Monday, May 28, 2007

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!