Cruise ship holidays have been popular for many years where instead of being tied to one destination for your holiday you get to experience many more types of cultures and countries. Cruise ship holidays aren’t just spent on the decks of the cruise liner as many cruises have multiple stop offs at ports along the way, allowing you to set foot on land to experience the local atmosphere, do some gift shopping and other activities.

When people think of cruise ship holidays there are usually two main companies that come to mind: P&O and Cunard. Both have their advantages and their destinations can be similar with each one having a few different options compared to the other. Their cruise ships themselves are similar too in some ways but generally their fleet will have many different ships that can cater to different crowds.

For instance P&O cruises have ships such as the Artemis that is a child-free boat, there are many people who take cruise holidays to get away from the screaming children at beach resorts so having the option for just a couple’s holiday without children around can be right up some people’s street. Other ships though are family orientated to help dispel the myth that cruise ship holidays are for older tourists.

Cunard Cruises have a smaller although incredibly impressive fleet including the Queen Mary 2 which recently visited Liverpool docks hailed as the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary 2’s most recent trip has been a cross Atlantic trip to New York which is one of the many routes or voyages you can book a place on.

Other destinations that the Cunard ships travel on are the USA and Canada, Scandinavia and the Baltic region for a cruise with a difference and many familiar trips such as Caribbean and Mediterranean and round the world cruises. P&O has many more ships in its fleet and so has a wider choice of destinations such as Central America, Asia and the Orient and even Dubai and the Middle East which can include holiday hotspots such as Sharm El Sheikh too.

Both Cruise line companies have a lot of choice not only from what ships and which countries to visit but accommodation and dining options for the duration of your trip too. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend you can upgrade your cabin to a more luxurious one or you could choose more exquisite meals. The Aurora ship from P&O has a Marco Pierre-White restaurant on board.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/choosing-between-cunard-and-po-cruises-1477831.html

Whether you can enjoy an Alaska cruise tour will fundamentally rely on what kind of cruise line you go with. There are recent cruise lines like Royal Caribbean worldwide Norwegian cruise company and Carnival cruises.

Latest cruise lines are essentially detailed of the conveniences and facilities found in their fleets. They are just that, modern, with some offering features standard ships typically won’t like wall climbing walls, skating rinks, glass lifts that face the sea and solariums.

Norwegian cruise lines offer yard villas, fantastic for families who take cruises to Alaska together. Carnival cruises, naturally, offer its passengers the sensation of a carnival from kids’s entertainment to a youth camp in the full duration of the trip. Most Alaska Cruise deals that involve fresh cruise lines will generally take one to a 7-day land excursion through places such as Denali, Ketchikan, Fairbanks, Talkeetna and port. Premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises provide up to date facilities at a more cost effective rate than luxury cruise lines. Premium cruise lines are also more intimate vis its size and service than luxury lines. Many of those will offer staterooms and services that cosset their guests like complimentary breakfast, 20 4 hour room service, complimentary washing and pressing across the whole trip, access to areas like top-end eateries, spas, pools and other areas.

Cruise tours mixing with premium cruise lines will take one on a land excursion with an escorted group tour through sceneries and communities in Alaska.

It will definitely be more cost-effective than taking land expeditions alone as most services are tied up with premium cruise lines like transport and lodging. The most recent trend in Alaska cruise tours are niche cruise lines. These are infrequently small, casual, reasonable cruise lines that take in a certain theme in mind during Alaskan journeys. With casual cruising under consideration, many of those cruise lines will not have formal dining, formal cabins or perhaps formal itineraries. They are going to have public lounging areas for a more intimate meeting of other guests.

Another intimate shipping experience that takes one through cruises to Alaska is the northern US Safari Cruise. This may definitely make for cheaper Alaska Cruise Deals as this ship only homes 12 guests with more customized Alaska Cruise Tours. Their itinerary includes canoeing, hiking, whale watching and mountain cycling. The tour will be led by the ship’s own captain or an expedition leader. Sporadically the crew even helps out during some tours. They are required to be just as knowledgeable as the guide. Don’t count these niche cruises out apropos quality though . Plenty of them offering Alaska cruise tours serve gourmand meals, give educational talk from wine pros and take quality keepsakes on the trip.

With a variety of shipping lines to choose from, cruises to Alaska will never be more fun or straightforward. When making a choice, take in mind your goal for the trip. Whether it’s for exploration or relaxation, there’s certain to be a ship in line for you. Good Luck!

Going for an Alaska Cruise? Before you book for one, be sure to visit Alex’s site for advice on how to get great Alaska cruise deals and information regarding Alaska cruise tours to get the best out of your travel vacation.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/what-alaska-cruise-tours-are-about-1472966.html

Fly fishing for trout and viewing  gigantic blue whales in a Zodiac don’t usually go together but this Patagonia cruise on the MN Atmosphere manages both, and in style. The Andes and sea meet on the southern coast of Chile in a region of Patagonia famous for crystal clear mountain streams and big trout, and where blue whales can be seen in the Golf of Corcovado.  The Atmosphere is the only adventure cruise ship designed specifically to cruise the coast of Patagonia.

The 150 foot ship’s crew includes 9 expert fly fishing guides and a leading whale biologist, Gian Paolo Sanino, and they have two helicopters, a 30 foot rigid inflatible boat (RIB) designed for the Navy Seals in which to explore the most remote mountain streams and the marine coastline.  The Atmosphere was built by a young Chilean adventurer with a passion for fly fishing and it’s perfect for a Patagonia cruise among small remote bays with towering snow covered peaks above.  If the shoreline is too rugged for landing, the helicopters whisk passengers beyond the highest peaks, while the RIB can maneuver shallow or deep water.  There are also sea kayaks for quiet trips in sheltered coves and up coastal river valleys.

The vessel is a sleek work of art that provides sybaratic shelter.  While cruising the coast of Patagonia you can relax in the saltwater hot tubs or sauna, then have a massage.  Meals prepared by Chile’s top chefs and accompanied by excellent Sauvignon Blancs and Carmineres from the Chiles vineyards.  The cabins are relatively small and mostly have two single beds, but this is an expedition style adventure cruise and they’re certainly not spartan. There are three larger cabins with queen-sized beds.

The MN Atmospere sails from Puerto Montt, Chile, every Saturday afternoon from October through April. Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Pacific coast of Patagonia and gateway to the Patagonian Lake District.  There are connecting flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt several times a day.  The ship returns to Puerto Montt the following Saturday morning in time to make connecting flights north to Santiago or south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to the national parks of the southern  Andes.

Orvis Travel is the leading booking agent for the MN Atmosphere and an expert on Patagonia cruise adventure travel and fly fishing. Visit our site at http://www.orvis.com/nomadscruise.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/unique-patagonia-cruise-combines-whale-watching-and-fly-fishing-1470489.html

Canada and New England cruise deals abound, making it possible for travelers to enjoy a fun-filled vacation among the beautiful rocky coastline and quaint cities of Canada and New England. The best time to hunt for bargains is in the early spring.  Short cruises of four to five days are popular in the summer months while longer cruises lasting anywhere from seven to fourteen nights are popular in September and October.  These months are perfect for viewing the beautiful colors of fall foliage.  Winter cruises are also offered for southern coastal sailings.

There are many reasons why you should take advantage of Canada and New England cruise deals.  For one, these regions are renowned for their gorgeous coastal scenery and breathtaking natural attractions.  You will fall in love with the French feel of Quebec City and get lost in the captivatingly charming streets and historic buildings of quaint coastal towns in New England.  There’s no better way to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves in the autumn than aboard a Canada and New England cruise.

If you want to get to know the local specialties that make New England famous, consider hopping aboard a New England cruise that stops in charming, small port cities.  You can enjoy specialties such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, fresh Maine blueberries, or a Philly cheese steak sandwich during port visits.  Many of the delicious meals served on board your cruise will be made with local seafood ingredients.

History buffs will thoroughly enjoy a Canada and New England cruise because the area boasts colonial charm and history at every corner.  You can follow in the footsteps of our forefathers in cities like Boston and Philadelphia.  During shore visits, you can visit historical attractions to better understand our nation’s beginnings.  From your cruise cabin’s balcony, you can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery and stunning vistas that make this region so famous.

To discover the French influence that makes Eastern Canada unique, consider taking a cruise that takes you to coastal villages in Nova Scotia, Quebec City, and St. John.  In these areas, you can visit well-known attractions such as the churches of St. John and the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove.

There are also cruises available that combine land tours and cruises.  These so-called cruise tours help you see more of the historic regions that attract so many visitors to Eastern Canada and New England.  If you want to have a deeper understanding of our colonial history, cruise tours are ideal because they allow you to further explore historical attractions during land tours.

Whether you’re interested in culture, history, good eats, or simply beautiful scenery, you will find plenty to keep you entertained if you choose to take advantage of Canada and New England cruise deals.  10 night cruises in this region can cost as low as $499 per person, so they are certainly an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank.

Discover and share great travel deals on BestTravelDeals.net. Free to share and free to submit travel deals. Some recent deals include airfare from $9, $29 and $39.

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The trend in cruising is supposedly that cruise lines are moving away from last minute cruise deals and instead offering discounts to those who book early.  Although it is true that more people are booking their cruises well in advance, that doesn’t mean that last minute cruise deals are non-existent.  It really depends on the type of cruise ship you are booking as well as the particular cruise line.  According to some cruise lines, people who book at the last minute pay brochure rates whereas other cruise lines offer last minute discounts if it looks like there will be empty cabins as the departure date approaches.

Mainstream lines and luxury lines differ in this regard.  Mainstream cruise lines make a lot of money off of shore excursions, alcohol purchases, and onboard casinos.  In order to make a profit, mainstream cruise lines must fill their ships.  If the embarkation date is approaching and there are still a lot of empty cabins, mainstream cruise lines slash prices in order to entice travelers to come on board.  On the other hand, luxury cruise lines have smaller ships and many of their passengers book early in order to get the best suites.  They do not make revenue from onboard purchases since everything is all-inclusive.  Since they have less space to fill and they don’t want to alienate those who remained loyal by booking early, luxury cruise lines typically do not lower prices at the last minute.

How to Find Last Minute Cruise Deals

Contrary to popular belief, there are still last minute bargains out there.  You simply need to know where to look in order to find them.  Keep the following tips in mind in order to get discounted rates when you book at the last minute.

Don’t plan to take a cruise during a time of year when cruising is the most popular.  Cruises during these busy times of year tend to sell out in advance whereas cabins are usually available at the last minute during shoulder seasons.

The first two weeks of December and first few weeks of January are a good time to go cruising.  September through December and May are also good times to take cruises.  In the Mediterranean, cruises in March, April, October, or November fill up more slowly than summertime cruises.

The higher the total number of cabins that a cruise line has in a particular cruise region, the more likely you are to find good last minute bargains.  For example, the Carnival Cruise line has several ships that operate in the Caribbean so it’s easy to find last minute bargains there.  On the other hand, Carnival only operates one ship in the Mediterranean so if the ship sells out, you don’t have any opportunities to score last minute bargains with them.

Be flexible about cabin class.  Towards the last minute, usually only mid-range cabins are available.  If you’re only willing to stay in a top-end cabin or prefer a specific location on the ship, you’re going to have a harder time finding what you’re looking for at the last minute.

Discover and share great travel deals on BestTravelDeals.net. Free to share and free to submit travel deals. Some recent deals include airfare from $9, $29 and $39.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/the-lowdown-on-last-minute-cruise-deals-1463223.html

Cruise ship vacations are a great way to travel, relax and visit exotic lands. Every cruise I take I learn something new that makes my next trip more enjoyable. Here are 10 secrets that will make all your cruise ship vacations memorable.

1. Most cruise lines offer special discounts for past guests, police officers and firefighters, military personnel (active duty, retired, and sometimes even veterans with as little as 2 years service), senior citizens, airline employees and more. I had already been on several cruises before I found out I was eligible for a military discount. Don’t rely on your travel agent to point it out. In fact, it was a fellow passenger who gave me this hot tip. You can find this information on the cruiseline’s website, but it might take a little digging. (Hint: start at FAQ or search for ’special cruise pricing.’) It’s worth the effort — the military discount I received applied to both me and my wife and was very generous.

2. When you’re booking your cruise, you may be able to choose where you want your cabin — toward the front of the ship, the rear or the middle; upper decks or lower. Generally, the higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your location:
~ being close to the elevators might be convenient, but it can also be noisy. This is especially true of service elevators.
~ avoid being under the disco or gym because you’ll hear people partying late into the night or working out early in the morning.
~ the front and rear of the ship can be noisy from anchors and propellers.

3. The elevators get crowded, especially at mealtimes and when getting off the ship in port. I always push both call buttons and get on whichever elevator gets there first. Even if I have to go the opposite direction, I found it’s still faster than waiting in the lobby for the right elevator.

4. To save closet space in your cabin, slide your suitcases under the bed after unpacking. You won’t need them until it’s time to disembark.

5. If you attend any of the shopping and excursion orientations, sit up front. They frequently throw free stuff out into the audience to build excitement.

6. Some cruise ships have a cruise director’s TV show to keep guests informed about the ship’s activities. Call or write in with comments or questions and you’ll likely win a free bottle of champagne or other gift. Cruise directors love guests who participate.

7. Bring a small flashlight or plug in night light. The cabins get very dark, especially inside cabins.

8. There’s always plenty of food on a cruise ship, but try not to overdo it. Set food goals. If you have a big breakfast, have a light lunch. Maybe the next day do the opposite. Try to balance what you eat in terms of carbs, proteins, sweets, etc.

9. Instead of waiting in the buffet line for breakfast and hoping you’ll find a table, eat breakfast in the dining room. It’s hardly ever crowded and you’ll get some great choices for breakfast that you probably won’t see on the buffet line.

10. Pack a travellers first aid kit with sun block, aspirin, bandaids, ointment, and be sure to include insect repellent. On a recent cruise we toured a zoo in the jungles of Belize, and the insects were overwhelming! My wife came back covered in bug bites. While cruise ships have a medical doctor on board, there’s a charge to see the doc… it can be pretty expensive for treatment of minor mishaps.

These 10 simple tips will make your cruise ship vacations more enjoyable. Each time you cruise and pick up new tips, jot them down so you’ll remember them when it’s time for your next cruise.

Want to see what cruise ships are really like? See all the major cruise lines, ships and ports of call through the eyes (or camera lens) of the passengers. Visit http://cruisevacations.vocalpointmedia.com

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Finding the perfect cruise that fits both your family’s interests and budget can be a daunting task, but with a little information on what to look for, you can arrange a cruise you’ll remember for a lifetime. This general overview on family discount cruises will get you put you on the right track to planning your next getaway.

What Makes it a Family Cruise?

While cruises were once purely the domain of couples and honeymooners, today they cater even more so to families. Family Cruises are on the informal end of the spectrum and offer something to passengers with age-specific activities and amenities. They also offer rates and accommodations designed specifically so that parents and kids can share the same cabin space. Even more appealing, these cruises feature a safe environment where kids can have fun on their own in guided events while the deserving parents take some time to themselves.

Activities Just for Kids

Several of the most popular cruise lines offer a plethora of fun, supervised activities for kids of all ages — from babies and toddlers right up to teens. While younger kids will enjoy the hands-on approach of finger painting, play-dough sculpting and face painting, older kids can keep busy with video games, all sorts of sports, scavenger hunts and more. While kids are away from their parents, they will usually have a designated part of the ship all to themselves and when under a certain age, can only be signed in or out by mom or dad. This lets the cruise staff make sure both that kids are safe and are having the most fun — without any grownups in the way.

Activities for Adults

While the kids are busy having fun, parents can choose from a whole range of events featured on regular cruises. For the ultimate in relaxation, you might choose to lounge by a pool, chill out in a sauna or enjoy a day or two at the spa with a facial, massage or body wrap.

Later on when you feel like having some fun, you might choose to do a little socializing at daily deck parties and wine tastings. Parents and older family members will also appreciate amazing shows on a daily basis like Broadway-style musicals, quiz-shows, and live first-rate musical acts.

Don’t worry about going hungry either. Cruise ships and their staff are experts at satisfying passengers’ every culinary whim and desire. Peckish passengers are likely to find a dozen or more unique and delicious places on board to have a meal they won’t soon forget.

Activities for the Whole Family

Of course, the whole point of an amazing family vacation is spending time and having fun together. Everyone is sure to have a great time at all ages water parks, family deck parties with fun themes and shows and musicals you might expect to find only at amusement resorts on land.

Accommodations

Accommodations on family cruises are designed to include everyone in the same cabin as comfortably as possible. For larger groups, connecting rooms are available and for more compact families, you can share one room. Just about every cruise line offers special discounted rates throughout the summer season — anywhere from half price to free fare for kids traveling with two full fare adults.

Going Ashore

While you can have the time of your life on board your cruise ship, the huge advantage of traveling while you relax is seeing exotic locations with your own eyes and experiencing all they’ve got to offer.

The Caribbean is the world’s most popular cruise destination for lots of reasons — perfect weather year round, more diverse yet exceedingly interesting and beautiful ports located within the same region and more chances for once-in-a-lifetime activities and family fun than anywhere else.

Family cruises will normally go into port at family-friendly locations. Back on land, you’ll find options for fun like state of the art aquariums where parents and their kids can learn about native Caribbean sea life and even get up close and personal with dolphins, sea turtles and more. Other great options include snorkeling, parasailing or going on an off-road jeep tour of the more rugged parts of the island you’re visiting.

For families whose kids are a bit more on the mature side, an Alaskan cruise can offer the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they feature views of rugged natural wilderness and wildlife like bald eagles, moose and majestic breaching whales. And when making calls to port, excursions can let families soar across a glacier on a helicopter tour or learn to command a pack of sled dogs.

For an unforgettable, exciting and unique family vacation you’ll remember for a lifetime, a cruise getaway can’t be beaten. Find the cruise that’s right for you today!

Matt Cragle is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing and discount cruises.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/all-about-family-discount-cruises-1453515.html

You’ve been dreaming about a cruise vacation for a long time. All your friends say it’s the vacation of a lifetime. But the fun can be significantly lessened if you don’t know some inside secrets learned by experience. Here are some pointers that will help make your cruise all you dream it will be. First, here are a few tips about stuff to bring on a cruise. Bring binoculars to see on-board shows up close, to view wildlife, and to enjoy the landscape. Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards before leaving home. If the ship’s purser holds your passport, take a copy ashore with you at ports. Leave the other copies with a friend or family member at home. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring a patch or medication—and consider requesting a cabin on a lower deck, midway between bow and stern. Don’t forget to bring an insulated mug. Onboard, fill it with your desired beverage and keep it hot or cold no matter where you go on the ship. Second, you must decide if you’re a destination passenger or a resort passenger. Destination passengers like the idea of a cruise but their greatest excitement comes from on-shore activities at the ports of call. The resort passengers love simply being on the ship. They like the idea of being fed and pampered and entertained on a sleek ocean liner. If you’re a destination passenger, you can schedule some on-shore excursions through a cruise critic board online for significantly lower prices than you’ll schedule on-board or onshore. Third, you must choose the type of cruise that fits you in regard to cost, ship, port activities, and stateroom. If you’re on a tight budget, brand new ships are more expensive than older ones, very short cruises (2-3 days) are usually more expensive than longer ones (7-14+ days). If you need less expensive but nice, you might want to consider Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian. Don’t be too impressed if a cruise line offers you an upgrade. See if it’s really any better. For example, if they simply offer you a cabin a few floors up, you may be getting essentially an identical deal: same service, same amenities, same everything. However, if they’re upgrading you at no charge to a room with a window or a balcony, that’s something to get excited about. For lower prices, book either 3-6 months early or book last minute. Days before the cruise, the line is trying to fill up the ship, so you could get a nice discount. The only problem is that most of the nicest staterooms may be taken. Fourth, if you don’t want a cruise-full of kids, don’t book during Spring Break, the holidays, or summer vacation. On the other hand, if you have kids, find out what sort of free kids’ programs are offered. Inquire for what age groups programs are offered? What sort of activities are planned? How many hours per day does the program run? Is babysitting offered and how much does it cost? A great kids’ program can be terrific for parents needing some down time for themselves. Fifth, one of the most popular features of a cruise ship is the dining. Here are a few hints. Decide when you book the cruise whether you want early dining or late in a main dining room. Early dining could be at 6:00 p.m., late dining may be at 9:00 p.m. Early dining gives resort passengers time to attend both early shows and late; later dining is convenient to give the destination passengers plenty of time to get back from their shore excursions. You’d be wise to confirm early/late dining times as well as seating arrangements. Mistakes are easily made by cruise personnel and you don’t want to get stuck with eight strangers at a 9:00 p.m. seating when you planned for early dinner at a table for four. Sixth, a few little-known dining tips. One a given ship, there are burger grills, pizza shops, sandwich stands, and cafeterias, so try out different offerings at different mealtimes. At dinner, any pasta dish on the main entrée section of the menu is also available as an appetizer, so taste away! You can order as many entrees as you want at dinner. Even if they aren’t on the menu, Cappuccino and Espresso are usually free in the dining room for the asking. If you’re not crazy about the dessert offering of the evening, ask to see the children’s menu. They often list great favorites like banana splits and chocolate sundaes. Seventh, for mailing friends, they usually offer free postcards of the cruise ship at the desk. You can bring your laptop onboard, but compose email in Notepad before you connect—at 75 cents per minute, you don’t want to be composing letters and such. Alternatively, most ports will have an internet café somewhere with rates like $3.00 for 30 minutes. With all these clues, you probably think I’ve been on fifty cruises—wrong! I’ve cruised and I loved it, but most of this invaluable info I scoured from seasoned cruise veterans. So enjoy benefitting from what took them many years and many cruises to learn.

Debra Fortosis is a professional travel agent. You can book travel on her user friendly website. She can even help you easily launch your own turnkey e-travel business.
Book Travel: http://www.mndgetaways.com
Contact Debra: mndgetaways@comcast.net

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