Caribbean Cruise Packages

Given the air scare in the post 9/11 period, cruises are gradually becoming the most popular mode of traveling these days. And the cruise operators are busy making hay while the sun is shining. They are introducing new and lucrative Caribbean Cruise Packages to lure the cruising public. The best thing about these packages is that you have a host of activities packed into one package.

Be it a luxury package or an economy one, there are some offers which are included in both. For instance, meals and room service are the common features in both types of cruises. The only difference in this aspect is that in a luxury cruise, you will have the choice of gourmet cuisine at every meal and you have your own butler to tend to you.

Shore excursions and certain onboard social activities are included for both types of cruises. The luxury class passengers may enjoy the additional benefits of lavishly decorated suites with their own private balconies, well-stocked bars and state-of-the-art entertainment systems in their suites. They would have access to the multiplexes and discotheques, and are entitled to pickup and drop-off facilities to and fro from the embarkation and disembarkation points.

However, the budget itineraries usually do not pack exotic locales in their schedules. It is usually the luxury voyages that cater to the niche traveler, willing to venture into the unknown and the uncharted. During the lean season, these luxury liners offer heavy discounts on these same luxury packages. During this time, one can hope to save hundreds of dollars per person on these packages and enjoy the amenities of a luxury package. This policy to attract tourists is pursued by even the giant cruise operators, like the Royal Caribbean International and The Yachts of Seabourn.

The Caribbean Cruise Packages are winning favors from tourists all around the globeFeature Articles, and the cruise operators are leaving no stone unturned to lure them.

Cruise - 7 Perks Of Luxury Cruising

Have you ever been on a cruise vacation? If not, you have a treat in store for you! This article provides 7 great, essential facts why you should make it happen and feel comfortable with your decision. Also, free weekly cruise newsletters with deals you thought didn’t exist at

Luxury cruising is an experience unto itself, the kind of exceptional vacation that you will never forget. Why is it so exceptional? Read on to find out why we believe a luxury cruise is such a good value and a wonderful experience that everyone can enjoy.

1. Affordable combination of sea and land vacation

Luxury cruising is a very affordable combination of a sea vacation with a land vacation. You get to experience the fun of being on a cruise ship as well as visit several different port destinations, each with a different set of adventures waiting for you to discover. When you compare the cost of a luxury cruise with comparable costs of the same travel itinerary, accommodations, food and amenities, it is easy to see that the cruise is a very good value.

2. Visit several locations, but only unpack once

Have you ever gone on a vacation where you stopped at two or three different locations, each time having to unpack your things then re-pack when it was time to move on? When you take a cruise, you only have to unpack once but still get to experience several different locations along the way. The ship is your "home base", always there at the end of the day with your familiar cabin, a fresh change of clothes, a great meal, and more activities to enjoy after you leave port.

3. Do as much or as little as you like

Luxury cruising allows you the freedom to build the kind of vacation that is just right for you. If you like to be active and adventurous, you can stay busy with shipboard opportunities as well as port excursions and exploration. If something more relaxed is to your liking, you can do that, too, spending long lazy hours by the pool, relaxing on deck, or enjoying a quiet corner in the ship library.

4. Take the whole family

A common misconception is that luxury cruising is an "adults only" vacation. Most cruise lines welcome families and provide varying levels of accommodations and special programs for cruisers of all ages. Some cruise lines even specialize in families, building the entire ship and cruise itinerary around family needs. Whether you want to spend time together as a family, or turn the kids loose in supervised program while you enjoy some adult time, a family-focused cruise offers something for every member of the family.

5. Exceptional service

If you have never been on a cruise, it is a bit hard to grasp the exceptional level of service that is found on most cruise ships. From your cabin steward to your waiter, everyone is focused on serving you and making your vacation as enjoyable as possible. The cabin steward will keep your cabin spotlessly clean, often leaving fun towel sculptures and special touches for your amusement, while your waiter will make a point of getting to know your preferences and strive to give you what you want before you even know you want it.

6. Meet people from all over

A luxury cruise attracts passengers from all over the country and all over the world. You will have the chance to meet people during onboard activities and on shore excursions, but perhaps the most fun is getting to know your seat mates at the dinner table. It is typical to be seated at a table of eight people, with whom you will share conversation, laughs, and wonderful meals throughout the cruise.

7. Get away from it all

When you take a luxury cruise, it is not so easy to check your e-mail, call into the office, or otherwise keep tabs on what is going on at home. It can be done, of course, but being on a cruise ship is a unique opportunity to leave the rest of the world behind and truly get away from it all. Your only job, while onboard and in the ports of call, is to relax and do exactly what you want to do. Nothing more, nothing less, with no interruptions like phone callsArticle Submission, voice mail or e-mail.

Cruise - 7 Facts About Cruising

Have you ever been on a cruise vacation? If not, you have a treat in store for you! This article provides 7 great, essential facts why you should make it happen and feel comfortable with your decision. Also, free weekly cruise newsletters with deals you thought didn’t exist at Five Star Cruising

More and more people are discovering the fun and value of cruising, but many more still have not heard the good news. Now more than ever, a luxury cruise is easily affordable and accessible to everyone. Don’t believe it? Then read on for our list of seven important facts about cruising.

1. Cruising is a good value

Some people never consider taking a cruise because they think it is too expensive, but this is simply not the case. When you compare the cost of a cruise with the cost of comparable travel, accommodations, food and activities, you will quickly see that cruising offers great value for your vacation dollar.

2. Cruising is never boring

If you think you might be bored while on a cruise, think again. There are so many options and activities that you will never be able to participate in them all. And don’t worry about being in the close quarters of a ship; there really is plenty of space to move about so you’re not likely to feel confined or claustrophobic.

When it comes to nightlife, a cruise ship offers many options. Common choices include Broadway-style entertainment, dance bars, quiet piano lounges, casinos, movie theaters and arcade game rooms. There truly is something on board to suit every entertainment taste.

3. A cruise ship is not divided into different classes of service

Long gone are the days of first, second and third class passengers, or the wealthy receiving better treatment than others on a cruise. While there are differences in the sizes and locations of staterooms, this is no different from a hotel that offers different types of rooms at different price levels.

Regardless of the size or cost of your stateroom, you have full access to the ship’s facilities and amenities, and the ship’s crew will do everything in their power to make your experience exceptional. In return, it is accepted practice to tip those people, such as stewards and waiters, who have served you personally throughout the cruise. Check with the cruise line for information about suggested tip amounts.

4. Most cruise passengers do not get seasick

The motion of a cruise ship at sea is generally mild, so most people do not experience seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness on other forms of transportation (cars, trains, airplanes, etc.), though, take the same precautions on a cruise as you do for other types of travel. There are several over the counter motion sickness medications, or your doctor may prescribe something stronger if needed. And if you do get onboard and find yourself feel nauseous, don’t worry – the ship’s medical staff will happily provide you with medication to help.

5. A cruise ship is a great family environment

Nearly every cruise line offers special programs and accommodations to families, and some even specialize in entire cruises designed completely around the needs and wants of a family. On these family-focused cruise lines, you will find special supervised areas of the ship where your children can go to do age-appropriate activities while you enjoy adult time.

6. Each port is a new adventure

Every port you visit is different, and each one will have excursions, activities and places to discover. Just as on board the ship, you will not be able to do everything there is to do at each port. You can choose a paid tour excursion or you can explore on your own. Many cruise lines have cooperative arrangements with hotels and resorts in the ports they visit so that cruise passengers can use hotel facilities like swimming pools, fitness rooms, spas and other amenities.

7. You don’t have to buy a special wardrobe

There is no need to buy fancy clothing or a tuxedo to go on a cruise, although some cruises do require formal dress in specific on board restaurants. Your general packing list does not need to be much different from any other vacation; simply include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and expected weather conditions. And don’t worry about items like hair dryers, shaversArticle Submission, and other personal appliances – they all work just fine on board a luxury cruise ship!

Caribbean Cruise Deals

The Caribbean is that part of the world where diversity rules. You have miles of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters on one hand, and mountains, volcanoes and tropical forests on the other. There are quaint little towns and villages dotting the countryside, and along with them there are bustling metropolises. What better way to sample such varied fare than on a cruise? And the Caribbean Cruise Deals are just as tempting.

The main attraction lies in the fact that there\'s a cruise to suit every pocket. You have the budget tours and you have the luxury voyages. The itineraries are more or less the same in both; what they differ in are the amenities being offered. So in a budget tour you may be covering the Bahamas in a medium-sized suite, while in a luxury cruise, it is most likely that you would be watching the sun set over the Bahamas from the privacy of your own private balcony while being tended to by your personal butler.

The best Caribbean Deals are to be had when luxury comes at a reasonable price. The off peak season in the Caribbean is from June to November, and it is during this time that almost every cruise line offers heavy discounts. Part of the lean season, September to November to be precise, is the time when hurricanes and tropical storms are in rage. One can save hundreds of dollar per person on the cruise. It is just a matter of being on the alert, keeping abreast of the latest in the cruising world and booking a seat at the very start of the lean season.

For those looking for a few days of luxury at the sea, there are many offers. It is just a matter of checking the cruise profile and the ship profile, and ensuring that you are getting your money\'s worth. Say you have two cruises offering the same amenities at more or less the same price. You can always settle for the one which will ferry the least number of persons, so that you have a cozy intimate atmosphere on the ship, or the one that\'s taking you to offbeat places. This is how it will be easier to decide whether to go for Royal Caribbean International or Windjammer or The Yachts of Seabourn., when all offers look alluring.

A trip to the Caribbean is always an inviting one. Coupled with a chance good dealFind Article, a Caribbean cruise has all the potential of becoming an event of a lifetime.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

For years the Southern Caribbean has been the most underrated of the tourist spots in the Caribbean region. There were tourists who were regulars at the eastern or western Caribbean cruises who didn\'t even think of detouring to the southern parts. But the ensuing air scare post 9/11 meant that tourists became keen to venture to new places they could reach without flying. Thus, the hitherto unpopular Southern Caribbean Cruises soared in popularity. The islands of Aruba, St. Berth\'s, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis are the more popular ones among the lot.

The Southern Caribbean Cruises have won favor with the tourists in such a short time mainly due to the fact that they offer a varied palette. You have beaches and the associated sundry beach activities in Aruba, Antigua and Barbados, while Guadeloupe\'s charm lies in the myriad forms of scenery found here. You have here tropical rain forests, mountains and volcanoes. You have a slice of France at St. Barth. Here you will find quaint roadside cafes, swank boutiques with a mind-boggling array of merchandise, upscale restaurants for fine dining experiences, and a hip beach culture. The ambience is so French that you will almost feel that you would walk into the Eiffel Tower at the next turning. Grenada and Dominica, not yet evolved as tourist hotspots, have retained their old world and laidback charm and this adds to their attraction. After all, there\'s never a dearth of city slickers who yearn for a piece of quiet once in a while.

Though ships, the luxury liners and the budget ones, ferry all throughout the year, still winter is the best month to visit the Caribbean islands. For one, you can escape the sweltering summers and also avoid the ferocious tropical storms that pound the region every year during June to November.

The southern Caribbean should feature in every traveler\'s itinerary, for this is a region which offers both scenic beauty and a multifaceted cultural milieuPsychology Articles, which make for a truly enriching experience.

Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean

To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have complied a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the chance to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze; with crystal clear blue seas, sugar white sand & palm trees.

To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

1/ Palm Beach (Aruba) – Idyllic beach setting with superb white sand.

2/ Grand Anse Beach (Grenada) – 3km beach with sugar-white sand, lots of space & shallow waters.

3/ Johnson’s Point (Antigua) – Made up of secluded coves; these white soft sand beaches are a must for snorkeling & swimming

4/ Pink Sand Beach ( Bahamas) – One of the world’s most photographed beaches, often voted "world’s best" by travel publications. 5km’s of salmon pink coloured sand, due to red plankton that has mixed with the fine white sand.

5/ Crane Beach (Barbados) – Often voted as Barbados’ most beautiful beach. Imposing cliffs, a natural coral reef and soft white sands make for a perfect beach.

6/ Negril Beach (Jamaica) – Laid back atmosphere and Jamaica’s prettiest beach. A lot quieter than Seven Mile beach.

7/ Englishman’s Bay (Tobago) – A sheltered beach with fine white sand, crystal waters & surrounded by a palm jungle.

8/ Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) – Part of a national marine park, this beach has fine white sand, calm turquoise waters and is protected by a barrier reef.

9/ Trunk Bay (US Virgin Islands) – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

10/ Shoal Bay (Anguilla) – Put Angullia on the tourism map; sugar-white sand, crystal clear blue waters & coral reefs.

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Cheap Caribbean Cruises

It is a myth that cruises must be expensive. The fact is that there are many types of cruises, all suited for different wallets. On one end of the spectrum you have the budget ones, while at the other end you have the frightfully expensive ones. It is true that the higher-priced ones offer you a host of services like your personal butler, private balconies and lavishly decorated suites, but then if you are traveling in economy class you wouldn\'t be treated like a castaway.

True, you won\'t have a butler to tend to you or your own bar in your suite, but you would still be visiting new places, taking part in the deck games and enjoying good food and wine. When bitten by the travel bug, luxuries don\'t matter. And the liners will ensure that you get all the comfort that is required.

The good news is that there are a lot of packages, especially in the Caribbean cruise segment, that offer a host of amenities even with the budget cruises. These are excellent deals, for not only are they easy on the pocket, but they take you places in style. You have Norwegian Dawn\'s western Caribbean package that will take you to Jamaica, Mexico and Grand Cayman. This cruise is among the cheapest that is available, and it is well stocked with restaurants, pools and entertainment options onboard.

Then there\'s the good bargain from ShermansTravel.com at $199 a night for three days of sailing around the Bahamas aboard the sophisticated Costa ship. Many cruises drop their prices for the fall-summer months, for this is the off-peak season in the Caribbean. It is a good time to visit the Caribbean, for many luxury ships continue to offer the same high-end amenities at reduced values. But then there\'s a catch to this. Fall-summer months are peak times for tropical storms and so one needs to be careful while planning a trip during this time. After all, a cheap cruse will not at all be pleasurable if you are marooned in a port for days on end.

Cheap options abound on the web, you just need to cruise around and pick up the inviting ones. Given the tourism boom these days in the Caribbean regionPsychology Articles, many tour agents are offering good bargains. You can definitely find a good deal.

Luxury Caribbean Cruises

In these stressful days, a vacation or a cruise lets you leave all your cares and worries behind and enjoy a few days of peace and calm. This is luxury enough for the careworn person, but for the finicky traveler, luxury amounts to being pampered. Aboard a luxury liner, you pay to be waited on hand and foot.

Like other luxury cruises, a Caribbean Luxury Cruise has, for its passengers, personalized and individual attention in the form of very low staff-to-passenger ratio, usually 2 to 1, and sometimes even your very own personal butler. The ambience is chic and sophisticated, and there\'s a variety of onboard entertainment options like sports arenas, multiplexes, discotheques, multi-cuisine restaurants, salons and spas.

Some upscale Caribbean luxury liners also come equipped with golf and wave surfing facilities. The onboard surfing facility is the bottom line of some of Royal Caribbean International\'s ships. In fact, the entire Royal Caribbean fleet boasts high-end evening entertainment experiences. The luxury liners come with spacious suites, all lavishly furnished, some even with private balconies and services at your beck and call. Other luxury liners cruising the Caribbean and worth your money are the ones from The Yachts of Seabourn line.

These luxuries of course, come at a hefty price. One can expect to dish out anything in the range of $700-$1,200 for a night of such royal treatment. You may be paying through the noseFree Web Content, but then you will also have to consider the fact that throughout the voyage you will roll in the lap of luxury.

Caribbean Cruises

The sun-kissed sands, the turquoise blue waters, greenery all around, vast areas of virgin land waiting to be explored and a vibrant culture-that is the Caribbean for you. Cruising the Caribbean is such an exciting prospect, for at each turn lies the joy of discovering, the joy of experiencing unsurpassed beauty. When you\'re cruising the Caribbean, you will be touring the little islands and countries that dot the Caribbean Sea. They cover an area from the southeastern fringes of Mexico to the northwestern part of Venezuela.

Usually the cruises are undertaken in two kinds of packages: one tour that covers the eastern Caribbean and another that covers the southern Caribbean. Generally, the eastern Caribbean packages will have the British and the American Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Maarten on their tour schedule. The southern Caribbean cruises will cover tropical paradises like Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and St. Kitts.

The seven-night packages are a popular lot. But if you can, opt for the weekend getaway of three nights, or the longer duration ten-eleven night and even fourteen-night tours. The best aspect of such cruises is that there\'s one to suit every pocket. You have the very luxurious and very expensive Royal Caribbean cruises. Royal Caribbean International has some of the world\'s finest luxury liners in its fleet. Their ships, like the Empress of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, are known for their evening entertainment choices.

On the other hand you have the budget tours such as those offered by the online travel agents like Sherman.com and expedia.com. The budget tours may not be exactly rolling in luxury, but they are definitely worth the money, in that they cover the same places as the luxury liners do.

Given the choice of cruises, the choice of destinations and the different budget options availableComputer Technology Articles, the Caribbean cruises surely gives one the feeling of \"cruise control\".

Great Things You Can Do On Your Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation

There is an absolute abundance of activities available to the honeymooners on a Caribbean vacation, most of them involving the sea in one way or another because, lets face it, who can resist the siren call of those cerulean waves lapping against glittering sandy shores?
If you are planning a Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation, you made a great choice. A caribbean honeymoon means lots of fun and romantic activitiies. Many of the activities will involve the sea in one way or another. You won't be able to resist the relaxing sound of waves rushing to shore during a romatic sunset walk on the beach. But there is more to a Caribbean honeymoon vacation that just sun, sea, and sand. You can discover lush tropical forests, or try local food and fruits in the local market stalls. The islands offer a variety of pleasurable sights and memoravle sounds besides just honeymooners on a beach.

George Town, Grand CaymanFor the adventurous type out on a Caribbean honeymoon vacation, try snorkeling with the stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar. You will encounter stingrays. No need to panic. These are relatively tame animals. They may swim right up to you and eat food right from your hands. Many enjoy when you rub their bellies, and you would love the touch of their velvety soft skin. Despite their fear-inspiring name, they are generally extremely gentle creatures and they won't hurt you. However, you must be sure to stay away from their tails.

Away from the sea fun during your Caribbean honeymoon vacation here in George Town, Grand Cayman can include taking a tour through the town itself, which is the capital of the Cayman Islands. Visit the Conch Shell House, made solely of trumpet shells or visit the Turtle Farm, a sea turtle nursery that breeds and raises green and hawksbill turtles. The north side of the island has Rum Point Club where you can experience a unique island-style day out in its scenic surroundings, or take an exhilarating flight-seeing tour over the island to get a bird's-eye view.

Montego Bay, JamaicaJamaica boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you'll be sure to want to spend at least one evening there watching the sun set with your sweetie during your Caribbean honeymoon vacation, and Rose Hall Beach Club is a perfect place to do it. Glittering white sand and nearly translucent waters make the admission fee to this secluded beach seem well worth paying. Beach bars, open-air dance areas, volleyball courts, restaurants, showers and complete water sports programs are among the most obvious things to do during your Caribbean honeymoon vacation here.

You cannot leave without exploring the bustling Gloucester Avenue. Expect wonderful shopping posibilities and a variety of excellent restaurants. Or, what about playing a round of Golf at Wyndham Rose Hall Golf Beach Resort. The resort features a waterfall on the 15th green. Try a favorite local drink, Red Stripe beer, or head out horseback riding along the beach shortly before saying goodbye to Montego Bay on your Caribbean honeymoon vacation.

Samana, Dominican RepublicSomewhat removed from the typical tourist trail, the luxuriant peninsula of Samana is a paradise for nature lovers to visit on a Caribbean honeymoon vacation. Not only is it home to one of the most important mangrove reserves and rainforests in the Caribbean, but its crystal-clear coast offers some of the most divine diving found along the northern coast of this island. Imagine being able to see up to 150 feet in some spots! You will get great views of the reefs and see lots of colorful tropical fish escorting you on your underwater excursion.

If your Caribbean honeymoon vacation to this lovely location happens to fall during a January, you might wish to try and catch the sight of thousands of humpback whales migrating south to Samana Bay during their mating season. It's said you can find up to 300 whales at any given time, so come take a gander at these magnificent mammals while you have a chance, and watch them frolicFree Web Content, sing and court one another. It's just one of many more delightful experiences you can have on your vacation.

Western Caribbean Cruise

We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the western Caribbean cruise on November 28/04. This was our second cruise with Royal Caribbean with our first last year on the larger Adventure of the Seas. After one cruise with RCI, I expected roughly the same standards with the Radiance and in general, I wasn't disappointed.

Staterooms:

Our stateroom was an inside aft cabin and we were not disappointed. It was roomy enough and the lighting was adequate. Closet space and drawers were also sufficient for our use. We noticed that the double beds here were actually a bit better than the one we had on the Adventure since we couldn't really feel the split between the two separate beds like we did last time. If there's one thing that can be improved is the shower curtain. The one installed was not adequate in keeping in all the water from the shower. The shower on the Adventure utilized a double glass door system which was far superior. Otherwise, the cabin was nice and dark for sleeping at night. Although we heard a little noise from the cabins next to us, it was minimal. We didn't miss having any window or balcony at all since we were hardly ever in our stateroom. We were either at port or elsewhere on the ship and went back to our cabins just to relax or sleep. We would definitely book an inside cabin again with RCI unless we had a free upgrade.

Dining:

The main Cascades dining room was nice and meals were good. Breakfasts had the same menu every morning. Lunch at the dining room was okay. The dinners were good but not every meal item was a winner. There was the odd appetizer and dessert that was not up to par. One thing that my partner noticed was that the portions of the main courses seemed to be smaller than those served on the Adventure. We usually went upstairs to the Windjammer to get more food after dining at the Cascades. In some parts of the Cascades room, the tables were placed too cramp so walking to out own table was tricky at times. The self serve Windjammer was good. It usually had more variety of food than served downstairs at the Cascades. Breakfast and lunch were busy at the Windjammer but during evenings, most people chose to dine at the Cascades. The two other optional restaurants onboard Portafino and Choppe House were available at $20 US per person but we never tried them since the meals already included at the Cascades and Windjammer were fine by us. Other passengers who did go to these optional rooms told us that they were nothing special. There was another cafe available during late evenings called the Seaview and they provided fare such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. This was a nice feature. One thing we did object to was that they charged for the coffee and tea there. There was also a specialty coffee place on the main centrum of the ship and they also charged. We had more availability of free beverages on the Adventure.

Service:

The service by the stateroom attendants and dining room staff was top notch as expected.

Entertainment:

The evening shows at the Aurora Theatre were a mix of the ship's own crew of dancers and singers plus some outside comics and singers. In general, the shows were quite good. We would have liked them to mix up the entertainment each night rather than allocate music, comedy and magic into different evenings. Rather than an entire show of magic, we would have preferred each night featuring a variety of entertainment. Live music around the ship was a nice added touch.

Amenities:

Although smaller than the Adventure, the Radiance had fine amenities including the gym/spa, mini golf, pools and the shops. There was internet access but at 50 cents per minute, the service is a bit steep. There were things to do during the days at sea such as art auctions, cooking demos and dance classes. However, we felt that there was more offered on the Adventure. As for embarking and disembarking, there was no problem on the Radiance. The 6th level contained the casino and for non-smokers, this was a problem. The ventilation in the casino was not great and as a result, cigarette smoke travelled to adjacent areas near the casino. My partner wanted to avoid going on the 6th level whenever possible.

In summary, we enjoyed our cruise on the Radiance of the Seas. However, comparing it to the larger Adventure of the Seas, we would rate the larger ship a bit higher. We liked the huge promenade on the Adventure which was not available on a smaller ship like the Radiance. Given a choice in the future, we would opt for the larger ship. For first time cruisersFree Articles, the Radiance would still be a good ship to vacation on. This is simply the case of where veteran cruisers would expect more especially if they have been on higher end ships.

The Caribbean needs you but you need a passport

Most people don’t realize it, but the law will change come January 8, 2007, that requires all travelers to the Caribbean to have a valid passport. Gone are the days of traveling with just a driver’s license and birth certificate.

Currently 7 million Americans go to the Caribbean without a passport. There has been relatively little publicity about this change. Can you imagine the potentially disastrous impact of all these Americans trying to get their passports at one time? Once Americans leave the US, they won’t be able to get back.

The time is now to get your passport and beat the end of the year rush. It is easy to get and it gives you freedom to travel wherever and whenever you choose.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. You can also visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ for locations.

Remember that each applicant needs to apply in person for the following reasons: applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, if you have an expired U.S. passport and it is not in your possession, if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16, or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen. All passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival.

Forms and more information can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport. For other travel tips visit http://www.specialoccasiontravel.com

A Visit To Labadee In Haiti

The first port for our Royal Caribbean cruise of the western Caribbean was Labadee, Hispaniola which is actually a part of Haiti. This specific port is leased out to Royal Caribbean so only their cruiseships come here. Labadee is actually a peninsula with a few beaches. Getting to land from the cruiseship is by tender.

There is a small section for kids with floating fake icebergs to climb and water slides but they charge an admission fee. Flotation mattresses are also available for rent for those who just want to float in the ocean. There are also locals who help with getting beach chairs for you but they expect tips. So things here are a money grabber. The cruiseship did have optional tours for snorkelling, parasailing, waverunner and kayaking tours but we thought that they were overpriced. Most passengers just spent the day relaxing around the beaches. The area around Labadee was pleasant enough but the beaches and shores themselves were fairly rocky so wearing sandals in the water would be advised. Royal Caribbean had organized a beach BBQ at an outdoor picnic facility which was okay but nothing special. There is a market there consisting of two buildings. One is a store where the souveniers and items have marked prices and the other building is like your typical market where locals try to hustle you for business. The locals inside the market were aggressive but polite. If you don't mind haggling, you could get some pretty good deals but if you dislike this type of pushy atmosphere, then you best avoid the market except for the fixed price store.

One big difference between this port compared to others is that since it is pretty well being used as a private beach, you will not be hassled by locals. The vendors coming around with drinks at the beach locations are actually Royal Caribbean staff so if one wishes to buy a drink, the cruiseship passcard is all that is required. As for concerns about being in Haiti given the poverty and political situation, Labadee was not a problem because the entire site is enclosed by a high steel fence. Other passengers later told us that they wandered off near the perimeter of the site and saw many Haitians along the fence begging for handouts and food. The fencing was mostly concealed in the distance from the main tourist areas.

We found Labadee in general to be a bit of a waste of time for us. The beaches were too rocky and we didn't have access to inexpensive activities since everything was run by Royal Caribbean. If one wanted to just go lie on the beach all day and not much else, then Labadee would be a suitable place. For those who want to experience some culture, do water sports without going through the cruiseship, or shop duty freeBusiness Management Articles, Labadee would not be the place to go. We decided to stay on board the ship after the BBQ lunch for the rest of the afternoon. I like Royal Caribbean and would definitely cruise with them again but would not want to go on an itinerary that included Labadee in the future.

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Smart Destinations Launches Go Maui TM Card, Offering Best Vacation Value at Maui Attractions and Activities

Smart Destinations announces its expanded presence in the Hawaii travel market with the launch of the Go Maui TM Card. Following the success of the Go Oahu TM Card, the Go Maui Card is a premium attraction travel pass offering fully pre-paid access to 21 attractions and activities with significant discounts on shopping, dining, and more.

Travelers can purchase the Go Maui Card in 2, 3, 5 or 7 calendar day increments. Once activated, the card grants unlimited access to the included attractions and activities for the number of days purchased. Visitors can use their days any time over a two week period. The card includes fully pre-paid admission to: Prince Kuhio Whale Watch, Molokini Snorkel Cruise, Catamaran Sail, Reefdancer, America’s Cup Sail, Haleakala Bike Ride, a guided Kayak & Snorkel Tour, Maui Golf & Sports Park, Maui Ocean Center, Coral Gardens Snorkel, Hawaii Nature Center, The Sugar Cane Train, Surfing Goat Dairy, Bailey House Museum, Wo Hing Museum, and Baldwin Home. Also included are rental packages at Maui Dive Shop, Maui Surf Clinics Lessons and surfboard rental, Maui Dive Shop boogie board rental, and one luau per customer at Waikapu Village Luau at Maui Tropical Plantation.

The Go Maui Card comes with a color guidebook that includes maps of the island and describes each offer in detail to help travelers plan their Hawaii vacation. Its smartcard-enabled technology eliminates the need for paying with cash or waiting in line at each attraction. With 21 Maui activities, travelers can choose the things they want to do on their vacation while saving money over the cost of tickets purchased directly through individual attractions. There are hundreds of possible travel combinations, making the Go Card ideal for families, business travelers, and more.

Maui (PRWEB)

Enter To Win a Cruise at CruiseDirect.com

CruiseDirect.com is considerably below what the competition is charging, and marks the arrival of a major new source of cruise bargains - WCBS Newsradio

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Can't Decide Where to Go? Take a Cruise to Nowhere!

Wasn't it pop-star Huey Lewis who sang "All I want is a couple days off!"? Don't we all? Sometimes life seems like an ongoing rat race with getting the kids to soccer practice and the cat to the vet for her shots, plus a hamper that resembles a volcano spewing a never-ending flow of dirty laundry. A couple days off would be a godsend for most of us.

When you don't have time for even a short three- or four-night cruise, a cruise to nowhere can still fit your schedule. Get Aunt Hilda to keep the kids for just two nights while you and your honey jaunt off into the sunset for a glorious quickie getaway that's refreshing and fun!

What's a Cruise to Nowhere?

Never heard of a cruise to nowhere? This is a wonderful little creation that came about years ago. You board a ship and sail off into the open ocean, leaving your cares behind. It may sound like romantic dribble, but for one to two nights, it's true. Ports including New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA host cruises to nowhere on lines including Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Usually lasting no longer than two nights, a cruise to nowhere sails out into the ocean, turns around and comes back to the same port from which it left. If you leave from New York, you'd sail out into the Atlantic Ocean, turn around and return to New York again. What's so exciting about that? It's not the destination... it's the ship!

For example, you can relish in the pampering and attention of spa treatments. Start with an hourlong, full-body massage that gently eliminates away every ounce of stress you've been carrying around since that last meeting at the office. Feel years melt away with delicate facial treatments. From fitness professionals to hairstylists, you'll find everything you need to de-stress.

Las Vegas-style shows, swimming pools, dancing, nightclubs and more are available, so you can kick up your heels. And, of course, there's the food!

Amazing creations from master chefs are put before you from morning to night! Eat in the main dining room and be waited on hand-and-foot or dine at your own schedule in one of the other fabulous restaurants. Every cruise line has something different to offer, so regardless of which ship you choose, you're sure to have an abundance of exceptional food. Want a quick snack? Buffets are open 24 hours a day with everything from scrambled eggs to pizza to ice cream. And, if you insist on being good, you'll even find healthful salads and grilled dishes.

Why Cruise to Nowhere?

When your time is limited, this makes for a great getaway. Available from most major ports, you have the freedom to embark from a city near you. These cruises are usually less crowded than full weekend or weeklong tours, meaning your level of personal attention is even higher than it would normally be. And you simply can't beat the price. Deals become available occasionally that allow you to book an all-inclusive cruise to nowhere for around $150 per person. You couldn't get a decent hotel room for two nights for that price.

When time and money are limited, but you desperately need to break away and recoup, consider a cruise to nowhere. They are fun, affordable and will have you feeling like yourself again in no time flat!

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals on European cruises. copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved

Cruising: To Caribbean or Not?

As the cruise industry moves to a global presence,cruise guests are offered more selections than ever before. With that, the thought of taking “just a Caribbean cruise” might seem rather tame by today’s industry standards. But actually there has never been a better time for your group to reconsider taking that Caribbean cruise for a number of reasons.Why the renewed interest? There are more itinerary variations and departure ports than ever before, with some of the biggest and most technically advanced and designed ships sailing to the Caribbean. Finally, a Caribbean cruise still offers one of the best cruise values around.According to Brian Major, with Cruise Line
Liberty Bell



The best thing about cruise lines is their ability to help create new destinations. When NCL started the “Out Island” concept back in l977 with Great Stirrup Cay, other cruise lines followed.Royal Caribbean eventually created an out island experience beyond the traditional Bahamas one with Labadee, located on the north shores of Haiti. Premier Cruise Lines had their own private island experience off Nassau.


Caribbean cruises still tend to offer the most affordable rates and, earlier this spring, Carnival came out with some enticing rates for summer sailings. As Bob Dickinson, Carnival President and CEO commented, “We have more and larger ships in the fleet than ever before, and that provides economies of scale and operating efficiencies that enable us to provide 21st-century cruises at 1980s prices.” Booking early is still the best option for securing space and the best rates. Even with the increasing number of ships sailing throughout the Caribbean starting later in the fall when ships move back from other parts of the world,demand is high. And taking a cruise vacation, especially to
the Caribbean, is one of the best group vacation values available. n

Save $200 Per Couple On Uniworld Grand River Cruises

The first thing that comes to my mind when clients ask about Uniworld River Cruises is that they have the best customer service agents in all the cruising industry. That, and the fact that my clients have come back totally exhilerated from their trip wanting to book the next one. I have always told myself that one of these days, I must take time to cruise the world's famous rivers like the Danube or the Nile with Uniworld. After all, they are one of the world's leading river cruise companies!

When Uniworld has a sale, they really go out. This time they are having Guest Appreciation Bonus Days that can save you up to $200 per couple on all 2007 Grand River Cruises, and up to $100 per couple on all 2008 departures. This will be applicable towards all itineraries - Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. You will need to book and deposit by May 31, 2007 to get your Guest Appreciation savings.

It's the perfect time to try out the intimate, boutique-hotel style cruise ships with expertly planned itineraries and custom blended shore excursions. Perfect for just the two of you, or travelling with the family on Uniworld's recently launched family-friendly itineraries.

"Imagine you and your family standing on the beaches of Normandy sharing in the meaningful events that forever changed the world. Imagine the simple pleasures of strolling along the banks of the Seine River enjoying an ice cream, and bringing the classic story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame to life as you pass Quasimodo’s famous bell tower at Notre Dame. IMAGINE…"

Here are sample itineraries with Uniworld:

Castles Along the Rhine Basel to Amsterdam - 9 Days

This tour really lives up to its name with castles, castles and more castles. Gracing the shores of the Rhine are more Medieval castles than in any river valley in the world. The fairytale castles, combined with the breathtaking landscape of rolling carpets of terraced vineyards and old-world towns, create a dreamlike setting so much so that the Rhine became synonymous with the Romantic Movement in the 1800s. Artists, musicians, writers and poets from all over Europe immortalized the Rhine's unadulterated natural beauty in their songs, art, stories and poetry. And even today, the Rhine continues to inspire those who visit, especially Germany’s upper Middle Rhine Valley, approximately 40 miles between Koblenz and Rudesheim, as it is part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. As you travel along the Rhine, each bend and twist affords new surprises that are certain to inspire you the way countless others have been inspired for centuries.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Romantics, history enthusiasts, epicures, and nature and wine lovers will look forward to Medieval little wine towns, quaint half-timbered buildings, enchanted castles, the Lorelei myth, majestic cathedrals, historical cities and, of course, the Romantic Rhine's scenic natural beauty. Prepare to be inspired by the river and the legendary landscape, just as great poets and thinkers were many years ago.

Waterways of the Czars Moscow to St. Petersburg - 14 Days

Follow in the path of Peter the Great, who sailed from Moscow along the Volga River to St. Petersburg approximately 300 years ago on a quest to take Russia from the "Dark Ages" into the "Enlightened Age." While St. Petersburg is a relatively young city compared to Moscow, both cities are rich in beautiful architecture, world-famous museums, and exciting history. From the luminous domes of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow to the complex canals of St. Petersburg, you'll explore two amazing cities at the start and end of your journey. And in between, you'll uncover small towns and medieval villages. Discover the Golden Ring cities during visits to Uglich, Yaroslavl and Goritsy. Marvel at Kizhi Island, famous for its elaborate wooden structures built entirely without nails. Get a taste of the Russian countryside while visiting Mandrogi. Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural treasures of this vast and magnificent nation cruising the Waterways of the Czars.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those with a curiosity about "the sleeping giant" so long closed off to Western tourists. Lovers of fine art and exquisite architecture, and students of history.

Cruising the Caribbean

OUR CARIBBEAN CRUISE My wife and I just returned from a western Caribbean cruise. We landed in three ports. Following are details of our trip including information about the ship and the ports.

Getting There We traveled Vancouver - Toronto-Miami via Air Canada. This part of the trip was uneventful and went smoothly. The only potential glitch was a US immigration officer that seemed to want to pick a fight. When we didn't respond to his taunts and innuendos he stopped his attempts to engage us and grunted us on.

We stayed at the Airport Hilton. Getting there was the part of the trip that was most poorly organized. We seemed to wait forever in the airport for the Greyhound bus that was to pick us. The Carnival crew that was orchestrating the transfer didn't seem to be anymore knowledgeable as to what was happening than we were.

Our experience at the Hilton was pleasant. We found the people to be helpful. I did speak with one other person whose experience was different. His luggage had not made it through and so he asked the hotel staff for a toothbrush and toiletries. He reports that they were annoyed with his request and were rude to him. He experiences a lot of pain from cancer so he may have been overly sensitive to the responses. We did not see any rudeness or annoyance.

Since we had a few hours before bedtime, we took a taxi out to South Beach and enjoyed the night. The prices there are certainly inflated but we enjoyed ourselves.

The Ship Our cruise was with Carnival cruise lines and we were on the Carnival Victory. We left port at 4 PM and spent the next day at sea. Some things became prominent in my mind that day: (1) This cruise was a party cruise. Entertainment and drinking were the keys. Drinks were pushed on every part of the ship except in the cabin areas. The entertainment was designed to keep people from getting bored and there was entertainment for all ages and likes. There was a karaoke lounge, a lounge with 60's music, a piano lounge, casino with entertainment, lounge with classical music, a disco, outdoor stage with a live band, bingo, trivia games, shows at night with singers, dancers and comedians, dance lessons provided by the cruise director, video games room for the youth, teen disco, gambling contests, singing contests in the karaoke lounge and dancing on the open deck. There were swimming pools and jazzuci tubs. And there was a lot of sun tanning!!! Although drinks were pushed, there was not a lot obvious drunkenness or obnoxious behavior. Only once did I see ships officers breakup a situation and that was a fully clothed sex simulation on the open deck. Alcohol was, I believe, a factor. (2) The ship consisted of many obvious profit centers. I already mentioned the drink pushing. On the price of each drink was added a 15% gratuity so there was incentive for the staff to sell as much as possible. Other profit centers included the casino, bingos, the spa and gift stores. It became obvious that the shore excursions sold on ship provided a kick back to Carnival and these were pushed hard. Also, the Carnival endorsed shops at the ports of call provide a source of revenue for Carnival. Passengers are encouraged to swipe their ship card in these stores. A jewelry store in one of the ports confirmed for me that he pays to Carnival a fee for every passenger that buys from him. Photography appears to be a big profit center. There are photographers are every place and they are in your face a lot. They begin before you even board the ship. Processing takes hours and then the photos are up for display. The photos are not cheap but a lot are sold in the name of memories. (3) Staff. The staff on the ship are truly international. I remember people from Philippines, Indonesia, Romania, Canada, United States, China and other countries that are now escaping my memory. (4) Gratuities. Gratuities are added on at two times. The first is 10 dollars per day per passenger added directly to your account. The bulk of this is for cabin staff but some is for dining room servers and a small portion is for miscellaneous and assistants. There was confusion as to whether or not this gratuity constituted the full salary for the cabin staff. We had been told by staff that this was the case - that if the gratuity was not paid there would be no salary. Other people seemed to have different information. So we are not certain about that. The second gratuity is on the drinks as previously mentioned. There is an expectation that passengers will tip the dining room servers and cabin staff as well - but this is not required.

The time on the ship does not need to be expensive if you don't drink a lot or spend in the gift shops or the other profit centers.

All in all, the time on the ship was fun and relaxing. My wife enjoyed the karaoke (of course, she always does) and was chosen to sing Madonna at the last night entertainment in the main entertainment center.

One interesting outcome of the cruise for us was that we each lost any aches and pains that we previously had. That has caused us to re-evaluate our plans for the future.

We visited three ports of call; each with its own personality and features.

Costa Maya, Mexico. The first noticeable feature of this area as our ship came into dock was the stretching flat coastline with sandy beaches. Behind the coastline was lush green vegetation. The second noticeable feature was a manmade cement encampment that housed commercial establishments. Beer was $9USD per bottle!!! There were conflicting reports as to whether this was constructed by the cruise lines or by the local government. We received both conflicting reports. It did house the shops recommended by the cruise line. It also was fenced off with security guards at the gates. We were advised by people we me in the community outside this area that the local people were not allowed in unless they were going to work.

We did not book a tour on the ship, as was recommended. The tours were heavily pushed on the basis of safety and not being left behind if a tour got back late. The ship would leave without you if you were late and not on a ship booked tour.

We went outside the walls and rented a golf cart for $55USD for the day. Golf carts are allowed to drive on the "streets" and roadways. Four people were allowed per golf cart - otherwise, there was a hefty fine if stopped by the police.

We then spent a wonderful day driving the area. We stopped at different beach areas where Americans and Europeans had purchased the land and build a home and bar. By far, the best was The Women's Center with Susie. Susie made the best margaritas of anyplace in the world and the company was relaxed and fun. As we were leaving her place, our golf cart broke down. Susie quickly telephoned the owners who came out and replaced the cart.

On the way back to the ship, we saw a young alligator on the road. He was small - maybe two feet long. We stopped and then a local came by and picked him up. We then got to hold him before he was taken to water. That was an exciting experience.

There was a commercial flea market in the town. Prices are very negotiable and most of the items seem genuine. This area has an assortment of setups from one table stands to kiosks to bars and food outlets to massage setups. The merchants were openly inviting but not aggressive.I would buy from here before I would buy from the commercial encampment promoted by the cruise line.

I believe we had much more fun doing our own tour than did the people who paid much more money on the ship. Those who went on prearranged go-carts did not go any place we didn't go. There were a few people who traveled some of the way we did but most stayed in the commercial encampment or on ship.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman The second port of call on the cruise was Grand Cayman Islands. So as not to damage the coral reefs, the ships do not dock. They anchor off shore and smaller boats (holding 200 to 300 passengers) transfer the passengers to the island. We arrived on the island shortly after 7 AM so there was little to do except walk around and window shop. Again, we did not book a ship excursion but took our chances on finding excursions once we arrived. Again, we were very happy we did it that way. We hooked up with a private tour. Richard owned the taxi that took us to the boat which he also owned. His wife was doing the marketing onshore and Otis was his employee who took the passengers to Stingray City. There were 10 people on the little speed boat which passed all the large tour boats on the way. Otis was a real "water rat" and in the water with us feeding the stingrays, showing us how to hold then, putting them on our backs and setting up picture taking scenarios. He was an absolute delight. As I glanced at the large tour boats, I saw a lot of bored people. A few of them actually came to join our group and partake in the fun. There was no boredom in our group. After Stingray City, we stopped at the reef for snorkeling. All the necessary equipment was on board the boat. Again Otis had food to draw in the colorful fish. On the way back, Otis detoured to show us homes of famous people (Bill Gates, Sylvester Stalone) - the ship tours did not do this. He also stopped to look at the lizards and even tried to catch one. This trip was well worth one half the price we would have paid for a ship-sponsored excursion.

One benefit of Georgetown was a store that provided free telephone service (5 minutes per person) and free internet service (15 minutes per person). We were able to call our children back in Canada and make sure everything was all right.

Things are expensive in Georgetown. We did very little shopping but did check out the stores. We had two less than happy experiences in Georgetown. The first was that I left my hat at the dock after arriving back from Stingray City. It was a special hat my daughter had given me and I had become quite attached to it. Both Richard and Otis looked for it after being called but it was not to be found. I grieved its loss for the rest of the trip. The second slightly unpleasant experience was in a restaurant where my wife didn't receive her food order and the server became rather snotty about it.

Grand Cayman is a wonderful place and we both look forward to returning. Our memories are so wonderful (except for my hat!!!)

Ocho Rios, Jamaica Our third port of call was Ocho Rios. Again we arrived at 7 AM before any stores opened. And again, we did not book a ship-sponsored excursion.

The merchants, taxi drivers, street vendors - anybody trying to do any business at all - are very pushy. They are aggressive and push to the very edge to try to sell to you. At times the situations can be uncomfortable as the aggressive selling borders on intimidation.

Poverty is everywhere and it is understandable that the people wish to get money when the possibility exists.

After walking around for a while we were approached by a taxi driver that we felt comfortable with. Cedric drove us around for two hours and showed us sights that other passengers did not get to see. He talked about the people, the country, politics, schooling, vegetation and so on. He was a taxi driver who became a very knowledgeable tour guide. At the end of our tour, Cedric took us to a store where we could buy the gifts we wanted to take home and introduced us to the clerk. I was suspicious that this was just another way of him getting more money but at the end of the day after we had checked all the other stores, this one gave us the best prices.

We saw two different markets - one was a commercial flea marker selling trinkets, crafts, t-shirts and the like. This appeared oriented towards the tourists and I saw no locals in there. The second one sold fruits, vegetables and some trinkets. This was for the locals and there were no tourists in there - except us. This was the one time that we let our guard down and approached a potentially dangerous situation. We could have kidnapped or worse and no one would have known.

The one suggestion I have, if you go to Ocho Rios, is to be willing to say "no thanks" a lot and to say it firmly

About the Author - The author, who works in a medical setting, loves to travel. After the recent adventure in the Caribbean, he has decided to dedicate more time to travel and to write about his experiences. He has started a travel blog at http://travel--with--us.blogspot.com.

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, where we grew up. Our passion for our paradise is insatiable." Let's introduce Mehiti Degage who owns Bora Bora Cruise.

"I dreamed of a stylish new cruise, completely different, intimate, nomadic, where the refined design and sleek lines of a yacht embrace the genuine warmth and welcome of our culture, where my guests voyage to the very heart of our islands to share an unique experience that stimulates the senses in a rich, vital, and fragrant manner. The realization of my dreams is just the beginning of yours ..." Mehiti Degage.

Profoundly attached to her country, Tahiti Nui, Mehiti Degage has given herself to her personal ambition to enable the discovery of her country in a manner more authentic and realistic. A daughter of these islands, proud of her surroundings, instilled of a specific philosophy, observant with a worldly open mind and gifted of a very keen sense of style. Mehiti gave birth to Bora Bora Cruises -as the result of a tireless devotion, an endless mountain of research and a desire to never compromise. A perfectionist, she is continually on the look out for new 'itineraries', stimulating ideas, novel experiences and other special details, in order to in turn offer these to her guests, her invitees, her friends.

Purely Polynesian, Bora Bora Cruises is an independent family-styled company, where the priority is quality. A talented team, united and passionate, matches a perfect knowledge of the islands of Tahiti with an open-minded and multi-cultural spirit. All motivated by the same passion:

Nourish the appetite of the very well-travelled and experience hungry.

It is undoubtedly due to the desire to continuously exceed on behalf of their guests that motivates this dynamic company to ensure that each voyage is unique, rare... and genuine.

This entrepreneurial team took on a challenge to imagine a new cruise niche, innovating a concept of 'nomad yachting' characterized with refinement and freedom. A new style of voyage, original, off-the-beaten track, without fixed schedules, constraints, where the traveler lives within their own rhythm and dependent on their mood: breakfast, for example, is served at any morning hour even late on one of the private decks.

The activities and events are generally flexible and the tenders that offer transport to different sites are 'on call' ... The absence of rigid rules does not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that the operation is disorganized - on the contrary, at Bora Bora Cruises - everything, every detail, is thought out and planned... In this country, resting on magic lagoons, each piece of land is precious and loved by its inhabitants. Each of these islands will seduce you by its peculiarity, its surface, its fragrance, its simple life which will revive in you, in a sense, nostalgia.
Bora Bora: the Supreme island

The island quietly rests under the shadow of the towering Mt. Otemanu and Mt Pahia, most often crown with long white clouds. And while gliding in the lagoon we have a thought for Captain James Cook who briefly visited Pora Pora in 1777 and met Chief Puni the "Terror" who with his warriors distinguished their island by conquering their neighbors on Taha'a, Raiatea, Maupiti and Tupai.

By the time the American soldiers and Seabees made their "friendly invasion" during world war II the island was called Bora Bora

Taha'a : the Orchid Island

Formerly known to the Maohi pioneers as Uporu,the natal home of Hiro, the famous god of thieves in Polynesian mythology, Taha'a is shaped like an hibiscus flower with a scalloped shoreline and deep indented bays. In the words of Captain Cook in 1769 "Taha'a offers two very welcoming natural harbors...the one which is on the front is Haamene (the deepest bay of Polynesia) and the other one's name is Hurepiti;it is quite large and we can easily anchor…"

Taha'a residents earn their living in agriculture, fishing and breeding livestock. The rich, puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze. Originally introduced a hundred years ago, vanilla plantations have flourished and grown without modern machinery. Generations of family-owned farms harvest this beautiful orchid (vanilla tahitensis) creating an aroma and flavour known and loved by "chefs" around the world.

Raiatea : the Sacred Island

The Polynesian Creation Chants tells of Ta'aroa, the Supreme God who broke out of his shell and created all things. By Ta'aroa incantation Havai'I came to exist. It was the birth place of land, the birthplace of gods, the birthplace of kings and the birthplace of man. And it was to Havai'I that the souls of the dead must return.

This holy island became the cradle of Royalty and religion as well as the center of the center of Polynesian Maohi Culture, History and Heraldry.

The sacred passage of Te-Ava-Moa at Opoa offered frequent scenes of grandeur as great double canoes sailed into the lagoons, streaming long pennants from many islands kingdoms as faraway as Rurutu, Tonga and New Zealand.

High abvove,hidden by the morning mist, the celebrated and magnificent Temehani-rahi plateau rises in formidable walls of basalt. Near the summit lives the "Tiare Apetahi" flower; so rare is this flower, it can be grown no place else on earth. Each morning as the sun reaches the mist covered mountain peaks, the gentle petals open with a slight crackling sound.

Huahine: the Island of bards

Huahine is actually formed of two islands: Huahine Nui, the great island of the North and Huahine Iti the little island in the South united in a beautiful strait by a narrow submarine isthmus. Legend claims this isthmus was formed when it was cut apart by the canoe of Hiro.

The historic village of Maeva, built alongside the lake Fauna Nui, is a sort of open-air museum,where restored Tahitian "marae" temples, prehistoric villages and stone fish wiers lend archaeological clues to civilization that existed back to AD 850,and whose proud descendants now reside in this formerly royal village.While off-shore islets called "motu" lie inside the reef, providing efficient gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry.

A birthplace and home to many famous writers, poets, artists and singers, Huahine's world of land, sea and fable is a world where dreams meet reality.

A tip: if you plan to visit our islands these cruises have the best values when you consider visiting several islands with 5 star accommodations, activities, picnic, all meals compared to local flights between 4 islands, hotels in 4 islands without meals...and you visit each island and see the islands from the sea.

Watch our selection of extraordinary videos that transport you in our heavenly islands and The BillabongPro Surf Competition 2007 in Teahupoo also.

Onlytahiti.com provides Live news from Tahiti updated twice a day, win a 3-day, a 4-day or a 7-day cruise in Tahiti offered to Las Vegas marathon participants also. If you had booked or know someone that booked a trip to Tahiti between July 2006 and April 2007 encouraged by OnlyTahiti.com promotion campaign, contact us, you are entitled to a Las Vegas getaway voucher. Tahiti and its islands have a website in your neighborhood.

Papeete-Tahiti (PRWEB) May 7, 2007

Get An Apartment Instead Of A Hotel On Your Holiday

Apartment Rentals are gaining in popularity for cruise travellers looking to extend their stay at the port before or after their cruise. Why stay in a hotel room, when you can have a luxury apartment for almost the same price? Especially when suites like these are available for rental:

Apartment Escapes has beautiful studios, lofts and up to three bedroom suites available starting at just $175.00 per night! Their units come fully furnished with fresh sheets and towels, with many offering daily maid service and other ammentities you will not find at local hotels. It's a perfect choice whether it's just the two of you travelling or with the family.

So, if you are planning on extending your cruise holiday in New York City, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Paris, London, Miami, Los Angeles and Boston, let Apartment Escapes help you escape the hotel blues.

Dog and Cat Boarding Facility Comes to Seattle Airport

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, unnecessary trips, rushing around, or waiting for a kennel to open will be a thing of the past.

AirPet Hotel is a welcomed addition to the port of Sea-Tac. The concept of being accessible to customers 24-7, offering daycare to dogs, feeding them on their own schedule, or providing medication as directed are all part of the inclusive service at no extra charge. Pets will have round-the-clock care as there is always someone on the premise. At the same time owners are on vacation, their dogs are also on vacation.

While AirPet is new to the area, it is an established business at Portland International Airport. During the infancy of their operation and first year of business, convenience, service, and personal attention to detail has awarded them the "Best Doggy Dash" by Willamette Week, an award-winning weekly newspaper in Portland, Oregon.

This service to excellence will now be available in the area seven days a week. Regular telephone hours are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, however, check-in and check-out are allowed at any time with prior arrangement. Chong Jones, co-owner, emphasizes that, "AirPet is different from other kennels by providing more than a place for your pets to sleep. They have daycare and are not cooped up or let out for just potty runs. Owners have the convenience of saving time and needless trips since the kennel is located just a few minutes from airport parking and the terminal. This is a unique feature of AirPet."

Feedback from customers allows AirPet to be aware of the things they are doing well. Andrea Edinger, a regular and long-time customer, has told us, "I love the fact that when I get off a flight, I can go immediately to AirPet and see my precious Bruno. I get so excited when I see that he is happy to see me. I once took him to a regular dog kennel and he ignored me for a couple of days. You would think that he was saying, 'How could you leave me there?' There's no waiting. I can drop him off or pick him up at any time."

Consistency to care and service is supervised by Lisa Townley, General Manager and a recent graduate of Oregon State in Animal Science. Lisa decided to come to AirPet after having her own dog spend some time with us. "It's really a great opportunity to work in such a unique environment. I love being able to provide convenience and peace of mind for owners while they're away. I especially love that the dogs are so excited to return to stay with us. The dogs being happy to come back lets me know that we're doing a good job," Townley said.

Geoff Wittreich, co-owner of AirPet, adds, "It has been a pleasure to see an owner's face light up when they connect with their pet after a vacation. I enjoy serving Portland. A pet is not just a pet, they are considered family."

AirPet can be contacted at info@airpethotel.com should you have questions, would like to schedule a visit, or make a reservation.

PRWeb.com

Still Shopping For That Summer Cruise?

If it's any indication on their website, Royal Caribbean's summer deals have come and gone. Since sunny destinations such as Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico are very popular cruise destination spots for families, we most likely we will see any more last minute deals for sailings between June to August. Alaska sailings might prove to be different, and we could possibly see price drops for specific dates in the near future.

If you are shopping for a Royal Caribbean cruise deal today, hot rates are popping up for fall and winter sailings. This is just some of the destinations advertised on their website:

6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Radiance Of The Seas
Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2008 Date(s): Jan 13 , Jan 27 , Feb 10 , Feb 24

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Mariner Of The Seas
Departure Port: Port Canaveral, Florida
Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Florida; Cococay, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port Canaveral, Florida
2007 Date(s): Sep 16 , Nov 25

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Freedom Of The Seas
Departure Port: Miami, Florida
Ports of Call: Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Miami, Florida
2007 Date(s): Oct 07 , Nov 18

7 Night Greek Isles Cruise
Ship Name: Splendour Of The Seas
Departure Port: Venice, Italy
Ports of Call: Venice, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Corfu, Greece; Split, Croatia; Venice, Italy
2007 Date(s): Nov 03 , Nov 17

7 Night Mediterranean Cruise
Ship Name: Voyager Of The Seas
Departure Port: Barcelona, Spain
Ports of Call: Barcelona, Spain; Villefranche (Nice), France; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Naples, Capri, Italy; Palermo (Sicily), Italy; Barcelona, Spain
2007 Date(s): Nov 03 , Nov 10

To get the current rates, visit Royal Caribbean's Hot Deal page.

Safety Tips For Your Vacation Cruise

Common sense will sail you through even in a fairy-tale cruise. Be it your honeymoon or a holiday you must remember certain things to safeguard both your valuables and you.

Vacation cruise Terms and conditions

These usually imply that the cruise cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by you during the journey and is not liable to compensate for any damaged or lost items. You would be asked to sign this waiver before the onset of your cruise journey. The sole responsibility is yours, so you must be cautious.

Why you would not risk anything to be stolen

It is laborious and legally hassling to investigate the theft and pursue the culprit. The red-tapeism involves three complicated and totally different legal procedures for any action to be taken. Most people would not even bother to try. Plus, you may never identify the thief who happens to carry your stolen goods in his suitcase. Hence you must be careful and take the needed precautions that includes:

Make a list of all the items you would carry in your suitcase. Leave that list behind. Carrying it onboard would only assist in making the job easier for the thief.

Your credit card and bank account numbers must be noted and kept separately. Also ensure that you carry all the phone numbers of your banks or other financial organizations to report any loss or theft of a credit card and get it blocked to prevent any misuse.

Cruise ship safety

While on board you must take certain necessary precautions:

It is always wise to keep your money and valuables in a safe rather then in your cabin. There is a provision of a safe in all cruise ship. Your cabin is likely to be insecure as unlike the hotels there is a lesser frequency of changing the locks of your room on the ship.

If at all you carry wallets then never keep them in your back pockets as they can be easily stolen. Instead it is safer to keep your money in a waist pouch and wear it like a belt under your clothes. This would solve the twin hassle of your money being snatched or you leaving it on the ship somewhere that you cannot recall. Be inconspicuous when handling money. Do not attract unnecessary attraction regarding the amount of cash you are carrying.

Select a modest looking suitcase while taking a cruise. Expensive leather will be like a green signal for a professional thief.

Travel tour Keeping these precautionary measures in mind will make your travelling comfortable and safe. Whether your vacation is on a cruise or a land excursion, these guidelines are simple to follow and will assure a pleasant holiday. However, you must start planning your tour well in advance to avoid last minute hassles.

About the Author
Concentrating on the topic of Alicante, Vince Paxton is publishing largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You might come across his comments on Murcia on his site.

A Mediterranean Cruise Like No Other

The Mediterranean - Of tall ships, tall tales and the european splendor. That's exactly what you'll get when you cruise the Med on Star Clippers. Cruise in casual elegance, relaxed atmosphere, pampered comfort, or even lend a hand in hoisting the sails if you are a boating enthusiast! It’s as if you had your own chartered yacht and could sail anywhere you wanted, except they do all the work for you while you laze in the pool.

"Discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present."

The Star Clippers fleet is comprised of 3 magnificent tall ships:

"For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 439 foot Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yachts. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style.

A full 18,940 square feet of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment. Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow.

Climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger look-out ‘crow’s-nests’, thoughtfully furnished with comfortable settee, where you’ll have the grandest view of all! Royal Clipper’s interior spaces are just as dazzling. They include a 3-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly-appointed dining room, where you'll enjoy deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code.

A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports and diving. The ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of our spa and health club, which features underwater glass portholes!" - Source Starclippers.com

2007 - 2008 Calendar

"Star Clipper and her sister ship Star Flyer are as fleet as the wind and as graceful as swans. These are true clipper ships, reflecting their proud heritage in every inch of polished brass and gleaming brightwork.

Star Clipper and Star Flyer are both 360 feet long and each carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined, as each ship offers pleasingly spacious accommodation and expansive teak decks with ample space for relaxing and play. In fact, you’ll find that these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.

The décor of Star Clipper and Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.

Enjoy our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew." - - Source Starclippers.com

Star Clipper 2007 - 2008 Calendar, Star Flyer 2007 - 2008 Calendar

As these magnificent tall ships prepare for the cruise season in the Med starting in April, you can just but wonder the opulent elegance of spending your vacation on tucked away and exclusive ports such as Mali Lusinj in Croatia, Lipari - Aeolian Islands in Italy, or the popular St Tropez in France. These are such beautiful ports filled brimming with history and culture, and what makes sailing with Star Clippers such a unique experience!

"Where white-washed churches point tilted Greek crosses heavenward in skies of brilliant blue, while sun worshippers bask on the beaches under Helios’ golden gaze. Twisting cobblestone alleyways lead to tavernas where octopus salad and ouzo are in order. Ancient Minoan palaces and medieval fortresses whisper tales of pagan rites and knightly rituals....

In sun-baked plazas, churches hide treasures of medieval art and the gnarled roots of olive trees coil around crumbling tombs, bespeaking of ancient civilizations. The faces of the Western Mediterranean are wreathed in smiles. This is the land of sunshine and dreamy summer afternoons, where the days never end and the nights are cooled by breezes perfumed with sage, rosemary and thyme. The taste of sweet green olive oil and fresh ripe tomatoes, the sound of carefree children laughing on sun drenched beaches, the sight of myriad yachts at anchor in picturesque harbors, the stories told by crumbling walls and ancient ruins, these are but a few of sights and scenes of the Western Mediterranean that have drawn travelers through the centuries since time began.

The Croatian Coast .... might be the Mediterranean’s last unsung paradise. Put yourself in a magical place of ancient Roman ruins, idyllic ports and myth-making islands lost in time. Where tall cypresses, olive groves and hilltop villages remind you of Italian hill towns. Where dancing waters are dotted by white sails and thousands of islands spill like green jewels over the sea. And more precious treasures abound in medieval walled cities that have miraculously survived through centuries of attack and siege.

The world you'll discover is ... unlike the one you’ll find on a cruise ship."