Travel and Vacation Digest » Cruise

Taking A Cruise Make It A Family Affair

Ed — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 02:42:01 +0000

This past year, more than one million youngsters under the age of 18 years old sailed on Cruise Lines International Association ships. Young people make up a large portion of your fellow passengers when you take a cruise ship vacation. Kids on vacation period, especially if they are not your own, can really can drag down on the fun.

Of course, you probably want to take the kids along with you on your vacation. They can add to the fun if you take care of things right, and cruises are a great time to spend time with your children, especially if you work or go to school and so do they. Keep in mind though that if you were on a child-free vacation you wouldn't want somebody else's children running amok, being loud or rowdy, ruining the fun of those who aren't involved in their rowdiness. Have enough respect for your fellow passengers/cruisers, as well as the ship's crew, to keep your children under control.

Easier said than done, right? Let's go over a few ideas on how to keep your children under control and make your cruise one of, if not your most, memorable family vacation ever.

The biggest and most important tip of all is not to take your kids on a cruise they will not enjoy! Idleness leads to rowdiness and mischievous, often uncontrollable behavior. Many cruise ships, especially those on the Carnival Cruise line, offer kid-friendly "Fun Ships" that have entire itineraries dedicated to keeping your little ones out of your hair and the hair of your fellow cruisers. There are kids' pool areas, dining rooms, and game rooms. There are even scheduled and supervised trips ashore for those who wish to go along. (Who wants to take a 5-year old scuba diving in the Caribbean? Certainly not I).

All cruise liners have a list of rules and regulations to follow, and that goes for the kids as well. Many cruise liners have a separate set of rules that apply to the kids and a separate set of rules that apply to the adults. Unfortunately as a parent your parental responsibilities do not end when you venture on board your cruise liner. You have a responsibility set forth by the shipping company (yes, just about all of them) to keep your children under supervision. If you are not supervising your youngsters yourself, it is your responsibility to make sure that someone is watching them, even if it is the children's program coordinators.

Unfortunately, the actions of your children could cause you your vacation. If the behavior of your children is in any way detrimental to the safety or pleasure of the other passengers, many cruise lines have policies that allow them to drop you and your youngsters off at the next port, and keep on sailing without you. Most people cannot or do not wish to afford plane tickets back home because your kid's were unable to control themselves and you were unable to control them. Don't take the risk!

Cruising For Special Needs Accommodations

Ed — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:35:01 +0000

If you are disabled or have certain special needs, you can still have a cruise ship adventure. If you fall into this category, your best bet is to consult with a travel agent to find the best cruise line that will accommodate your needs.

No two cruise lines are quite alike, so comparison shopping is required when choosing your options. Your particular disability could be the deciding factor on which cruise to take. For instance, not all cruise ships can accommodate wheelchairs easily. Cabins are notoriously small, so you must get dimensions to determine if your wheelchair will even fit inside your room.

Luckily, some of the larger cruise lines have specially designated cabins that have wider doorways. The bathrooms are large enough for a wheelchair to roll right inside. The closets are built for a lower reach and the elevators have controls easily accessible for those people sitting in wheelchairs. Some cruise lines will have collapsible wheelchairs available, but it is highly recommended that passengers bring their own. If motorized wheelchairs are in use, you must bring your own charger that is adaptable to a normal 110 volt plug.

Part of going on a cruise is experiencing the various ports of call. Small boats called tenders are used to carry the travelers from the cruise ship to shore. Every effort is made to ensure that wheelchair bound passengers get to experience these ports of call. However, the tenders that take passengers to shore are not always accessible or safe for the disabled. If the wheelchair bound does manage to safely get to shore, certain ports of call may not always be equipped to handle special needs.

Hearing impaired passengers can also request special accommodations. Some cruise lines will offer ADA (American Disabilities Association) compliant rooms. They will have tele-typewriters (TTY) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). These cabins might come with ADA approved kits which include visual smoke alarms, door sensors so you know someone is at your door and even alarms that vibrate.

Travelers with guide dogs or other service animals will have a tougher time finding a suitable cruise. Each port of call has different rules and regulations regarding animals. Your travel agent can check with the Department of Agriculture for each port of call to determine their guidelines. Sometimes the services animals could be denied permission to leave the cruise ship.

Special nutritional needs are also accommodated on many cruise lines. Vegetarians have options as do those passengers who require low fat, low salt or low cholesterol diets. Guests with lung impairments that require oxygen can cruise too, but must ensure that they have a plentiful supply of oxygen for their travels.

One of the caveats for disabled guests or those with special needs is that you should be autonomous and travel with another companion in case any support during the cruise is required. No matter what infirmities you may have, the cruise line should be notified upon booking. However, with special planning for your special needs, you should be able to have an extra special adventure!

Taking A Cruise Carnival Cruise Lines' Club 02

Ed — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:59:01 +0000

In the past, cruising has been more of a past time for those who have a little more free time and money than the rest of us. As time has progressed, the rates of these ever popular cruises has come down drastically, making cruising a more readily available past time for us all.

Club 02 is a cruise program on the Carnival Cruise Lines that offers entertainment for older kids/young adults aged 14-17 who may be on "forced summer vacations" with their families. To make Club 02 a success, the cruise line has teamed up with the Coca-Cola company, who is the major sponsor of the event. There is usually something for everyone on a Carnival Cruise and Club 02 was recently adopted on the 21 "Fun Ships" on the Carnival Cruise Line, featuring a plethora of fun and entertainment for the younger aged visitors on the cruise liner.

Club 02 kicks off with a "welcome party" when the kids are given a brochure with all of the activities on board, as well as the opportunity to meet up with the other cruisers their age who they may or may not be spending time with on their voyage.

Club 02 features 1,000 to 1,800 foot lounges or dance floors for the younger audience. Since all members of Club 02 are under 21 years of age, the bar, called a Coke-tail lounge, features a variety of Coca-Cola products (non-alcoholic of course). The 21 ships with the popular Club 02 program on board also feature video game lounges, with whole walls of gaming systems and monitors. In this same area, there are several listening stations, where the youngsters can plug in headphones and listen to the latest jams on the radio, or their favorite musical artist or album. The 21 "fun ships" on the Carnival Cruise line feature game rooms with ping pong tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, pool tables, racing video games, and other arcade games on board, as well. There are themed parties in the Club 02 lounge just about every night, featuring different themes each night. These themed parties usually involve karaoke, a popular activity on cruise ships for people of all ages.

There are usually several pools on these "fun ships," at least one of which features a large twisting water slide. In Club 02 areas, the pool lounges even feature 24 hour pizza and ice cream for those who choose to party late into the night.

A few of the liners on the Carnival Cruise line feature miniature golf courses. On-shore fun is also available to participants of the Club 02 program. There are guided, group-oriented on-shore excursions including tours, given by a Carnival Cruise employee or affiliate, to keep the kids out of your hair while you do your own thing on shore. This often includes snorkeling or scuba diving, shopping, and even general relaxing on the beach.

Different Types Of Cruises That You Could Enjoy Going On During The Holidays

Ed — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:31:01 +0000

So many people are fortunate enough to enjoy going away for a few days or weeks to enjoy cruises that go on throughout the holidays and if you could possibly make preparations for such an amazing experience, you should really being thinking of the details and talking it over with your friends or loved ones just as quickly as possible. The sooner that you make the plans, the more likely it will be that you will be able to find out plenty of important information about purchasing tickets that will make it possible for you to enjoy going away on a holiday cruise. The internet or by going in a travel agency is really the best way to think about going ahead and making those plans and the quicker you do it, the quicker you will be able to have the time of your life and start making unforgettable memories with your friends or family members.

Cruises are incredible and the fact is, you will actually find out that you have so many different ones to choose from. Sometimes this makes it kind of confusing when trying to make a decision that you will all be very happy with. Often times, an individual just might not have a very large family and they just really do not do too many things throughout the holidays and if that sounds like what you are going through, then going on holiday cruises would be just ideal for someone such as yourself. Getting to do something like this will really change the mood that you have been in and will make you feel as if you could go anywhere and do anything, it will also be so very refreshing to breathe in all of that fresh air. You will be able to come back home after the holiday cruise and tell some of your closest friends about the experience that you had, they will all be totally jealous indeed. Maybe the next time you plan on going on cruises you could possibly bring some of your friends along with you, because you know as well as I do that they too will absolutely have the time of their lives and they deserve it just as much as you do!

Before going on cruises, whether it is a holiday cruise or any other type of cruise, make sure that you have plenty of time to pack and prepare yourself. Packing is very important so please make sure that you do not make the mistake of packing too much stuff to carry on board. By researching cruises over the internet, you will have many opportunities to see what all the hype is about and hear stories from others that have also gotten to go on holiday cruises. It is something very different to do throughout the holidays and it will really be the most memorable time in your life. Have fun and always be safe and careful any time that you choose to go on cruises because just like going any other place, there could be moments where potential dangers exist.

Taking A Cruise Make It A Romantic Getaway

Ed — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:10:01 +0000

Taking a cruise can be one of the most authentically romantic experiences that you can share with your loved one. The water, the stars, the clear sky…these are all things that SCREAM love and romance and make a cruise an excellent choice for an engagement trip, a honeymoon, or just a run of the mill romantic getaway.

Cruises are a great option for a romantic getaway for several reasons. The first reason is that if you take a cruise to spend time with your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend, chances are that you were not the only one with that great idea. Cruises are a great time to make "couple friends" all across the United States and even the world! Also, cruises are on the ocean away from a great majority of the woes of the world, and it is a great time to reflect on your relationship and put in quality time.

Honeymooners and newlyweds are among the most popular groups of people that come on board cruise ships these days. To accommodate this, many cruise lines will offer perks to couples just starting out, such as wedding cake, breakfast in bed, or special fluffy robes in their state rooms. In some cases, perks like this are freebies, but in cases where there are no freebies available to you cruise lines do tend to offer some pretty neat deals. For example, some cruise lines will give the new husband (or wife, for that matter) the option of pre ordering roses that the crew will place in your cabin or state room prior to your boarding. Still others will offer special tables for two with a view for honeymooning couples on their ship, which is pretty hard to come by on a cruise ship without a reservation.

Carnival Cruises is one of the most popular lines for honeymooners, or even couples who are looking to put the spice back into their relationship and may appear to be honey mooning. Carnival is among those cruise lines that offer free wedding cake to their honey mooning couples at dinner on their first night out at sea. For a fee of course, the Carnival Cruise crew will also decorate your door and cabin with balloons, banners, and flags congratulating the happy couple on their nuptials. Carnival also has a honeymoon package available for purchase that includes champagne and two champagne glasses, tee shirts, visors, cameras and other vacation paraphernalia, as well as drink specials, a framed picture, and a bottle of champagne.

Princess cruises also offers an excellent experience for honeymooners. They decorate the door and the inside of the state room of the happy couple, using Mylar balloons and banners for free, and they have the same free wedding cake offer as the Carnival line. Princess also has two honey moon packages available to their happy new couples. The most inexpensive one is called the Honeymoon Experience and for a little under $150 dollars the newlyweds are given champagne, two engraved champagne flutes, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and two long stemmed roses. The Princess Honeymoon Experience is the pricier option of the two, but it is a good deal, offering the same as its cheaper version, adding a couples massage, fluffy robes, breakfast in bed with champagne, and special hors douevrs delivered to their room with dinner.

Cruises That Can Truly Make The Experience Much More Enjoyable

Ed — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:38:01 +0000

Everyone of you should be able to enjoy a fabulous getaway once in awhile, no doubt about that. People everywhere that do get to go away on fabulous cruises can tell you that it is probably one of the most exciting and memorable times in their lives. Cruises have so much fun to offer and going on one will seriously spoil the heck out of you. There are so many different cruises to choose from so if you and your family are interested all you have to do is either visit your local travel agent or just get on the internet and do a little research, before too long you and your family will get the chance to escape from it all, going and enjoying a fantastic cruise together, having the time of your lives. It is so important for all families, whether they can afford it or not, to just forget about work and forget about bills for just a moment and take the time out of that busy schedule to get out of town, get away from everyone and go make wonderful memories, memories that could never be replaced. It will really make you feel rejuvenated and you and your family will feel closer to one another than ever.

Cruise lines, depending on which one you choose, will have so many different and thrilling events lined up for you while you are on board. Depending on what your preferences are, there is definitely something there for everyone, no doubt about that. If you just want to lay out beside the pools and relax, having a few delicious drinks, then you can do that. If you are interested in all of the fine dining or late evenings dancing it up on the dance floors, there is something there for you as well. I am telling you, by going on cruises you will never have to worry about having any dull moments and all you will get to look forward to is making fabulous memories that will be out of this world and just being stress free for awhile. It will be unforgettable and you had better make sure that you take plenty of photographs while you are on board because once you are back home and all that old stress starts to hit hard again, just take a moment to pull out your photo album from the cruise that you and your family went on and sit back with some family members or friends to enjoy browsing through the many amazing photographs and you can tell stories about the cruise for many years to come.

Cruises can set you back a pretty penny but every penny spent will be totally worth it because anyone who has even had the luxury of enjoying cruises can tell you that it was splendid and they are so thankful that they and their family members had the opportunity to go away on a fantastic cruise together, to have such an incredible experience.

Fun Times You Could Have On Casino Cruises

Ed — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:06:01 +0000

Many people decide to take fun and exciting cruises so that they can just get away from all the everyday stresses that tend to follow them throughout their everyday lives. Going on cruises can be a very exciting time and there are so many different and amazing things that you will have the opportunity to enjoy while being on any type of cruise. If you have never experienced going on a cruise as of yet then I suggest that you first do some research over the internet, so that you can see exactly what all different types of cruises have to offer to you and so that you can find one that best suits your wants and expectations. Several people just love the opportunity to get to go on casino cruises and let me tell you, this type of cruise can be extremely thrilling and everyone on board is there for the same purpose, to have a great time, enjoy the amazing drinks and to hopefully bring home some money once it is all said and done!

There are many locations that do not permit gambling of any sort, so definitely make sure that you take some time out to do some planning and preparations first, so that you can find exactly what you are looking for, when it comes to an enjoyable time on a casino cruise. Gambling can be very addictive, so please make sure that you are wise enough not to bring too much money along with you, no more than you could actually afford to lose anyway. Losing money can really be devastating for some people but when they are addicted to gambling, they tend to forget about the dire consequences of losing all of that money, they are only thinking about right then, at the moment, just how much fun they are having and are hoping and expecting to win big, no matter what. So, if you are going to go on casino cruises, please make sure that you do it in a very responsible manner and that you do have your priorities straight before you take off and blow all of your money.

This will be an amazing trip and you will have an opportunity to meet some amazing people as well, while having an incredible time playing some of your most favorite games. Just be very careful and cautious while you are on board and always remember that it is for fun, so that you do not take the entire trip way too seriously and become a sore loser while you are cruising along. Casino cruises are exciting, the people are awesome, the food and drinks are unbelievable and all of your gaming options are just incredible. If you can do this and do it the right way, it is just about a guarantee that you will absolutely have the time of your life! Start browsing through the internet right now and maybe you could make future plans to go on a casino cruise by yourself or with some friends, it will really be a blast for you all!

Cruising In Hawaii

Ed — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:07:01 +0000

The islands of Hawaii are a dream destination for many travelers, and a cruise that incorporates all four of the state's beautiful islands could be just the ticket for your vacation plans. Each island has its own beauty and charm and is not the same as the others. From "Big Island" to Maui, to Oahu, to Kauai, there is something different and special about each local flavor. The best way to get a real taste of Hawaii, is to try the sample platter. Below, here is a little bit of what each individual island has to offer.

Kauai is the smallest and furthest from the "Big Island," but do not count it out in terms of local culture. Nicknamed the "Garden Island" for its rich wildlife and beautiful scenery, the island of Kauai is home to all kinds of different nature-based activities. You can go kayaking, biking, tubing, whale watching, off road sightseeing, picnicking, snorkeling, on eco tours, dinner cruises, or see a little bit of everything from an airplane tour. The best that Hawaii's nature ha to offer is on the beautiful island of Kauai, and it is often used in Hollywood films for its representation of the natural wildlife of Hawaii, from garden to beach to Waimea Canyon, which you can traverse on a day long tour while visiting the island.

Working your way back toward "Big Island," your cruise boat will stop next at Oahu, the next largest island in the Hawaiian quartet. Home to the famous Waikiki beach resort, Oahu is known as the gathering place, and has been the dominant island in the chain since Honolulu was declared the capital some two hundred years ago. You can find most of the comforts of home on this developed island, but you can also go snorkeling or skydiving along the beautiful coast of the island. You can make a stop at Pearl Harbor for a bit of historical learning, and then go across the island to check out the Polynesian Cultural Center and fin out more about the rich cultural history of the island's natives.

Like the rest of Hawaii's islands, Maui has a host of outdoor activities, from kayaking, to biking, to ATV tours and more. Learn to parasail or surf off the coast or attend an evening luau. Some of the finest beaches and golf courses in the world are located on this island, and the summit of the Haleakala volcano is truly a sight to behold.

Moving on to our final island, your cruise will pull up to "Big Island," which is also called Hawaii. It is actually larger than the rest of the three islands combined, and so there is a lot more to see and do. While Hawaii boasts much of the same activities as the other islands, including eco tours, island day trips, and surfing, there are things that you can only do on the island of Hawaii, such as touring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Whatever you decide to do, there is plenty of natural beauty around and lots of outdoor activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Traveling Light On A Cruise

Ed — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:36:01 +0000

On a cruise, you would meet new people and new people means, new impressions. How could be impression be formed? There are factors and though it is shallow to think of, the way a person dresses up affects how people around look at him or her. A well-dressed person is often regarded of as a confident person. But, others are so timid to look at.

How could one still be fashionable without having to carry the whole closet? You are on your way away from home; packing is the next thing to consider. As you travel, you must bear in mind that you have to travel light, bring what is only important and what are your must-haves. It will be a big hassle on your part if you carry with you an extremely heavy bag, Instead of giving you the break of your life, it will surely break your shoulders apart.

Packing the things you need is so important. How to do it?

Casual, formal and informal are things or clothes one must consider bringing as present from them In daylight, shorts tees, Capri pants, sneakers, slippers and simple tees are fine for me. These are sources of comfort and they are much suited for the ordinary days. Your bikinis, sunscreen lotion, flip flops, sunglasses, and your necessities for the beach.

For the night time something a little formal will do the trick, try on something strap for women and for men, trousers and blazer may do. Dressing up does not mean that you have to be very fancy, all you need to have is presentable clothes, easy to carry and the most important thing is it is being worn with confidence.

Being on a cruise does not mean you have to forget how you look especially if you are out for the singles cruise. There you have to be attractive in some ways because you are there in search for someone. Traveling light while not having to look messy will surely make your cruise unforgettable.

Always take care of your belongings when you set out for a cruise, traveling light will help you do this much easier. Moreover, having so many loads to carry along your trip will not help you achieved your purpose of relaxation. It would even resort to stress or anxiety- so beware!

It will be hassle- free, stress-free and it may be a wonderful start of something you have been wishing for, with someone you have been waiting for.

Staying Healthy On A Cruise

Ed — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:49:01 +0000

So you're taking a cruise vacation, and you want to prepare yourself for a great, worry-free time away from it all. Deciding what to pack can be hectic. People remember (and forget) all kinds of things, but one area many people don't consider is that of medical and health supplies. It's a little known fact that oftentimes cruise ships are not required to have any minimums of medical staff or medical equipment on board. Although emergencies should be left in the hands of the professionals, you can save yourself a lot of time (and headaches) by preparing yourself in advance for the little things.

For starters, far too many people boarding cruise ships forget the simplest thing of all: sunscreen. Sure, if you choose to, you can spend a lot of your cruise time indoors, but why would you? The views, the sunshine, and the endless water are all up on deck. Go up and enjoy them, but don't do it without sunscreen. Not only will it protect you against the obvious things like skin cancer and sun damage, but it will also ensure you don't spend half of your vacation lying down with a miserable case of sun sickness or sunburn! If you do forget your sunscreen, you can purchase some on board most cruise boats, but it's a lot more economical to bring your own. Along with sunscreen, don't forget other sun-protecting items like a wide-brimmed hat, a sheer cover-up or tee-shirt, and lip balm. Bring some aloe vera in case sunburn does occur, and a box of baking soda for cooling baths if necessary. These things don't take up much space in your suitcase, and if you need them you'll be awfully glad you have them.

The same goes for over-the-counter medications. It goes without saying that you must remember to bring any prescription drugs you have been prescribed, but if you bring your own over-the-counters like aspirin, cold pills, and flu medicine, you will be that much further ahead of the game. Purchasing these things on board may blow half of your vacation budget if you're not careful. Don't forget to bring stomach medication and perhaps some seasickness tablets. Getting stomach aches on board is fairly common due to the water and the sunshine- not to mention all the rich and exotic foods people on vacation tend to eat! Also, if you do carry prescription medications on board, make sure to keep copies of all of your prescriptions. Should the need arise either on ship or in port somewhere, you will want to be able to prove that you have the prescriptions under a doctor's orders.

Your mother probably told you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… well, she was right. Don't leave your health, or the health of your family, in the hands of someone else. Make sure your vacation is an enjoyable one by being ready for what may come up. After all, you wouldn't venture to a foreign city without packing some supplies, so why would you board a cruise ship without being equally prepared?