Family Cruises – What to Consider When Booking the Perfect Family Cruise

Choosing a cruise that will cater for all the family can be a tough endeavour. Often when thinking of a family cruise the focus tends to be on the kids/teens needs, but a good family cruise will cater for all ages.  So what should you consider before embarking on your family voyage?

First things first, catering for the kids should be high up on your list. Children can get very bored very quickly so in order to make sure they have a fantastic time, and of course to maintain the sanity of the rest of the family, it’s important you get this bit right. Luckily most cruise operators have realised the importance of this and modern cruises have all sorts of activities that you can only imagine. A quick look at what’s on offer on the new all-singing, all-dancing Royal Caribbean reveals a vast array of activities. It boasts an on-board ice-rink, a water-park, a climbing wall, and even an on-board surfing simulator.

One other thing to bear in mind is that unfortunately your teenage daughter will probably not want to go on a Disney cruise. Matching the cruise and the activities with the ages of your children is something that is important to take into consideration.

So, you’ve done your research and you’ve found that perfect cruise for your kids. Now is the time to take a moment and think about you for once. What do you want from your cruise? Will you be happy spending your day basking on a sun-lounger with a Mojito, or do you need that little something extra to entertain you? Most cruises come with a range of bars, restaurant, usually a cinema, and trips on-shore.  Sometimes it easy to forget that the family holiday is not just for the kids but for everyone to enjoy.

Researching your cruise is important. The internet has a vast array of resources. There are numerous online communities dedicated to the cruise lines where you can find impartial advice from experts.

Once you have found that fantastic cruise that is perfect for you and the family the final consideration is, of course, money. Great cruise deals can be found on the internet and you could always be old-fashioned and step into your local travel agent.  There are all sorts of options and you can even find some fantastic last-minute family cruise deals.

Ben Stott has been working in the travel industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about travelling, destinations and especially cruises.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/family-cruises-what-to-consider-when-booking-the-perfect-family-cruise-1589284.html

Making the most from Caribbean cruises

The Caribbean has so much more to offer than simply sunbathing. There are many other great things that you and the family can do on these amazing islands. Here are my top five suggestions to ensure you get the most from taking a Caribbean cruise.

1. Swimming with stingrays is a must. Organisers will take you to a sandbar where you will be able to get up close to dozens of stingrays and feed and touch them. If you aren’t quite brave enough you can still see these amazing fish up close through a glass-bottomed boat.

2. Shark diving in the Bahamas. If the stingray swimming wetted your appetite for more then shark diving is another great experience to be had. You can dive down in the reefs of Nassau where you will find the most amazing coral walls.

3. Take a dive in Curacao at full moon. Around late September Curacao’s coral reef inhabitants release millions of spawned eggs. Taking that Caribbean cruise will mean you can enjoy seeing the sea light up which attracts a large amount of fish.

4. Find out about the volcanoes in Montserrat. It is worth taking one of the Caribbean cruises that allows you to visit Montserrat. This unique experience offers the chance to visit an active volcano, which came to life again in July 1995 with a full eruption two years later. Visit the Volcano Observatory to see this rumbling Volcano from a safe distance through binoculars. It is also possible to visit Plymouth to see the Volcano’s effect on the nearby town with ash-filled houses nearby.

5. Sun salute in Caicos and Turks. Found in the very north, this unspoilt private island offers many relaxing activities which you are welcome to join in on. The sun salute classes are available at the many yoga retreats. The yoga retreats include a selection of yoga shanti routines. Available throughout the summer, the teachings range from yogic, poetry, music as well as Buddhist teachings.

As you can see Caribbean cruises offers a whole lot more than just the amazing beaches. These are five great and memorable experiences to be had in the Caribbean however there is so much more to experience.

Ben Stott has been working in the travel industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about travelling, destinations and especially cruises.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/making-the-most-from-caribbean-cruises-1589302.html

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Vietnam Cruises - Explore Bhaya Cruises in Halong Bay

December 16, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

Discover the breathtaking scenery of Vietnam’s premier destination aboard a cruise vessel which exudes charm and luxury! The Bhaya is a new boat with an ancient history. A true traveler of his time, the Vietnamese Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) defied the custom of taking thousands of courtiers on a royal trip, and took just twelve of his most trusted followers on a very exceptional trip to Halong Bay.

- 2 days and 1 night (165 USD per person)

Unbeated Rates for Bhaya Cruises in Halong Bay - 1 Night

- 3 days and 2 nights (300 USD per person)

Luxury Cruising on the Bhaya Cruises in Halong Bay - 2 Nights

His ship was one of the best of the wonderful wooden junks that sailed the waters of Halong. Inspired by the romantic landscape of the limestone karst islands rising in the middle of the waters, Khai Dinh commissioned a poem in praised of the bay’s beauty to be carved on the cliff of Dau Go Cave. The tale of the king’s trip and the hardy ship he had chosen as his water home circulated among the ship builders of Halong.  Each succeeding generation of shipbuilders dreamed of duplicating Khai Dinh’s wonderful boat, but nearly 100 years passed before an 80-year-old master shipbuilder, Nguyen Van Hoa, turned the dream into reality. Master Hoa was born into a highly respected family of ship builders in Quang Ninh Province. From early childhood, his father had filled his mind with stories of this magical kingly junk that no one could replicate. At the same time, under the expert tutelage of his father, Hoa developed into one of the most gifted ship designers of his generation. Night after sleepless night, he studied ancient drawings and scripts describing Vietnamese wooden junks. During the day he devised blueprints for all types of junks that could sail across all sorts of ocean waters.

Still, Hoa’s life seemed incomplete. He was always searching for a dream junk – the boat that would set his work apart from those of the other shipbuilders of his time. One day, among the thousands of ancient sketches and drawings, he discovered a fragment of the lost drawing of Khai Dinh’s matchless junk. Working slowly and carefully, he managed to restore the drawing to its original state. At last, the incomparable boat that had transported Khai Dinh and his courtiers lived again on paper. Now, all that was left was to find the support to build the vessel and, once again, bring the ship to life in reality.

In January of 2005, a chance meeting took place in Halong among Antoine Bertrand, a gifted young French architect from Montpellier, his colleague, Anne Drousie, who wanted to build a luxury boat in the style of the ancient Vietnamese junks, and Master Hoa. At last, more than 125 years after Khai Dinh had set sail, all of the ingredients were in place to finally recreate this magnificent boat.

Fiercely determined, French architects and Vietnamese master shipbuilders toiled for two long years in the heat of the shipyard. Finally, in July of 2007, the Bhaya was launched – a perfect blend of the experience and talent of the ancient master and the youthful creativity of the Frenchman and his friend.

The embodiment of an ancient Halong dream, the Bhaya is a flawless combination of traditional eastern delicacy and western luxury and comfort. Sailing in the midst of the wonder and natural beauty that distinguishes Halong Bay, the Bhaya will play a considerable role in the embellishment and protection of this glorious World Heritage Site!

Fully equipped with kayaking equipments and professional service, Bhaya Spirit will be sure to impress. Enjoy 360 degree views of the Halong Bay from foredeck, swim into emerald waters, relax in the sun or participate in a kayaking adventure into hidden lagoons and caves. Experience all that this magnificent Bay has to offer.

2 Accommodation Decks
1 Lounge Deck for Dining and Bar
1 Sundeck
16 Deluxe Cabins
2 Bhaya Suites
2 Royal Suites
1 Massage and Spa Area
1 Boutique Library

Other Amenities

First Aid Kits
Kayaking

Luggage Storages
Emergency Tender boat
Conference and Meeting Equipment
Safety box at the reception
IDD at the reception
24/7 Security

Meetings on Bhaya

There is no better way to avoid interruptions during crucial meetings than holding them aboard one of the luxury Bhaya cruise vessels. The Bhaya dining area is quickly and easily transformed into a board room-environment equipped with comprehensive meeting facilities and space for up to 40 people. Offering a relaxed atmosphere for business and pleasure, Bhaya is perfect for formal or informal gatherings of importance.

Incentives on Bhaya

One of the most worthwhile ways of recognizing your most outstanding staff or clients is an all-inclusive incentive cruise with Bhaya. A wide range of corporate incentive packages and cruise itineraries are available. Daily itineraries can be structured around meetings and team-building exercises, together with plenty of free time for excursions, fun activities and relaxation.

Events on Bhaya

A voyage onboard a Bhaya Cruise vessel creates a memorable occasion like no other. Whether an intimate birthday, a romantic wedding anniversary or an impressive company retreat, this is a unique way to celebrate in style. Bhaya Cruises’ event management team can arrange it all. From a sparkling gala dinner in one of the most stunning caves in Halong Bay to formal dinners or dinner parties – all can be catered to ensure a celebration to remember.

Charter Cruise

What could be more privileged than a luxury private charter cruise to explore the legendary Halong Bay. Enjoy the freedom to choose your own private cruise destinations and itineraries. Privacy ensures you can stretch your imagination with onboard activities tailored and themed to suite your own wishes.

Apply Vietnam Cruise Trips online: http://www.cruisinginasia.com
Apply Vietnam Visa Online: http://www.vietnamvisasupport.com
Apply Vietnam Tours Online: http://travel.togo.vn

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/vietnam-cruises-explore-bhaya-cruises-in-halong-bay-1583302.html

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Finding the Cheapest Cruise Vacation Packages

December 14, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

Hey, I understand.  In these economic times, most people don’t cruise-shop for the most extravagant cruise, the one that hits the most ports, or the one with the biggest liners. They go for the one that offers good quality at the lowest prices. And no one can blame the public for this. So who offers the best overall prices?

As recently as the early 1990s, Premier Cruise Line offered some of the most reasonable cruise prices available. They’d specialized in purchasing older ocean liners and converting them into cruise ships, primarily around the tropics. Premier began transporting scads of people to Disney World and was raking in money like autumn leaves. Disney even allowed them to bring Mickey and Goofy on board as guests to charm the families. But then, alas, Disney initiated its own cruise line and yanked the cartoon characters. Then, to make things worse for Premier, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean began a massive building program of new liners. They grew so large that they could undercut almost any discount cruises Premier put out there. The company finally folded in September of 2000.

There’s one small cruise line left and, at the time of this writing, it still offers the lowest priced package, all things considered. It is the Imperial Majesty Line with its two ships: the Regal Empress and the Ocean Breeze. The prices start at $39 per person per day in the lowest category cabin, and the two-day cruise starts at $45 per day. The ships sail primarily to the Bahamas.

A travel expert claimed recently that of the large cruise lines, the least expensive cruises are offered by Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), and Royal Caribbean. Of course, a few lines such as Celebrity and Princess occasionally compete with a lower priced package, and Costa is a property of Carnival.

Another situation in which any large cruise line can offer rock-bottom rates is on repositioning cruises. This means that when a liner must be repositioned to a different part of the world, the trip for vacationers is offered at a huge discount. A repositioning cruise such as a trans-Atlantic voyage can cost as little as $32 per person per day.

But, aside from situations like that, Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean usually offer the lowest prices. The briefer cruises are often on older ships but you get some incredible deals. And don’t imagine that just because a ship is older, it is shabby or inferior. In many cases, passengers are not even aware that their liner has been in service longer than others. Carnival and NCL now offer three-day cruises for $56 per person per day, and you can get a four-night cruise for about $52 per day. If you do a 7-10 day Mexico or Caribbean cruise, your rate will probably be the lowest of all. However, as the economy improves, expect that rates may go up a bit.

I’m not about to try to compare the overall quality of the three most economical cruise lines. Why not book brief cruises with all three and you decide? Or read up on them yourself and decide which one you like the best. However, whatever you decide I seriously doubt that you will come away disappointed, no matter which company you select. Go out there and have some fun.

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.
Register for a free monthly vacation giveaway!
Book Travel: http://www.mndgetaways.com
Contact Debra: mndgetaways@comcast.net

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/finding-the-cheapest-cruise-vacation-packages-1556670.html

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Next 1 Interactive Inc. Announces $1 Million Cruise Contract Incentive Campaign

December 13, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

Next 1 Interactive Inc announces an ad campaign with Cosmetic Harmony Inc.

Cosmetic Harmony Inc. Is one of the leading medical tourism companies in Colombia, which specializes in plastic surgery procedure packages including cosmetic procedures, accommodations, transportation, medical appointments, personal bilingual assistant and medications.

Cosmetic Harmony has signed a campaign with Next 1 Interactive Inc. offering a free Caribbean Cruise for two as a reward for undergoing plastic surgery. It is a great deal for patients who want to celebrate their new look and travel with a companion on a Caribbean Cruise.

 Anthony Giudice, President CEO, of Cosmetic Harmony stated, “We want to offer our patients a reward for the business they have given to us. We believe a Cruise can be the most exciting trip we can offer to our patients by adding value to their cosmetic surgery experience. We want them to show off their new image while travelling on a Cruise. Hence, we announce the pleasure of getting an opportunity to work with Next 1 Interactive cruise specialists, and we feel this ad campaign will pay off handsomely to Cosmetic Harmony Inc.”

“Cruises are a great travel reward. Multiple destinations to visit, onboard entertainment and fine dining are some of the great experiences in a Cruise. We look forward to working with Cosmetic Harmony Inc”, says Tom Armstrong, VP Sales of Next 1

Next 1 is also negotiating with other companies that are looking into cruise incentives. The reservations and documents will be handled by the company’s subsidiary Cruise Shoppes Inc; one of the industries largest Cruise Consortia.

About Next 1 Interactive Inc.:

Next 1 Interactive Inc (Next 1) is an interactive media company specializing in Digital Media with a focus on Travel and Lifestyle.  Next 1 utilizes its online and offline expertise to deliver targeted content via digital platforms including broadcast and interactive television, terrestrial and internet radio,, broadband and on-demand video delivering the consumers that brands want to reach. Through integrated, interactive promotional offerings and targeted marketing, our clients reach and engage the consumers who are the best customers for their offers.   In today’s digital market Next 1 Interactive delivers value and a measurable return on investment to its advertisers, sponsors and business partners.

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plan, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Investor Relations Contact
1-954-888-9779 x 8983
investorrelations@N1ii.com                                                                                                            

About Cosmetic Harmony:

Cosmetic Harmony, one of the leading medical tourism companies in Colombia, has been providing state-of-the-art facilities in various cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women.  Cosmetic Harmony uses only FDA-approved materials.

For more information on Cosmetic Harmony’s Procedures, visit

http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/

Cosmetic Harmony’s Affiliate program,

http://affiliates.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/Login.aspx

Contact:

Anthony Giudice, Sales Supervisor

305.726.0527

Anthony Giudice is a president and CEO of 5 international companies.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/next-1-interactive-inc-announces-1-million-cruise-contract-incentive-campaign-1565555.html

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Cruise deals- More than a Holiday

December 12, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

2009 may have 2 months left but as the months gone by have proved, they will go quickly and as such getting any plans for Christmas in need to be thought about now. Cruises have long been a favourite amongst holidaymakers as they combine a great holiday experience with lots of fun and entertainment whilst aboard the ship.

One of the best things about cruises is that you get to visit more than one destination during your holiday. If you are someone who would rather see the nicest parts of a city then move on then a cruise sounds ideal for you. You can visit 5 or 6 different places in one cruise and often these places will all be very different to each other allowing you to experience different cultures.

There is always plenty to do aboard the cruise ship so in between destinations so you can be sure you will never get bored. If you have never been on a cruise before and are about to embark on your first cruise it is best to take it all in your stride. You do not need to prepare every last thing down to the smallest detail as you should take it as it comes. There are plenty of cruise deals around for you to choose from so finding the best option for you should not be a problem.

Each cruise ship is different to one another so unless you have a specific requirement then just choose the ship that takes you to the destinations you want. After a few cruises then you may develop of favourite type of ship but until then just go with the flow as the entertainment will be similar on each one. All cruise ships are well kept and looked after so you are sure to feel comfortable in the settings.

As previously mentioned there are a range of destinations that are available so choose carefully, you can visit exotic destinations such as the Caribbean and the Amazon to destinations closer to home such as the Canary Islands, Italy and France. Wherever you want to go make sure you go online to find the best deals on all cruises.

There are some leading companies in the cruise sector that you should consider and there are some great P&O cruises available as well as competitve Princess Cruises too.

Bob Brightside is an experienced author in the travel sector having worked in the industry for many years.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-deals-more-than-a-holiday-1568471.html

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Hawaiian Cruise - What to Expect

December 12, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

These days, the planet is at your fingertips. Speak the word and you can quickly order a cruise to any of the 7 continents. Cruising is the best holiday and there are cruise vacations to suit each resources. So why not to decide on a Hawaiian  cruise ?

Your Hawaiian cruise fare will include all meals, your stateroom, on-board things to do and leisure, plus transportation from port to port. Housed inside the Hawaiian cruise ships are swimming pools, volley ball and basketball courts, spas, fitness centers, theaters, beauty salons, dance clubs and of course, a big range of restaurants .
To  keep yourself busy  during the time the ship is sailing to Hawaii, (that may be 4-7 days) you’ll be able to attend computer lessons or go to health and wellness seminars .

You will notice that a Hawaiian cruise ship could be a floating place of recreation, with all the facilities a quality place of recreation has to offer and much more. You’ll meet new associates, folks like yourself who split the identical tastes and points of interest. And, you can spend some time  becoming energetic or resting.
Usually, your solely extra costs will be drinks, non-compulsory shore trips, and private services like massage or hairdressing.

Most tourists to Hawaii opt to fly , however many are increasingly selecting a Hawaiian  cruise.

Sailing  from one island to another , that basically sums up what a Hawaiian cruise is . While you sail your way through the gorgeous waters of Hawaii, you can expertise  an amusement and relaxing vacation with a lesser amount of hassles than any land-primarily based tour. A Hawaiian cruise could sound expensive for you, but taking into consideration the benefits it is less expensive than you think.

Virtually everyone who take a Hawaiian cruise vow they’re going to come again. From white-sand seaside with lively-blue water to wild orchids that grow by the roadside, your eyes are on constant alert for brand new, outstanding places.

One among the most popular Hawaiian Islands, Maui is a tropical paradise crammed with amazing sights, incredible shores and breathtaking entertaining activities .

Maui’s extensive   attractive sandy seaside will leave you out of breath.For the proper afternoon in the sun, visit the beaches of Kaanapali Beach, which is considered as one of the leading seaside on Maui because of the great snorkeling site at Black Rock.

Your visit to the garden island of Kauai shows tranquil waterfalls, blooming rainforests, and also the Spouting Horn lava tube creation.

Whereas in Oahu, you can  take a visit to the well-known shores and nightlife of Waikiki, and obtain a heartrending excursion with a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. On The Massive Island of Hawaii you’ll see the active Kilauea Volcano, visit a pineapple plantation or amuse yourself with a round of golf at any of the award-winning golf courses.

Hawaiian cruise have become one of the more well-liked Hawaiian  vacations, particularly for those who haven’t until now experienced the islands.When you concentrate on all the additional costs at a land vacation  , there is  no better deal than cruising.

Whether or not you’ve been planning a Hawaiian cruise for years or are just starting to explore the idea , bear in mind that a Hawaiian cruise promises  a lifetime  expertise.

The author is the owner of the Hawaiian Cruise web page .For more information about Cruise Vacations visit the web site http://www.our-cruise.com/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/hawaiian-cruise-what-to-expect-1571661.html

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Cruise deals to make your Christmas

December 11, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

We would all like to have a bit of sun this Christmas but that seems very unlikely so our only chance of some sun is to go on holiday abroad. There are a few options once you have decided to go abroad and if you are so far undecided then consider a cruise.

If you are not stuck to a budget then a cruise should be the perfect holiday for you. If you are one of those people that love to travel around exotic places then you are in luck as there are a range of cruises that will allow you to visit some of the most amazing places in the world. The cruises are well designed so that you get to spend as much time as possible at each stopping destination so you can admire the surroundings and experience some of the culture.

There are plenty of cruises that are priced differently and the cost increases depending on how far away you travel (obviously!). There are some reasonably priced cruises available to places such as Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands. This cruise covers places such as Savona in Italy, one of the places that claim Christopher Columbus was born and lived there. Barcelona, Spain’s second biggest city is also on the agenda and if you have never been before then you are in for a treat.

Arrecife, Malaga and Casablanca are also destinations that you will stop at and all 3 are very popular amongst tourists and are definitely worth a visit even if you have been before. The cruise returns and finishes at Savona and you can recap on the fantastic time you have had on board the cruise liner. All that needs to be done now is to hop on the short flight back to the UK and your cruise holiday is unfortunately finished.

Cruises are great fun because when you are off the boat and visiting the great destinations you can experience some of the culture available. Even when you are on the boat and cruising to your next destination there is plenty onboard to do such as great entertainment, tasty selection of food and drink and comfortable rooms to relax in.

There are some leading companies in the cruise sector that you should consider and there are some great P&O cruises available as well as competitve Cunard Cruises too.

Bob Brightside is an experienced author in the travel sector having worked in the industry for many years.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-deals-to-make-your-christmas-1568497.html

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Barcelona Cruise Passengers – Planning a Modern Architecture Tour

December 10, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

Luckily for those passengers docking into Barcelona for the day, most of the Modernista architecture can be viewed within a day. Barcelona is a very accessible city, with public transport being both cheap and easy to use. The easiest way to head into the heart of the Modernista’s paradise is hopping on the green line metro, line 3, a short stroll from the cruise terminal to the bottom of Las Ramblas – the old town’s main thoroughfare. From here, take just 4 stops up to Diagonal metro stop and walk outside onto Passieg de Gracia.

 

You will be greeted with an expanse of grid-shaped blocks in the neighbourhood known as Eixample, which roughly translates as “widening” or “expansion”. This is Barcelona’s largest neighbourhood, extending out from the old city walls to the small-town neighbourhoods that were once known as outside villages. Designed by Ildefons Cerdà exactly 150 years ago, Eixample was the playground for wealthy investors to show off their financial clout in constructing striking buildings which stood out from their neighbours. Building’s such as Antonin Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Casa Mila sit as neighbours on Passieg de Gracia street – both proud owners of UNESCO World Heritage Status, and buildings which challenge architecture and it’s standard forms in different ways.

 

Eixample is also home to what has become known as the “manzana de discordia” or the block of discord, so called as it has the most diverse examples of Modernista architecture in such a small radius – an Eixample block. Casa Battlo is included in this fine list, as well as Casa Amatller designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s Casa Lleò Morera. Domenech at the time was much more famous than Gaudi, who has undoubtedly taken the limelight since his death, and is also responsible for two of the other nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites the city has to offer – the Palau de la Musica Catalana in the old town, and Hospital Sant Pau, which is close to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.

 

The easiest way to see all of these buildings is to simply stroll down Passeig de Gracia in the direction of the port, and stop to view each individual masterpiece as you go along. Casa Mila is definitely worth the entrance fee, with a period apartment, blueprints and original sketches in the attic, and the magnificent rooftop terrace with Gaudi’s unmistakeable chimneys in honour to Saint George – a theme used in many of his buildings, given that George is the patron saint of Catalonia. From the rooftop you will also spy across town the spires of the Holy Family Cathedral – Barcelona’s most famous landmark, and your next destination.

 

If you fancy a spot of lunch or some Spanish Tapas whilst you’re on Passeig de Gracia, then dive in, as this street has some of the best Tapas restaurants in town! Then head down into Passig de Gracia metro station, and take the Purple Line, line 2, over to Sagrada Familia. Those unfamiliar with metro systems or nervous about using public transport in a foreign city need not worry – Barcelona’s metro system is so easy, with just 5 main lines, all colour coded and named line 1 to 5! The stop for Sagrada Familia is also named after the cathedral itself, so it couldn’t be easier!

 

Even for those not particularly interested in architecture, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a jaw-dropping experience. The nativity and Crucifixion facades offer a stark contrast to each other, but still seem perfectly possible to be in the same building. Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is easily worth an afternoon and the downstairs museum space has many photos of when building work commenced, scale models of what the cathedral will look like upon completion, and Gaudi’s grave in the crypt, too. Don’t worry if queues are too long for the lifts up inside the spires, and spend more time exploring the inside of the cathedral and its intricate details. If you can, follow a guide, or read extensively about the inside – Gaudi left an incredible amount of intricate detail which can often so easily be overlooked. Talk about saving the best for last!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Apartments for groups in Barcelona.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/barcelona-cruise-passengers-planning-a-modern-architecture-tour-1566516.html

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Cruise Fun; Cruise Smart

December 9, 2009 | By Tracy Traveler In Cruise Vacations | Comments(0)

When you really think about it, taking a cruise really can be one of the most economical vacations available. Your price typically includes cabin, all meals, entertainment, kids’ programs, gym/sauna, jogging track, and other amenities. However, there are some very important pointers you must follow to prevent your cruise vacation from becoming a yawning money pit you will greatly regret.

1) Do your homework or get your travel agent to do his/her homework in comparing cruise lines and cruise packages. There is a vast array of them. Make darn sure the quote includes port fees and taxes. Many a traveler has had their bubble burst when they realized the price they were quoted was the basic cost before fees.

2) Don’t forget to figure in airfare. You’re way ahead of the game if you don’t live too far from cruising ports. But, if not, try to schedule far enough in advance to get the most discounted fare possible.

3) If you book months ahead, sometimes you can get in on good cruise discounts. However, if your schedule is flexible, then try to book during the last few weeks before a cruise. They’re trying to fill their ship then and you can get hefty discounts. Also, if you don’t mind a windowless cabin, book an inside cabin at a cheaper rate.

4) Look for cruises where kids go free. As I wrote this article, I noticed several kids-go-free offers. Majestic American, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Costa offered a cruise free for kids under 12 and Disney offered a free cruise for kids under age 17. You can’t beat offers like this.

5) There are other possible discounts. If you’re over age 50 you may get 10% off. If you book eight cabins with friends or relatives, you may get your cabin free. Or you can ask to be included in an unknown group. Of course, on-board you won’t have to be run around everywhere with the group, but the group may have booked a 9:00 p.m. dinner table and you would be registered at that table. So make sure you know details like this.

6) A few little-known tips: If you go on an older ship the cruise may cost less. Also, if a cruise ship is being repositioned to another location, you can get large discounts on that voyage. Ask about this when you book. If you decide to purchase cruise insurance, try to purchase it from an insurance company, not the cruise line. It can be less expensive.

7) You can save money if you’re okay with exploring a port of call without paying for on-shore excursions. The excursions can put a big dent in your wallet fast. If you want better on-shore excursion rates, visit www.johnnyjet.com for various official tourism port websites. Set up your on-shore excursions directly through them. Also Google for coupon books such as the Great Alaskan Toursaver. This can save you lots of dough.

8) To save, you can avoid onboard pay-to-play activities like the betting, wine-tasting, art auctions, etc. Bring a decent camera for memorable photos. The professional photos on board cost a fair amount. Buy internet use at a port if possible; on the ship, they charge per minute. If you’re on a budget, don’t get carried away with the booze. A bar tab can get out of hand real quick. Even water and soda are costly, so, if you want, bring your own water bottle or coffee mug and fill-er- up at the self-serve buffet.

9) In brief, almost everything costs more on the ship. So bring plenty of toiletries, sundries, camera film, etc. 10) What’s my final tip? What did you expect? Cruise lines want to grab customers for life so they usually offer nice reward programs if you book your next cruise with them. So keep a record of your prior cruise(s) and see what discounts or rewards you are offered.

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.
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Book Travel: http://www.mndgetaways.com
Contact Debra: mndgetaways@comcast.net

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-fun-cruise-smart-1561972.html

Filed under: Cruise Vacations

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