As great as taking a vacation on cruise ships may seem, you still need to know how to plan a cruise ship vacation properly so you have the perfect cruise experience. You need to know about the different types of packages the cruise lines offer.

When planning a cruise ship vacation you need to know how to choose one that will meet your expectation or tailor to your needs. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to plan your cruise travel and enjoy the perfect cruise experience:

Think of who you want to take with you on your cruise vacation. There are many different packages offered by cruise lines. There are packages for the whole family and there are packages for single travelers.

Will you be taking the cruise vacation with children? Maybe you will take your significant other for a romantic getaway. There are cruise ships that are tailored for children and there are cruise lines that cater to single cruisers and honeymooners. There are even some ships that offer wedding services. What could be better than to get married on the ship and have your honeymoon built in?

Decide how long you want to cruise. If you just want to try it out, opt for a three day cruise. Normally, cruises start at three nights and can go anywhere from seven to fourteen days. But there are also world cruises that can last as long as three months. My advice is if you are going to cruise in Europe you should pick a fourteen day cruise because of the expense and long plane rides to get to your port of embarkation. If you live near a port and you just want to take a long weekend choose of three or four day cruise. Decide what cruise travel is best for you.

Choose the perfect destination for you and your family. Alaska is beautiful but can only be cruised in the summer months. If you live in the colder climes you may want to take a mid winter cruise to the Caribbean or even South America. If you want your cruise travel to be in the Caribbean and you want to spend two weeks on your cruise vacation, choose a line that alternates between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. This cruise vacation takes you to many different islands.

The cruise lines have a variety of destinations to choose from. Visit your cruise travel agent to go over the different itineraries or check out the individual websites of the cruise lines.

Consider the port of departure. Since 9/11 cruises have been emphasizing home port cruising. Now there are many cruises that depart from Bayonne, New Jersey, Galveston, Texas, or Seattle, Washington, not just Miami and Fort Lauderdale.. Depart from the one closest to you and you will save money on expensive airfare.

Speak to a knowledgeable cruise travel agent. Make sure they have personally sailed on many different cruise ships so they can give you an honest opinion on what each cruise line has to offer and which would give you the perfect cruise experience.

A cruise travel agent will also be able to supply you with cruise tips. Scour the cruise reviews for additional cruise tips.

Large cruise lines have a variety of activities and facilities that you can use on the ship. If you like to gamble then choosing a cruise ship with casinos is probably right for you. Or if you are taking your kids with you, a cruise ship that offers activities and facilities for children would be the best choice for your cruise travel. For instance, Disney is, of course, geared toward children but they do not have casinos. So if you are taking the family but you want to gamble steer away from Disney and choose one of the other major cruise lines. Almost all of them have children’s programs. If you don’t want to be on a ship with children sail on one of the fancier lines that don’t cater to children. Here, again, it pays to read as many cruise reviews as you can to pick up additional cruise tips.

Cruise vacations do not necessarily mean that you have to spend all your vacation time onboard. All the cruise ships offer land and shore excursions. The cruise lines offer pre and post cruise land vacations usually for two or three days.



Thanks to Zark Barker for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:

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What better way to escape those cold weather doldrums than a relaxing cruise to a warm destination. Cruises offer all the amenities of home, and many more. The all inclusive nature of a cruise vacation makes it easy to relax and put the thought of cold weather and work behind you.

Choosing a destination to escape those cold weather blues can be a fun challenge. There are many options for warm weather cruising. Some may choose the more exotic routes such as the Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, or even the Nile River. Others may choose the allure of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. Still some prefer the South Pacific or the Mexican Riviera.

All of those destinations have a lot to offer, but the five destinations below are the top five for the warm weather seeker.

Multi-Destination Caribbean Cruise

This is by far one of the most popular cruise choices. The Islands of the Caribbean have so much to offer. They are as diverse as they are similar. The sandy beaches, blue waters, and lush jungles entice many visitors to jump ship at each port and explore the many offerings.

These cruises range from a 3 day excursion to 10 day island-hopping expeditions. Some cruises focus on only a couple of islands, while others make a swing around the entire area. On board the ship you can enjoy the entertainment and meals, while resting up for the day trips to the islands. Scuba, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, or simply exploring villages and mountain trails, are all examples of some of the adventures that await you on the islands.

While it is impossible to experience all the Caribbean has to offer in one multi-destination cruise, it does allow the traveler the opportunity to sample a little of each culture.This smorgasbord of experiences opens new opportunities for future vacation planning.

Barbados



While we are still in the Caribbean, Barbados is a superb destination. With nearly constant 80 degree temperatures, soft sand beaches, cool blue waters, and lush vegetation, this is a vacationer’s paradise; a relaxing cruise to the island makes it even more enjoyable.

Barbados offers a rich cultural history coupled with many modern amenities. Friendly, laid back people also make this a choice destination. Throw in some great water recreation, posh resorts, and a hopping nightlife and Barbados becomes an even better choice.

Hawaii



Although not well known as a cruise destination, Hawaii has always been a warm weather destination for travelers. The problem for most vacationers was choosing which island to spend their vacation on. A cruise through the islands eliminates that choice. You get to experience them all.

You could choose a cruise that started in Honolulu and then hop to each island for a great cultural and entertaining vacation. The time aboard ship could be used to rest up between visits to the islands. This is a great way to experience all the islands have to offer in a short amount of time.

For those who enjoy the on-ship part of the cruise the best, there are cruises that depart Mexico or British Columbia and float across the pacific for a very relaxing trip. These are much longer excursions. The onboard time can be spent enjoying all the amenities the ship has to offer before embarking on the many island adventures.

Aruba



Another Caribbean destination, Aruba, is well known for its nightlife. Aruba has often been called the Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas, with its many lavish casinos and upscale resorts. This island relies on tourism to keep it going, with over fifty percent of its gross national product coming from tourism. That explains why the people are so open and friendly.

The trade winds help keep the temperatures down from the extremes, but the arid, dry climate promises plenty of beach weather. Days spent on the beach and in the warm waters, coupled with nights spent enjoying the resorts and casinos equals fun and relaxation. A low crime rate just adds to the air of relaxation.

U.S. Virgin Islands



This popular string of islands is a hotspot for cruise ship tourism. St. Thomas is the port of choice for shoppers. There are many other attractions and beautiful beaches, as well. Many cruise ships focus their trip on St. Thomas alone, and the passengers are not disappointed. However, the other islands cannot be ignored.

St. John is not a common cruise ship destination, but it is an easy ferry trip from St. Thomas. St. John offers a great look at the nature and history of the islands. And, if it is history you are looking for St. Croix is the destination of choice. It is rich in history with many historical attractions. And Water Island, although not on the cruise ship docket, is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas and offers a relaxing taste of paradise. With less than 200 residents it is an unspoiled gem in the chain of islands.



Thanks to Jeremy Foster for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:

Hawaiian Islands Cruise

A cruise vacation is one of the most exciting activities for adventurous people. They prefer to explore different regions of the world rather than spending their time at home doing boring hobbies.

Going on a cruise vacation is more than a lifetime experience for them. Every time they go they get that satisfying feeling of experiencing different parts of the world.

Going on a cruise vacation will take your breath away! It is both a fascinating and engaging event for vacationers.

There is a lot of competition amongst the cruise ships. You will hear many things about what services they will offer to you. Because of this competition, the cruise ships have to present you with the best possible amenities.

Before going on your cruise vacation there are many things you need to consider. The primary things you need to figure out are the expenses, the cruise destination and the packaging.

As long as everything goes smoothly a cruise will always bring you enjoyment. You should have a plan. Planning out everything in advance will save you from all the hassles. Besides, a cruise it meant to be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Planning is very important. Here are some things to help you out to ensure that your cruise will be a satisfying experience:

1. Find a package that will meet your needs - There are packages for single travelers as well as group travelers. Depending on the package, rates will vary.

If you are interested in a group package, be sure and make some inquiries into what’s available. Depending on your preference, many of the cruise lines offer several discounts.

2. Length of the cruise - This is a very important thing to include in your planning. Decide on how long your cruise vacation will be. Will it be for just a couple days or a couple weeks?

For a more thorough experience, look for a cruise that lasts a month or longer.

3. Itineraries - A cruise vacation is more exciting if you get to visit your most favored places in the world. Whether you want to spend your time alone or with your family, be sure to decide on which destination will fulfill your desires.

If you want to take your children along, choose a cruise destination that will enchant and excite them. Also, be sure to choose a cruise line that accommodates children.

Then again, if you have been going on cruises for several years, choose a destination that you have not visited before.

4. Cruise line - To learn about the amazing services that a particular cruise line offers, do your research and find out more. The easiest way to go about doing this is by surfing the net and visiting the websites of the different cruise lines.

What you need to be looking for in a cruise line is the fare (if it’s affordable) and the services and amenities it offers.

5. Ports - Make sure you plan your budget depending on which ports you plan to visit. To avoiding spending extra amounts of money make sure that the ports are accessible.

By getting yourself organized and planning your cruise vacation in advance your trip will be a much more rewarding experience. Cruising requires careful planning so that you can do everything you want to do without the headache when you it comes time to book your cruise.

If a cruise vacation is in your yearly plans, don’t visit the same destinations year after year. For instance, take your next cruise by visiting one of the more unconventional destinations. Have an open mind.

Do not limit yourself by booking the same package every year. When going on yearly cruises, one of your goals should be to experience different cultures and destinations.

Your cruise vacation can be a remarkable one. Proper planning will ensure that your cruise will be an unforgettable journey for you and your family as well as those who may come along with you.

Have fun,

Christian Baligad



Thanks to Christian Baligad for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:

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Cruise travel is one of the best vacations you can take. During your cruise vacation you will visit several different ports of call. Your cruise ship will dock at exotic islands or new countries almost on a daily basis. Check out the cruise reviews on line for cruise tips before you visit your destinations to find out what fantastic experience each port has to offer.

During your cruise vacation you will visit ports to shop, explore, beach, sightsee or hike. There are a wide variety of activities in each cruise destination. Or you could just depart the ship for a chance to walk around for a change of pace. Although this is a great cruise adventure, you should realize that you will only get a small sample of what each port of call has to offer. And be forewarned, as you step of your majestic cruise ship there will be hordes of natives trying to sell you a trinket or a tour around the city.

If you take the advice above and search the cruise reviews, you should have a pretty good idea what each destination has to offer. Choose the one that has the most encompassing tour of your port. In exotic ports they have full day tours, including lunch, that will take you to the highlights of the place you are visiting. This is an ideal way to sample the city or island getting ideas for what you may want to come back for at a later date. On island tours you may want to take an organized tour in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, then light out on your own to explore more fully, shop or just go to the beach.

If you are more adventuresome, skip the lunch on board and dine in the city. You get to experience the local cuisine and soak up the native culture. This is your vacation, learn new and different things. If you chose to do this check with the cruise director for the best places to dine and make sure you know the exchange rate. On of the cruise tips is to put your meal on a charge card so you will be charged the exchange rate on the day the bill hits the credit card company.

A cruise tip that is very useful is to use the brochure that the ship gives you for their organized tour and follow it on your own. Only do this if you are comfortable with the country you are visiting. If it is your first time overseas to a port of call, it is best to stick with the organized tour for safety and convenience. Other cruise tips can be found online about some of the wonderful things to see and do in various ports of call. Be conscious of one thing, if you chose to explore on your own, know what time the ship leaves and how long it will take you to get back on board. If you are not on an organized tour it is your responsibility to get back on time or the ship will leave without you. You then have to meet the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.

If you opt for an organized tour sponsored by the cruise ship, it should cost you anywhere from $20.00 to over $200.00 depending on what you choose to do. It could be just a simple bus ride around town for two hours or a two day trip from St. Petersburg, Russia to Moscow. The options are endless.

Most cruise lines will let you book in advance on their websites. This is very convenient and helpful with tours that sell out quickly. For instances, in the Cayman Islands the Stingray City tour is very popular and will sell out. If you book it in advance you guarantee your spot. The more inexpensive tours also tend to sell out because of some cruisers watching their budgets. So, don’t miss out, check out the cruise lines website to see if you can book your ticket in advance.

It is good to know the game plan that the tour offers. Things you should be aware of is how much the guide will be with you and do they speak English clearly. Mostly the cruise lines have very competent tour guides, but better safe than sorry. Will have any time on your like for shopping or stopping in a café? It is very important to find out how much physical activity is required before you sign on for any tour. If you have limited mobility you don’t want to go on a tour that climbs the Acropolis in Athens or Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. Find out if a snack or lunch is provided, so if it isn’t you can bring along adequate funds to get your own.

There are private touring companies that you can contact on your own if you wish to tour in a more private fashion. Another alternative is to buddy up with some fellow cruisers and share taxi tours to cut your expense in half. Many times you will meet people on a cruise that have similar interests and you will spend a lot of time together on the cruise ship, why not touring also? It’s a way to save money and enjoy other passengers company.

Only hire licensed taxi drivers. Their credentials should be prominently displayed in the front of the cab. With a licensed driver you are ensured a safe trip and a guide who is knowledgeable about the islands or cities background, where to shop, eat or gamble. And of course they will know the best beaches available. Negotiate the price of your tour up front. If you chose to go to a destination where you will be dropped off for a couple of hours, negotiate with the driver to come back and pick you up. Settle on a price and pay half up front and half on the way back. If the driver has been helpful and friendly, please tip him or her.

Some cruisers like to rent cars in their ports of call. It is recommended that you only do this in destinations that you are familiar with and have a good knowledge of where you are going. Be careful when renting a car. Be sure to check out the entire car for any damages that may already be there and note them on your rental contract. If you fail to do this you may be charged for damage that was already done.

Lastly, use common sense when touring. Don’t travel in dark tight alleys, put your money under your clothes, don’t wear expensive jewelry and don’t let yourself be surrounded, especially by children. Always carry identification and the name of the cruise lines agents in the port of call in case you get in trouble.

You are on a cruise vacation make the best of it. Get off the ship at all of your ports of call whether you are touring or are just poking around. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you will have years of beautiful cruise travel memories.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.



Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:

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With thousands of vacation options around the world, it can be difficult to narrow down your options to just a single destination. However, one of the most popular choices for leisure travel is the cruise. Cruises leave from ports all over the world, and for many vacationers, this is the best travel choice. Could a cruise work for you? Consider the many benefits to this kind of trip.

Primarily, with a cruise, you are not going to have many extra expenses, so it is easy to fit into a budget. Some cruises are all-inclusive, and while others are not, most include all of the basics you need for a great vacation. If you work with a travel agent, you can combine a cruise and flight for even bigger savings. You will find that most cruises include meals and entertainment, but on some, you have to pay for drinks and shore excursions.

Beyond budgeting, a cruise is super easy to plan. Instead of having to put together an itinerary yourself, you just “cruise” along, literally. The company running the cruise determines the entertainment, as well as set the course, taking you to various ports of interest. While some may find this a bit limiting, most enjoy the stress-free idea of not having to plan a vacation – they do the planning for you!

Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, giving you tons of variety. One of the best features of a cruise is the flexibility it offers. You can literally go to a local travel agent and name your port, or at least a general area from which you want to leave. In the United States alone, cruises leave from Alaska, Florida, California, and a number of other states. Caribbean cruises are popular, of course, but you can also find cruises in Europe, Africa and other countries throughout the world.

Location is not the only thing that is flexible. With a cruise, you can also be flexible about the amount of time you want to spend on vacation. Some cruises are very long, lasting 10 to 14 days. On the other hand, most cruise lines offer shorter 3-day cruises for those with lower budgets or those who do not want to spend their entire vacation on a ship. You can also find short day cruises, so if you are going on vacation near a coast, you might want to look into an evening casino cruise, daylong sightseeing cruise, or other short tourist option.

Another great aspect of cruising is your ability to see so many different places in such a short amount of time. Most cruises, even short 3-day cruises, allow you to see at least two ports. On a longer cruise, you might dock at a different port almost every night. What is great about this is the fact that you do not have to worry about spending time traveling to all of these locations. Your travel arrangement is the ship itself, so if you are afraid to fly or simply want to try something new, a cruise is the perfect way to travel. A cruise ship is a very comfortable travel option with everything you need available to you.

Do not forget that cruises also offer opportunities you would not get elsewhere. For example, if the cruise goes out deep into open waters, you might see some marine life that you could never see from land. Of course, this depends on your overall location.

Cruises are also available in themes allowing you to find the best option for your vacation. You can find cruises sponsored by certain organizations, but some of the most popular are the singles and couples cruises offered by most major cruise lines. On a single’s cruise, you must be traveling alone or, at least, romantically unattached. The whole point is to meet people! Couples cruises usually have romantic activities and more privacy. You can also find family cruises, Like Disney cruises, which include meet and greet options with all of the Disney characters.

Lastly, cruises are extremely safe. While you are on a cruise ship, you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry much about crime. In addition, ships have fewer accidents than other travel options, and even when you get to port, cruise lines take great care to ensure that you are docking in safe parts of the city you are visiting.

Booking a cruise is extremely easy. You can find out about cruise options, or you can call a travel agent to discuss your cruising wishes. By working with a travel agent or company, you can choose a great cruise that works for you and your travel companions. A cruise is available in many different themes such as a family cruise or a singles cruise. These are all great options and your travel agent can help you choose the best option for you.



Thanks to Brian Jenkins for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:

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