A New Queen Rules the Seas - Queen Victoria Sets Sail December 2007

by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved

For the first time in its history, Cunard Cruise Line will have three stately ladies ruling the seas. The trio includes Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and - as of December 2007 - Queen Victoria. Though many aspects of Queen Victoria will ring true with Cunard cruise enthusiasts, she quickly shows she has her own personality and her own agenda.

What passengers will relish most is Queen Victoria's dedication to the Cunard standard of luxurious White Star Service at every turn. This dedication by every crewmember ensures each guest is utterly pampered with his/her every request being met.

Grandeur and Elegance Reign Supreme

Following in her sisters' footsteps, Queen Victoria has been elegantly adorned with an exceptional décor reminiscent of the most elegant ships ever to sail. A common element found throughout the ship is the use of interesting and sometimes dramatic staircases.

The English Library spans two decks and houses over 6,000 books. The central point is a delightfully wonderful spiral staircase leading from 2 Deck to 3 Deck. Two full-time librarians are available to assist with finding the perfect novel to whisk you away to worlds unknown.

The three-tiered Grand Lobby offers finishes of mahogany and marble along with intricate metalwork and ornamental glass. However, what is truly grand about this lobby is the sweeping staircase laced with wrought iron and a marble stringer. Unmistakably sophisticated, this centerpiece is offset by a chandelier and other details one would expect on a ship of this caliber.

The Britannia Restaurant, the main dining room, set in the stern of the vessel, offers yet another classic architectural highlight with its expansive staircase framed by decorative pillars, archways, and bronze and glasswork accents. Described by Cunard as a "contemporary interpretation of a dramatic and elegant restaurant from the golden age of liners," Britannia will offer exceptional cuisine intended to impress travelers from all across the globe.

New Innovations Enhance Tradition

Those familiar with Cunard will recognize the comfortably sized interior and ocean view staterooms. Expertly designed to offer the most space, all cabins offer bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, safe, refrigerator, satellite TV, 24-hour room service and nightly turndown service complete with pillow chocolates.

For those seeking a more elaborate cruise vacation, Queen Victoria will not disappoint. Staterooms are available in Princess Grill and Queen's Grill suites with up to 2,131 square feet. Amenities include private courtyards, dedicated wait staff, marble bath with whirlpool and impressive ocean views via your private balcony.

Delightful surprises aboard Queen Victoria include al fresco dining in the Courtyard Terrace, private box seats on the upper level of the Royal Court Theater and a grand conservatory complete with retractable glass roof and luxurious rattan furniture.

Queen Victoria also offers the latest technology via an Internet Café and the ConneXions Conference Center, which will accommodate enrichment programs as well as business events.

Sailing the World

Queen Victoria will enter service December 2007 with two maiden voyages: one 10-day voyage on December 11 to Northern Europe and one 16-day cruise on December 21 to the Canary Islands and Morocco. Unlike her sister ships, Queen Victoria will offer primarily longer itineraries of 21 days or longer.

Sailing the world, Queen Victoria can transport guests to such exotic locales as Singapore, Sydney, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera. For those who truly want it all, Queen Victoria offers 106-day world cruises as well.

Steeped in a heritage of classic elegance, Queen Victoria is a legacy offering incomparable service combined with unique onboard experiences and exceptional ports of call. For avid cruisers, she will provide any opportunity for adventure and romance like no other.

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals on vacations from including Cunard Cruise Lines.

The Whales Of Kauai

by Daniel Thomas

Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls are all marvels of the natural world. But one of nature's greatest spectacles lies in one of the planet's most remote areas.

The majestic Na Pali Coast of Kauai is a spectacular wilderness area that the typical tourist will never see. Located along Kauai's remote North Shore, the Na Pali Coast is an awe-inspiring 6,175 acres; and although it has been converted into a state park, and remains as isolated from civilization as it was many centuries ago. Practically inaccessible to vehicular traffic, the Na Pali Coast is ideal for adventurous hikers and campers. However, to truly appreciate the unmitigated view of the famous and breathtaking cliffs, your best bet is to travel by helicopter or boat.

If fate allows you to cruise the 15-mile stretch of Na Pali Coastline, you will witness an awesome view of the stunning 4,000-foot cliffs. The area was named for these rugged cliffs, as "pali" is the Hawaiian word for "cliffs". As you near the coastline, you will see these cliffs rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, occasionally giving way to gaps and revealing wide stretches of golden sand, deep jungle valleys and the mysterious sea caves between.

Winter is the best time to go on a cruise up and down the Na Pali Coast, as that is when the humpback whales frequent the Kauai waters. If you take a chartered ship, your captain will likely know exactly where these wonderful sea creatures can be seen. Truly fortunate sight-seekers will have the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy a spectacular show by these playful dirigibles of the deep as they perform with sea turtles, dolphins and other oceanic creatures.

Humpback whales can be measure 40 feet in length and can weigh up to 85,000 pounds. The fifth largest of the world's greatest whales, humpbacks are seen only in Hawaii over the winter months. Federal law protects these breathtaking creatures, so their population is rising. Plan a tour of the Na Pali Coast during humpback season, and you're sure to witness a fantastic spectacle of nature.

Na Pali boat tours are not necessarily restricted to the coastline. Both Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach (named one of America's Top 40 Beaches by the National Geographic Traveler) are well-known Na Pali Coast State Park destinations. You can also visit the famous arch of Honopu, or the stunning fringing reefs of Nualolo and Milolii.

Depending on your itinerary and how adventurous you feel, the tour options you choose can be as wildly exciting as the Na Pali coastline itself. Most boat companies launch their charter tours from west side harbours. However, you can choose to sail from the quaint town of Hanalei if you choose to charter one of the smaller companies. Cruises to Ni'ihau are also available, providing you the opportunity to stop for a bit of snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tips to Successful Kauai Whale Watching:

* Choose a professional boat company, with a captain who knows where to find the whales and more importantly, respects the safety and environment of the whales

* Catamarans, cruise vessels, sailboats and rubber zodiac rafts are all good choices for whale watching

* Bring your camera so that you can preserve this incredible sight forever. You could be in for a wet ride, especially if you'll be riding in the bow area of the boat. Consider bringing waterproof, disposable cameras.

* Binoculars give you a closer observation of whale behavior, but they can be tricky to use if the water is rough. Your best bet for binoculars is to choose a pair with 8 x 40, or 7 x 50 dimensions.

* Keep a keen eye. You could see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, albatross and other sea birds and animals, in addition to humpback whales. Pay attention and see what you can spot in the air and in the water.

* Dress accordingly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Remember, you'll be in a boat, so be prepared to get wet. Wear your beach clothes, and bring a towel. If you decide to bring extra clothes to change into, make sure you keep them in a waterproof bag.

* If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to take homeopathic or non-prescription motion sickness prevention medication at least one hour before getting on a boat. Your trip will likely include the North Shore, where winter waves can swell to 10-30 feet, so the ride can get very bumpy at higher speeds. Medicated motion sickness treatments can make you drowsy and you don't want to miss a thing, so consider a non-medicinal alternative. Dry bread, crackers, ginger, papaya and avoiding alcohol can help reduce nausea.

Traveling is a great way to witness nature's most impressive sites firsthand, but the truly adventurous travelers go to where others only dream of. When planning your next journey, plan on cruising the Na Pali coastline with humpback whales. It will be an experience you'll never forget.

About the Author
Daniel Thomas contributes articles to several online magazines, on recreation and travel and oceans issues.

The Master of Design: Joe Farcus, Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Architect

by Roy Witman

Who in the world came up with these ideas? Aboard the Carnival Celebration you'll find yourself transported into the heyday of New Orleans Mardi Gras. On Fascination and Hollywood, you can step back into the golden era of ocean liners with vintage designs throughout the ships. But who thinks up and executes these amazing design plans? Joe Farcus, that's who!

Joe Farcus is the ship architect for Carnival Cruise Lines. It is his vision passengers see each time they step foot onto a Fun Ship®. Raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Farcus always fantasized about ships. His constant sketching of ocean liners was no doubt part of the reason he pursued an architectural degree. After graduation from the University of Florida in 1967, Farcus landed his first Carnival project - the redesign of the Carnivale - while employed for a local architectural firm.

Described as bold, daring and sometimes even brash, Farcus creates interior designs from his heart and his imagination. Working from an initial central concept, Farcus expands from idea to application, as his vision touches every part of the ship. From atriums to restaurants to staterooms, full control of the aesthetics of the ship is placed in the hands of this one man, as he gives each ship its own distinct personality.

Miracle is whimsical with an array of fictional characters splashed about throughout her common areas. Spirit is refined, featuring a Louis XIV-inspired casino and Chippendale Internet Café. Destiny is dazzling and bright with a towering mirrored atrium elevator that stretches nine-decks high.

Where do the ideas come from? The Amber Palace show lounge (on Glory) was fashioned after the Amber Room in Russia while the Starry Night Jazz Club (aboard Pride) was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's painting of the same name.

What lies ahead for future ships? Freedom, set to debut in 2007, will carry a central theme of Decades Through the Centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the Victorian era to 1970s disco and beyond, passengers will walk through time, as they sail the sea. When asked about the concept, Farcus replied, "I thought it would be interesting to go back in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms. As always, I tried to use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect the central design idea."

And other ships? What does Farcus hold in store for them? Splendor is slated to enter service in the fall of 2008, and Carnival has a super liner (yet to be named) under construction and scheduled for delivery in fall 2009. "I design each ship to tell a story, and it gives me great joy to be able to share these stories with guests." So much so, in fact, that Carnival will soon be broadcasting videos aboard ship highlighting Joe Farcus and his design process.

With a seemingly never-ending supply of brilliant design concepts, Joe Farcus will surely continue to contribute to the fun that the Carnival Fun Ships® have become so famous for.

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals including Hawaii cruises and others.

NCL Freestyle's Newest Ship - Norwegian Pearl

by Roy Witman

The youngest fleet at sea. That's the goal of NCL Freestyle, and they are continuing in their efforts with the call to service of Norwegian Pearl. Purpose-built to deliver Freestyle Cruising, Pearl is currently sailing through the Inside Passage of Alaska and to the southern and western Caribbean.

Shipboard Amenities

Several features set Pearl apart from other ships including her 14 bars and lounges, more than any other cruise line. Making use of an innovative Bar Central concept, Pearl offers a martini bar, champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.

Exclusive to NCL Freestyle Cruising are Garden Villas. With shared access to a private pool, hot tub, sun deck and workout facility, families that opt for the Garden Villas can take advantage of a private staff of five butlers who are at your beck and call.

Families choosing NCL Freestyle Cruising have more options than the Garden Villas. Connecting rooms in almost every class make for family-friendly vacations regardless of budget. For those cruising as couples, other accommodations are available including value-minded inside staterooms that allow you to make the most of your vacation dollars. Each cabin includes TV, refrigerator, safe, duvet and hair dryer.

Another unique aspect of Pearl is her rock-climbing wall - a first on a NCL Freestyle cruise ship. Positioned high atop Deck 14, you can see for miles once you reach the top of the wall. But, the most innovative feature by far is her bowling alley at sea - a first on any cruise ship! Included within an entertainment complex called Bliss, passengers will be able to use the four-lane, 10-pin bowling alley during the day. This sports bar will also feature sporting events via television, air hockey, foosball and other arcade games. At night, however, Bliss will be transformed into a high-energy lounge with videos and music.

Destinations

Pearl is making her way through the frigid waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sailing from Seattle, Pearl calls on ports including Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, plus Victoria, British Columbia.

While in the 49th US state, you'll have plenty of opportunities to participate in excursions, including dogsled adventures, rainforest canopy and zip line exploits, whale encounters and wilderness kayaking.

If warm and sunny sounds more appealing to you than cold and frosty, then board Pearl in Miami for a southern or western Caribbean tour. Spending nine days flirting with the sun in balmy Barbados, Antigua or St. John is the perfect way to de-stress. Five-day cruises to Cozumel or Belize are also available.

Kid-Friendly Vacation

Of course, Pearl has plenty for the kids to do. With numerous age-appropriate group activities, kids of all ages can have a blast while at sea. The Kid's Crew program provides a t-shirt (for painting), mom and dad's night out, a chef's hat (for cooking class), Crew News and more. Junior Sailors (ages 2-5), First Mates (ages 6-9) and Navigators (ages 10-12) all have special, supervised games and activities. Children under 12 are not allowed to leave the area unless picked up by a parent.

Teens also get special treatment onboard Pearl. With their own disco, movie events and teen parties, they'll have a wonderful time meeting kids their own age.

NCL Freestyle Cruising allows you to choose how you dress, when you dine, who you dine with and what you do. This new freedom in cruising is only expanded with the addition of Pearl to the fleet of the youngest ships at sea.

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals including Alaska cruises.

Staying Safe While Vacationing in Mexico

by Christos Varsamis

Taking precaution for your safety is the best way to prevent a tragedy from occurring while vacationing in Mexico. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with safety precautions, you should be able to have a safe and enjoyable vacation while in Mexico.

When traveling, it is important to make sure that you do not bring large amounts of cash, excess credit cards, or flashy jewelry with you. You will already draw attention to yourself, just because you are a tourist; don't draw additional attention to yourself by flashing large amounts of cash when out on the town. There are many people who are looking for unsuspecting targets. You need to protect yourself from those who are out to rob or hurt you. Use common sense and behave wisely while in Mexico. Doing so will likely lower your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

Though it is very important to make sure that you are using good judgment and common sense to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a crime, it is also important to make sure that you protect yourself physically while in Mexico as well. One way to prevent an illness is to watch what you are drinking. When you are traveling to Mexico, be sure to only drink bottled water. The water found in the United States is different than the water found in Mexico. To protect yourself and prevent any serious illnesses, you urged to only drink bottled water.

Along with water, you should also make sure that you use safety precautions with the food that you eat. If you are staying in a hotel resort or taking a cruise, your food will most likely be covered with your package. These foods are deemed safe. However, there are times that you may want to take advantage of the local food. When doing so, you should practice safe handling instructions for food, like you do back home. Take the time to thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables before eating them. If you are going to eat dairy products from the locals, there is a good possibility that the products are non-pasteurized. This means that you should always use caution when choosing what foods you eat in Mexico.

Health insurance is another important factor to consider when you are visiting Mexico. If you become sick or injured, you will need to know if your insurance will cover the costs of your healthcare. Not all health insurance companies provide coverage to those vacationing in Mexico. You are advised to check with your individual insurance carrier to see if you will be covered while in Mexico. If not, it may be possible that you can add additional coverage to your policy. You can also purchase temporary health insurance that will cover you while you are on vacation. Whatever health insurance method you choose, make sure that you take care of your health insurance needs before you embark on your journey.

When vacationing in Mexico, it is always important to remember that things are not the same they may be back at your home. To stay safe, on a number of different levels, you are encouraged to keep the above mentioned precautions in mind. For additional information on staying healthy in Mexico, you may want to speak with your family physician. When dealing with your health, it is better to take extra precautions than no precautions at all.

About the Author
Christos Varsamis is a Marketing consultant .Learn how to save hundreds, even thousands on international flights and Powerful tactics to save on airfare, hotels, cruises, rental cars http://www.fastprofitbiz.com/travel-secrets-guide.html

Cruise Honeymoon

by Low Jeremy

Many dream of a perfect wedding; exchanging vows at the beach, drinking champagne at an exotic place, and enjoying the special moment with family and love ones. So after the ceremony comes the best part: the honeymoon. Well, it is not a personal statement. If you ask most couples what type of honeymoon is the best, many would answer, "cruise honeymoon".

And why not?

Imagine you and your wife travel anywhere in the world and enjoying the calmness of the sea and enjoying each other's company together with nature at its best. Imagine you have all the time in the world, sleeping at any hour of the day, watching the stars in the sky and relaxing in a luxurious ship that seems to be designed for both of you. Imagine you get all the luxury in the world while witnessing the beauty of it all at the same time and at the same place.

Yes, all these you can get if you take the honeymoon cruise.

If you can imagine it, then you can get the real sense of it. Booking for a honeymoon cruise is easier and much cheaper nowadays. Many ships have given special attention to newlyweds to enjoy their first days of married life. This result to honeymoon cruise packages. These packages include everything you need; dinner for two, luxurious suite, champagne, and other on-board amenities you need to fully enjoy your honeymoon.

Cruise ships are much easier to locate. With the help of the internet, you can locate cruise liners that offer honeymoon cruise. Here are some cruise lines that offer honeymoon cruises and honeymoon packages: Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity, Crystal Cruises, Costa Cruise Line, Cunard Line, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Orient, Royal Caribbean, Radisson, SeaBourn, Windstar and SilverSea. All these provide the best honeymoon experience you expect.

If in case you want to get married on board, there are several honeymoon cruises that offer this service. Some of these are Disney Cruise, Princess Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

And if you think of destinations, honeymoon cruises offer a worldwide vacations that suite your desire. You can have tropical cruise, Caribbean cruise, European cruise, Hawaii cruise, and more.

The bottom line here is, whenever you want to go, whatever kind of luxury you need, and whatever experience you desire, honeymoon cruise could satisfy every single nerve in your body that would make this once in a lifetime experience worthwhile.

About the Author
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on honeymoon & other useful information, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com

NCL Freestyle Cruising: Vacations the Way You Always Wanted

by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved

NCL Freestyle Cruising is radically different from any other cruise line. Rather than adhering to preset schedules, you actually get to relax and enjoy your vacation. Traditionally, cruise lines are famous for setting schedules and rules for dining, seating arrangements, dress codes, activity times and more. However, NCL Freestyle Cruising set out to break that mold and free vacationers to spend their time the way they wanted to. After all, isn't that what a vacation is all about?

Stripping the restrictions from the cruise experience, NCL Freestyle Cruising brings a fun, whimsical and unconventional environment to all its ships. With the newest fleet at sea, NCL has either built or recently retrofitted all its vessels specifically for the Freestyle Cruising experience.

While aboard, you're completely on your own schedule. Eat whenever you like. Sit with whoever you want. Dress however suits you. Do whatever you choose. The clock stops ticking the moment you come onboard. You can be free to enjoy a laidback atmosphere filled with fun, adventure and relaxation just the way you always wanted.

Freestyle Dining

Unlike other cruise lines that make you dine at a specific time, in a specific dining room, Freestyle dining operates just like making a reservation at your favorite spot back home. Restaurants open at 5:30 p.m. and stay open until midnight. You choose the dining room and cuisine that suits you that day and make a reservation, so you can eat when you want to eat. A wide range of menu selections gives you more taste-tempting treats than you might be able to hold. From Italian to French, from sushi to burgers and fries, the choices are all yours.

Freestyle Dress Code

What's the dress code while NCL Freestyle Cruising? Simply put, there isn't one! No evening gown and tuxedo are required (unless you want to dress for dinner). For dinner, shows, nightclubs or anything else on the ship, "resort casual" is as dressed up as you will ever be expected to get. For those who like to get decked out for the night, many restaurants offer formal options.

Freestyle Activities

Want to do it all? Or rather do nothing at all? It's entirely up to you. Get active with a round at the golf driving range. Practice your backhand with a set of tennis. Relax and melt away with a multitude of luxurious spa treatments or just sit on deck and watch the world go by. When it comes to excursions, each port of call offers an exciting array of activities, tours and shopping.

Freestyle Service

While NCL Freestyle Cruising may be drastically different from other cruise lines in many respects, one thing is certain: Service is the top priority. With a premium level of guest services on every ship, you'll find that the atmosphere is casual, but the attentive pampering you receive is highly rated.

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals on NCL Freestyle Cruising including Alaska cruises.

The Importance Of Travel Health Insurance

by Geoff Spencer

Nothing is worse, when on vacation or travel abroad than a medical crisis that you are unable to deal with. It is wise to protect yourself buy purchasing travel insurance which at the very least will give you a level of security in those circumstances.

You never know when misfortune strikes, heart attacks, missed flights, natural disasters may all be covered under a travel insurance policy. Although it won't prevent the crisis, it would considerably improve the situation after the fact.

There are many types of travel insurance. You can purchase basic insurance that helps you in the event that you are moved off a flight or you missed your cruise to types that cover issues such as loss, health issues or theft. There are policies that are purchased before the trip or during the trip. For example if you broke your leg just before a walking tour of England, your insurance would cover deposits or pre-paid costs likewise if you were on your trip and your leg was broken, then you can have it attended to without worrying about the exclusion or inclusion of various treatments on your current policy.

The travel insurance can be purchased from an insurance agent or a travel agent. The policy may vary in duration. It can be set, for example for two weeks, or be bought on a day to day basis, or for the package holiday, you may have a flat rate.

Travel health care insurance is very useful. You may get coverage for things you don't consider when traveling, such as injury or death to yourself, family members or travel companions; accidents and the like that end up in hospital; ambulance costs; medi-copter; urgent dental care; and things like transportation back to the US, and evacuation. Many comprehensive insurance policies in the US may not protect you from occurrences abroad.

When planning a trip, go through your current health care package and review exactly what you are covered under to figure out what you might need if you travel abroad. Don't hesitate to contact your provider if you are unsure about any part of your agreement. Make sure you understand what documents you need to carry and if you are traveling with others find out whether you need to purchase individual insurance coverage or whether you can get a group policy. This would reduce the costs involved in buying duplicate coverage.

Travel health insurance can be a lifesaver but it may not be needed at all. Whether it is needed or not depends on you and how much risk you want to take. It also depends on the nature of your trip. A trip like white water rafting or going to Africa may be more risky than a train tour. It also depends on what you can afford. Figure out how much the expenses are and the risk and the price of peace of mind before you get your policy.


About the Author
Geoff Spencer is a staff writer at Insurance Gazette and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Online Business Gazette.

Packing for Your Alaska Cruise Vacation

The sometimes extreme and always unpredictable Alaska weather will be a big factor in the success of your vacation. During your Alaska cruise vacation you may experience temperature differences from the 40s to the 80s (single digits to 20s Celsius). The days will be long, with the sun all but refusing to set, and people will be energized by the extra daylight hours.

You'll likely encounter some rain, but there could also be weeks of sunny skies with no rain at all. You're less likely to encounter snow, but it is a remote possibility, especially in the spring. Weather plays a factor in what you need to pack, with the must-haves on an Alaska cruise including a raincoat, an umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy.

A swimsuit is also a must if your ship has a pool (sometimes covered, sometimes heated) or hot tubs. Even in the summer, temperatures in Alaska may not go much higher than the 50s or 60s (low or high teens Celsius), although they also may go into the 70s or 80s (low to high 20s Celsius). Having layers of clothing that you can peel off if the weather is hot and add if the weather is cold is the most convenient approach.

Important to Pack Items

What you choose to pack obviously involves a lot of personal choice, but here's a suggested list of some items that everyone should bring along for their Alaska Cruise:

- A lightweight, waterproof coat or jacket - Two sweaters or fleece pullovers, or substitute a warm vest for one - A warm hat and gloves - Two to four pairs of pants or jeans - Two pairs walking shoes (preferably waterproof) - Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) - Bug spray (Alaska has 55 different kinds of mosquitoes) - Sunglasses - Binoculars (some small ships stock them for guest use, but none of the big ships do)v - A camera, preferably with a telephoto or zoom lens - Film (bring more than you think you'll need) - Formal wear (with accessories) if your ship has formal nights (not all do) - Semis dressy wear for informal nights

Some people suffer over what to pack for a cruise vacation, but there's no reason to worry. Except for the addition of a formal night or two, an Alaska cruise vacation is really no different from any resort vacation. And in some cases, it's much more casual. Don't feel you have to go out and buy "cruise wear". Sweatshirts, jeans, and jogging outfits are what is must used during the day.

Dinner is dress up time on most ships, although several have begun to offer more casual alternatives. And the small adventure type ships are all casual all the time. Generally, ships describe proper dinner attire as formal, informal or semiformal (the two terms mean the same thing in this case), or casual. There are usually 2 formal nights and 2 informal (or semiformal) nights during a weeklong cruise, with the rest casual; check with your Alaska cruise line for specifics.

Formal, although the term has gotten somewhat more relaxed recently, generally means a tux or dark suit with tie for men, and a nice cocktail dress, long dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit for women. Informal (or semiformal) is a jacket, tie, and dress slacks, or a light suit, for men (jeans are frowned upon), and a dress, skirt and blouse, or pants outfit for women (the ubiquitous little black dress is appropriate here).

Casual at dinner means a sports shirt or open-collar dress shirt with slacks for men (some will also wear a jacket), and a casual dress, pants outfit, or skirt and blouse for women. Recently, a new term (country-club casual) has developed. This is pretty much the same as informal without the tie. For country club casual nights, dress as you would to go out to dinner at a midrange restaurant.

Many ships offer dry cleaning and laundry services (for a fee, of course), and some offer coin operated laundry facilities. Check your Alaska cruise line's brochures for details. Using these services can save you a lot of packing. Lastly, don't worry! Packing should be a simple task. Pack before hand, around a 1-2 weeks before your Alaska cruise and make a checklist to make sure you have all your necessities to have a relaxing and amazing Alaska cruise vacation.


About the Author
Marleny is dedicated to writing about Alaska cruises. Find the best information and tips for your trip at Alaska Cruise Vacation.

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!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved

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

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Escape To Jamaica - Exploring Montego Bay

by Joe Goertz

Located on the north western coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay is the country's second largest city. Montego Bay also happens to be one of the Caribbean's hottest destinations. Tourists flock to Montego Bay by air and sea. Many major cruise lines include Montego Bay on their list of ports of call. Hotels offer all-inclusive packages ensuring that travellers' meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverage costs are covered.

Montego Bay is packed with exciting charms. There is plenty to see and do during a visit to the island. Dining, dancing, sight seeing, and shopping are among the popular choices. Montego Bay also houses some of the world's greatest natural attractions.

In February 2004, Half Moon Cove became home to a number of trained dolphins. Tourists have the opportunity to play and swim with dolphins in their natural environment. A dolphin swim can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Heading further inland, Croydon Plantation is open daily. At Croydon Plantation, guests can experience the bustling activity that occurs within a plantation's grounds. Pineapples and a wide variety of citrus fruits are harvested daily.

Canyon River Whitewater Rafting offers daily outings. Tourists can take a raft ride down Canyon River, which passes through a pristine rainforest. Children four years of age and older are allowed on the rafting trips. All trips include lunch and beverages. This is an excellent way to see a completely different side of Montego Bay.

Montego Bay is home to Mobay Tours, a boating company offering exquisite undersea tours. The semi-submersed boat boasts large glass windows that allow tourists to view the sea from a new angle. Guests to Montego Bay can stay dry while experiencing a colorful array of fish, sharks, and other aquatic life.

Windsor Caves is one of Montego Bay, Jamaica's hottest tourist attractions. The huge caves are accessible to experienced spelunkers, though other tourists are allowed up to the roped entry. Daring travelers can see huge bats hanging from the cave's ceiling and stunning limestone rock formations. Windsor Caves boasts the country's largest bat population and the bat guano is used at many of the plantations as fertilizer.

Montego Bay houses a large number of all-inclusive hotels. Hotels can be slightly inland or right on some of Jamaica's pristine beaches. The selection is varied and easily booked online.

Tourists heading to Montego Bay should have a current passport. United States citizens are allowed to skip this requirement and instead offer a notarized copy of his or her birth certificate along with a photo identification card.

So this is my suggestion for your next vacation. It will not be any close of being cheap, but it surely will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family or spouse.

About the Author
Read more travel related articles at: recreation-mag.com

It's Better In The Bahamas!

by Jon Arnold

Discover The Excitement Of The Bahamas Without Breaking Your Wallet

We all need a vacation now and then, right? There are few places that offer more relaxation as well as something for virtually everyone as the Bahamas. Travelers, business people, and vacationers from all over the world visit the Bahamas on a regular basis. New Providence Bahamas is recognized as the center of both business and industry for this island nation. One of the largest industries here is the very well-known international offshore banking center.

The islands of the Bahamas have attracted travelers for centuries, starting with sailors who jumped ship to pirates who are rumored to have buried many treasures on the islands. (Many of which are claimed to be still undiscovered!) The majority of the night life in the Bahamas happens in Nassau, where there is usually more night life than is found in many major cities in the US.

Probably the best way to get to the Bahamas is to take a Bahamas cruise. There are cruise ships leaving from many locations such as Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Canaveral in Florida who have regular cruises scheduled to the Bahamas, and the prices are extremely attractive. What better way to start your vacation than to be pampered aboard a cruise ship and spending a day at sea before continuing your relaxation in the Bahamas! A large percentage of the cruise lines make the Bahamas one of their stops or "ports of call" because they have found that the passengers really enjoy spending time here.

Things you can do in the Bahamas for relaxation are almost endless. The dancing and night life in Nassau is upbeat, friendly and fun. There are many shops in Nassau where excellent deals can be found on things like jewelry, handmade nick-nacks from seashells, clothing, and much more. This area is well known for finding incredible deals on higher-end jewelry like Rolex watches. The white sandy beaches with the crystal blue ocean is a particular attraction to people who enjoy the water, the beach, or just laying in the sun on the sand. There are snorkeling trips that can be scheduled, as well as motorboat and sea-doos that can be rented.

The Atlantis Hotel and Casino is a must-see, even if you are not a gambler. The large casino offers the usual Las Vegas-style table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, as well as row after row of slot machines of various denominations. But even outside the casino, the Atlantis is an architectural wonder, combining modern luxury with Old World touches. The large indoor aquarium just a few steps off the lobby is a definite must-see and very impressive.

During your stay in Nassau, you should definitely consider taking the short trip over the bridge to Paradise Island, a world famous destination with beaches beyond description and a world class golf course for hardcore golfers. You will find some of the most luxurious hotels and casinos to be found anywhere. One of the largest events in the Bahamas is the festival of Junkanoo which is celebrated from the day after Christmas through New Years Day, and promises fun for all participants.

Whether you take a Bahamas cruise or fly in, be sure to allow yourself enough time to enjoy all that the Bahamas has to offer. After visiting there, you will understand why the saying exists: It's Better in the Bahamas!

About the Author
Jon is a computer engineer and long-term world traveler who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about the Bahamas at his web site at http://www.about-bahamas.com

Oceania Cruises

Europe Like Never Before - Free Airfare & 2For1 Promo At Oceania Cruises
As Oceania Cruises enter its fifth year of service, the company has grown into one of the highest rated luxury cruise line in the world - combining the finest cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service Read The Full Article.

Packing Tips for a Cruise

When going on a cruise, packing can be a slightly stressful but fun chore. You might be worrying about remembering everything? If you forget something, chances are you can buy it on the ship. The cruise lines are more then happy to sell you those little things you forgot...for an inflated price of course. That disposable underwater camera that you could buy on sale at home, might cost you up to three times that price on the ship, or in port. So well ahead of the cruise, I prepare a list of things I want to bring. The list can be modified and reused for the next cruise. Then as I am packing things into the suitcases, I place a little checkmark on the list to show I packed that particular item.

The following is part of my own list. It is by no means complete, or will it work for everyone. Copy and paste the list into an editor, and tweak it to fit your own needs.

Miscellaneous:

Cruise and airline tickets
Passports or driver's licenses and birth certificates
Camera
Film if bringing film camera
Memory cards if bringing digital camera
Underwater disposable cameras
Guide books for places you are visiting
Reading material
Mp3 player loaded with favorite music
Contact info for friends and family
Batteries for electronic devices (correct sizes)
Athletic bag for carrying snorkel equipment, towels, etc etc. (double as carry-on bag)
Pin number for credit card cash

Toiletries: (most of this should be packed in carry-on luggage)

Prescription drugs (ALWAYS pack in carry on luggage)
Lotion
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Shaving cream
Razors
Spare contacts and glasses (ALWAYS pack in carry on luggage)
Contact solution, and case
Sunglasses
Sewing kit (for loose buttons, seams, etc
Suntan lotion or sunblock
Aloe vera lotion
Shampoo
Deodorant soap
Deodorant
Motion sickness pills

Clothes:

Suit or dress
Dress shirt(s) or blouse
Dress socks or stockings
Dress shoes
White shirts
Tie(s)
Casual pants
Casual shoes
Casual shirts
Belt(s)
Sandals
Shorts
Swim-trunks
Socks (tube or ankle high)
Sneakers
T-shirts and tank tops
Hats
Fanny packs

Optional:

2 12packs soft drinks (wrapped in plastic bags)

(I do this, because I drink a lot of pop, and it is nice to have some cold pop's available in the cabin. Just keep a couple of cans in the ice bucket with ice. At the end of the cruise, you have the space and weight available for souvenirs.

Comments:

Seal stuff that might leak inside plastic bags (ie shampoo, toothpaste...)

About the Author
Rob Jacob loves to travel and runs a travel related blog at http://www.TravelWithRJ.com

Seattle - Port Information

Dog and Cat Boarding Facility Comes to Seattle
AirPet Hotel, a kennel and daycare facility for pets will be opening in May near the Sea-Tac airport. Located at 19111 Des Moines Memorial Way, this new facility is within five minutes of the airport. A convenience for travelers with pets, Read The Full Article.

Seattle Festivals During The Alaska Cruise Season
Situated on Puget Sound, Seattle is expecting to host thousands of cruise travellers between the months of April to September bound for Alaska. Golden Princess, Norwegian Star, Oosterdam, Sun Princess, Read The Full Article.

Princess Cruises

Five Carnival Corporation & plc Brands to Launch On Deck for the Cure(TM) Breast Cancer Fundraising Initiative
Five Carnival Corporation & plc brands -- Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, and Princess Cruises -- have joined together to launch "On Deck for the Cure," Read The Full Article.

Princess Cruisetours Take Passengers Beyond the Sea to Explore Worldwide Wonders on Five Continents
The ultimate traveler's wish list might include visits to such monuments as the mysterious Machu Picchu or the long-hidden Angkor Wat, natural wonders such as the vast Australian Outback or the dramatic Yangtze River, Read The Full Article

Explore Exotic Ports Of Call In The North And South Pacific To Choose Your Cruise
With all of the decisions that you have to make before taking a cruise, you may think that picking a cruise destination is the least of your worries. Four, seven, twenty-nine days on a luxurious cruise ship Read The Full Article

The Caribbean Princess Passenger Video
Princess Cruises offers their passengers traditional to fun, exciting videos momentos capturing a variety of onboard events and shore excursions, as well as a behind the scenes look at their spectacular Princess vessel. Read The Full Article

Cruise Food: Personal Choice Dining Makes A Big Splash
In the golden era of ocean voyages, everyone was called to a single seating of dinner in the main dining room of the ship. Whether you were hungry or not, whether you liked liver pâté or not, Read The Full Article.

On Your Cruise - Ship Lifestyle

It's More Than Just Entertainment
Gone are the days when ship entertainment consisted of cruise staff doubling as entertainers, with comedians and singers rounding out the shows. Read The Full Article

Resolving to Get Fit for the New Year? Cruising Is the Way to Go!
Countless people make New Year's resolutions to get into shape and lose weight. Many of them fail reportedly due to lack of motivation, support or a viable plan. There is a new trend developing among fitness enthusiasts, Read The Full Article

Orient Cruise Lines

Hotel Stays And City Tours Are Always Included With An Orient Lines Package
I sometimes can not believe the deals that are available through Orient Lines on the Marco Polo. I once asked a telephone rep if they were giving away their cruises because the promotions are just too good to be true Read The Full Article.

Destination - Hawaii & Tahiti Cruise

Onlytahiti.com and Tahiti Honeymoon For Lovers Officially Invites Oprah Winfrey
Onlytahiti.com, and Haumana Cruise Vacation invite Oprah Winfrey to enjoy Honeymoon Cruises In Paradise. The Most Fantastic Cruises In The Most Beautiful Islands In The World. "We want to share the unique beauty of these islands where we're born, Read The Full Article.

Win a 3-Day or a 4-Day or the Top 7-Day Cruise in Tahiti
OnlyTahiti.com -- Tahiti And Its Islands, Irresistible By Nature, Sublime By Design, is Much Closer Than You Think and Not Expensive. A picture is worth a thousand words, one says. Sometimes, when words can convey colors, Read The Full Article.

Aloha Airlines Sale - $19 Inter-Island Flight Specials
If you are planning on taking a cruise around the Hawaiian islands between now and April, plan to stay just a little bit longer and explore.... Say Aloha to the Islands of Hawaii! Read The Full Article.

Tour Hawaii By Helicopter
You know that Hawaii is so spectacularly beautiful and that is why you intend to have your next vacation in Hawaii. However, with so many interesting places to visit and discover in your short vacation trip, Read The Full Article.

Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii
The islands of Hawaii are a top destination for cruisers. How else can you find the best way to island hop Hawaii without the hassle of arranging transportation and accommodation on each island? Read The Full Article.