upcoming cruises. The more available beds they have to offer, the larger the savings may be. The company generally loses money when a ship is not fully used, because many costs are fixed, and therefore will offer significant discounts to avoid that happening. Likewise, a full ship makes passengers feel as though they made a good decision in purchasing tickets -- their fears are assuaged because of the popularity. Besides, no one wants to cruise on an empty ship.

Similarly, empty rooms are also sometimes available on discount web sites. There are several sites that specialize in cruise lines, and you can purchase tickets at moderate to strong savings. Of course, these sites are usually less accommodating than the host cruise line itself, so what you see is what is available. Therefore, you may not be able to customize your list of options as you would if buying from another source. However, you can still get a great deal on a luxury cruise online.

Carnival cruises itself offers various special promotions from time to time. The company may celebrate an anniversary or other significant milestone with a discount package, and there may be discounts available at other times as well. It can't hurt to check the company’s website periodically to see what is available. Obviously, the more research you do, the less you will pay in the end. It is just a question of balancing the hours you spend at the computer, looking for bargains, versus how you might spend that time in more valuable ways. As with all things in life, striking a balance is key. Don't let bargain hunting ruin the fun of planning a vacation; instead consider taking fewer, but higher quality vacations.

About The Author

William Jones writes for several web sites, including http://go-recreation.com and http://litoc.com.

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The Disney Cruise Vacation : The Inside Information On All The Fun

by WomanlyAdvice Madison Smith

Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise vacation veteran, the Disney cruise is one vacation experience like no other. The Disney cruise line provides an amazing time for kids, but the adults will have just as much fun. While the kids are off enjoying all the Disney cruise ship has to offer, adults can enjoy a nice range of on-board activities, amenities, and areas reserved exclusively for them. The ship is not just a kids romper room, a Disney Cruise is a good option that offers first-rate facilities and activities for every age group.

What about the cost of a Disney cruise?

The Disney cruise allows you to keep your wallet inside your trousers, most things included in its all inclusive Disney cruise package. Cruising can be an affordable travel alternative; a Disney cruise is a fun way for your and your family to either separate or congregate. A Disney cruise package can be far less then some cruises and they will go out of their way to take care of anyone's needs.

What kinds of activities are available on a Disney cruise vacation?

Suffice it to say, you're going to experience some incredible onboard activities. As you'd expect from Disney, families will find special facilities and activities with the Disney Cruise Line, all beautifully executed and played out in precision. One of the best highlights of any Disney Cruise is the exciting day spent on Disney's own private island paradise, Castaway Cay. Get out and stretch your legs and go for a swim on this beautiful mini island paradise. You can choose from a variety of activities for all ages at Castaway Cay to add to your Disney Cruise Line vacation fun.

What about all that cruise vacation food?

One thing that brings many folks to a cruise is the quality and quantity of the food. It's hard to keep your waistline after sampling all the cruise line has to offer from their kitchens. The food is plentiful and diverse and staff is friendly. With food and drinks abundant and overflowing, along with being available 24/7, you can have a glutenous experience.

The Disney cruise is an amazing cruise to experience, and even an amazing all around vacation. The cruise vacation is great for all members of your family and worth looking into. The Disney Cruise is, by far, a vacation experience for young and old to enjoy and have a boat load of fun.

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Cruise Tips To Maximize Your Cruise Vacation

by: Mary Hanna

You are getting ready for your much anticipated cruise vacation. The best way to maximize your cruise travel is to have some of these cruise tips about the little things you should know. Many cruisers have questions about phoning home, seasickness, laundry facilities, and photography while on their cruise vacation. These are not big items that should concern you during your cruise travel but helpful hints nonetheless.

Phoning home always gives one peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is natural to want to check on your children, or check into the office, just remember that ship to shore phone costs can be very hefty. They can cost up to $15 minute, so I if you must, keep it brief. You can use your cell phone but be aware that in some areas roaming charges will apply. Your cell phone will not work in Europe unless you have universal service.

It is very important that you leave the information on how to contact you at home in case of an emergency. When you receive your cruise packet there will be contact information included. Make sure you leave the name of the ship, the cruise line you are traveling with, and the itinerary that you plan to follow. Make it very clear that it is for emergencies only.

There is a way to get around this expense and that is to buy a phone card and call home from your ports of call. The connection will be far greater and your savings too. Be aware that this is where the crew members make their calls home so you may want to venture further from the dock to find a not so busy public phone.

All of the modern ships are wired for the internet so you can stay in touch with email. This is a much easier and cheaper way to but your mind at ease. On some ships if you are a frequent cruiser the internet time is free. If you are not, connections can run from fifty cents to a dollar a minute. Just keep in mind that they are not high speed hook ups so they will be slow. Compose offline and then send your message. Some ships will offer you package deals to save a little money. Here again, if you can wait until you get to port, internet cafes ashore are relatively inexpensive.

Seasickness is almost a moot point on today's cruise ships. They are so large that you don't even know you are moving unless you look out the window or you are up on deck. With today's technology for weather tracking the cruise lines know in advance if any storms are approaching and therefore can avoid the area. Earlier cruise ships had stabilizers but nothing compared fo today's technology which enables them to counter act any motion the sea has to offer.

If that doesn't calm your fears about seasickness and cruise travel there are a number of ways to ensure a very comfortable cruise. Take a cruise vacation in an area of the world that has calm waters on a modern ship with the aforementioned stabilizers. It is best to book a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower levels. If just looking at a horizon that is moving sends you into a tizzy, book an inside cabin. A little known cruise tip is to arrange your beds in alignment with the ship, bow to stern. Rocking is always easier to handle than a rolling motion. Once, you've got yourself situated on board go up on deck and stare at a fixed position on the horizon to get your body use to the motion.

Your doctor may have some medication you can take, or try the acupuncture bracelets that go around your wrists. If you do feel queasy eat crackers and green apples to settle your stomach. Ginger capsules have been said to work wonders and are available in your health food store. By all means avoid any alcoholic beverages which will only make your symptoms worse.

On board laundry services are very expensive. Book a ship that has an onboard laundry room for passengers so you can do your own. These laundry rooms will be equipped with an iron and an ironing board. An alternative is to pack a small bottle of laundry liquid and a few clothes pins in you luggage, hand wash them in your stateroom and hang them from the shower line provided.

Photography is always a big question. Should you bring a camera or rely on the ships photographer? The answer is to bring your own. If you don't want to worry about your expensive digital camera, buy a lot of the throw away types. Pick up a few waterproof ones too for when you take you snorkel adventure. Take twice as many as you think you need. If you don't use them on this cruise vacation you can always use them at the next holiday or birthday celebration.

You could also opt to pick up a cheap digital. You can buy them for about $20.00 and you won't have to worry about losing it since your expensive one is at home. These are usually smaller than the pricey ones so they are easier to carry around.

On formal nights you will want to get your picture taken by the ships photographer. These pictures are wonderful memories of your cruise but they are expensive. The ships photographer will take pictures of you all through the cruise. Getting on and off the ship, on deck, in the dining room at your table and when you enter the dining room on some nights. Although these pictures are fun, you are not obligated to buy them. If you are on a cruise vacation for a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary, splurge and buy them, they will be more than just memories.

These are just a few cruise tips for the little things you should know about cruise travel. Having this knowledge before your cruise vacation will help you on the way to clear sailing.

Happy Cruising!

Feed Shark

Cruise Panama: From the Big Blue Sea

   

By: Adam Lenk

The workings of the Panama Canal are a sight to behold whether or not you're a history buff or mechanically inclined. The Panama Canal was completed in 1914, at the cost of 30,000 people's lives and funding from two nations.

Today, most of the original innovations and machinery is still utilized. However, there's no better way to tour the canal than in a firsthand experience through its passage.

Touring the Panama Canal by cruise ship makes for an amazing vacation and a historical adventure. It takes about eight hours to make the passage through three locks, which raise the ship solely through gravity through the manmade canal over Central America. Head for the deck to watch your ship line up in the morning to pass through the canal. A canal historian aboard the ship will serve as your guide and provide a running commentary of interesting details and fascinating facts about the Panama Canal's construction and operational history.

The best part of about cruising the Panama Canal is that you not only take in Panama's ports like Colon, Cristobal, Isla San Telmo, or Isla de Coiba and the Canal's amazing views but that these tours usually include several stops at glorious in-route ports of call, which may include Mexico's Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, or Acapulco, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica's Limon, Caldera, or Guanacaste, and even Jamaica's Montego Bay.

Exert yourself by day via on-shore Panama Canal cruise excursions like tours of Panama City, the Gutun Locks, or the Embera Indian Village, canal kayaking adventures among the Colon wildlife, or take in the sights and experiences of the other visited port cities.

Experience a natural world unlike any other, and then return to the coziness and elegance of your cruise ship's fine dining room and a cabin with a view. Enjoy the ship's nightlife and entertainment, shopping, and fine dining between visits to a plethora of eye-catching views and an exploratory journey of the Panama Canal and beyond.

By Adam Lenk
http://www.CruisesDaily.com

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