A luxury cruise voyage can truly enrich your life.  Not only will you be traveling with like-minded people who love to cruise, you will develop great, lasting friendships among your many cruising companions. 

When you cruise you can travel to fabulous ports of call anywhere that cruise ships sail.  Not only are there mega cruise liners which everyone is familiar with, there are a number of different sizes and types of ships.  The medium, and particularly the smaller size cruise ships can navigate further up inland waterways to cities and historic landmarks where larger ships could never go. 

The larger cruise ships usually have one or two organized shore excursions at each port of call.  If there are two sightseeing excursion events scheduled the same day, one may take place early in the morning and the second one in the afternoon.  Most morning shore excursions normally get back to the ship in time for the people to feast on a fantastic lunch buffet.

Sometimes, on a second excursion, you could arrive back at the cruise ship late in the afternoon or early evening.  This may make you a bit late for dinner if you have opted for the first sitting.

It is also your prerogative to explore the city, town, island, or tourist attractions and landmarks on your own.  Just remember that you are responsible to get back on time or your cruise ship could sail without you.  However, if you book a shore excursion through the cruise ship, they will not depart the port until everyone is back on board. 

Take full advantage of the time you have in port by using it wisely.  Some vacationers decide to disembark and go it alone by hiring a car and driver to take them to see and explore the sights.  Usually taxi drivers charge by the carload and not per person so if you want to save some money you can split the cost with a few other fellow passengers.  If you leave early in the morning you may be able to get back in time to enjoy the lunch buffet.

When you cruise you should bring a detailed guide book or books that cover each of the destinations you know that you will be visiting.  Even if the weather is less than optimal for your shore excursion, always take your camera as the weather, if inclement, can improve very quickly.

And don’t judge a port by the dock and its surrounding area.  It is usually a freighter loading and unloading area and the major warehouse and industrial district of a city or town.  You may have to travel out of the port area and into the city or town to really see the unique tourist attractions and historical sites as well as experience the local culture.

What is the difference between a river cruise and a barge tour?

Although they have similarities, there are major differences between these two types of sightseeing tours.  Firstly, the ships that sail the rivers can accommodate approximately up to one hundred and eighty people, while barges usually only can accommodate five to twenty-five people.

The second big difference is that the river cruises can visit a number of countries and cities in a week, while barges travel on man-made canals from town to town moving at a much slower, walking pace, and can only cover approximately fifty miles in a week.  Thirdly, river cruise ships have a restaurant, lounge, and entertainment, while barges are essentially first-class, floating hotels, and have a dining room and lounge as well as a sun deck.  The most popular river cruises and barging tours are located in Europe.

What is a luxury cruise tour package?

A cruise tour package is similar to a regular cruise that stops for half-day or full day shore excursions but gives you the best of both a luxury cruise and a land holiday all wrapped up in one.  The main differences between the two is that the land part of your vacation includes transportation by train or luxury motor coach travel to a centrally located quality hotel accommodation at your inland destination.  You will be chaperoned by an expert tour guide for the land portion of your itinerary.  These combo packages are generally longer, lasting from ten days to three weeks or even a month or more.  On most cruise tours you can decide to take the land segment of your vacation either before or after your cruise.

If you would like to enjoy the best of both worlds – an incredible dream cruise holiday and a land tour adventure – a luxury cruise tour is the ultimate vacation experience.

(more…)

Cruise ports of call from close to home are what cruise passengers are choosing on a more frequent basis. It has been a steadily increasing trend according to CLIA, the cruise lines official organization. Cruise ports of call close to home gives the cruise passenger many more choices and eliminates the hassle of heightened airport security.

Cruise lines have caught on to this trend of cruise passengers using cruise ports of call close to home and are positioning their ships up and down the East Coast, the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. This allows cruise passengers the option of traveling to their cruise port of call by car, train or bus. It will also save you some money since you will not be buying expensive airline tickets. With the money saved on airline tickets it allows the cruise traveler the choice of picking a pricier cabin, a more luxurious cruise line, or more cash to spend at their destinations.

Following are description of the various cruise ports of call that are now offered to the cruise passenger on the East Coast. We will start in Florida since that is by far the most popular port of embarkation for the cruise traveler.

Miami is the busiest of all ports on the Eastern Seaboard. Miami is a world class attraction offering incredible beaches, the Art Deco section of Miami Beach, a widely diverse culture and marvelous food. Having left this port on numerous occasions, it is one of the most efficiently run ports.

Next is Fort Lauderdale which many cruise travelers choose as a departure port. It has miles of beautiful beaches, the trendy Los Olas district, and many chic restaurants. On Saturdays and Sundays there can be more that eight cruise ships departing Port Everglades. If you have time before your cruise adventure, go out to the Everglades and take an airboat tour over this spectacular nature preserve.

Up the coast is Port Canaveral. It is called the Space Coast and has many attractions including all of Orlando’s theme parks. If you can, visit the fascinating Space center along with the Astronaut Hall of Fame. This port does not have as many cruise lines as the previous ports but it is a viable option for people all over Florida and adjacent states who wish to take a Port of Canaveral cruise.

Further north is the Port of Jacksonville. They only offer one cruise ship but is very convenient for anyone living in that area. They have a very mild climate so all sports are available. There is also Gardens and the Crummer Museum.

Across the state of Florida is the Port of Tampa. There are many attractions here, too, including Ybor City, the cigar capital of the world, Busch Gardens and towards the center of the state Cypress Gardens. Having revamped its terminal to the tune of $6.5 million dollars it has more than doubled its size. The Port of Tampa cruises are centrally located on the West coast of Florida

Let’s keep going up the East Coast to Charleston, South Carolina. There are two cruise lines in the Port of Charleston that take cruise passengers to Bermuda or the Caribbean. Nothing can beat the Southern charm and flavor of the city of Charleston located conveniently close to tour for you, prior to your Port of Charleston cruise. Tour the beautiful streets and estates like Boone Hall or Magnolia plantation. If you have time go out to Fort Sumter National Monument for an interesting tour of a Civil War memorial.

In the fall of 2006 the port in Norfolk, Virginia will offer several cruise lines for the cruise traveler to choose from. Norfolk is loaded with all things to do with the Navy. If you take a stroll down Cannonball Trail, you willview in depth the history of Norfolk’s history. The cruise lines offer the cruise passenger itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Now, further north to Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor. They have a dedicated cruise terminal for any cruise passenger that lives around this area. The beauty of the Chesapeake Bay is renowned, and some of the most delicious seafood can be found in this port. Don’t miss the aquarium with over 10,000 sharks, stingrays, dolphins and tropical fish.

Just up the road is the Philadelphia Port for cruise travelers. Currently there are two cruise lines offering cruise passengers trips to Bermuda. Philadelphia is where the Constitution was signed so don’t miss Independence Hall and, of course, the Liberty Bell. South Street has lots of funky shops and cafes. There is the 9th street market which is always very colorful. And don’t leave on your cruise until you have had a cheese steak and an Italian hoagie.

We are still going north, this time to Bayonne, New Jersey to Bayonne Cape Liberty Cruise Port. This is the newest cruise terminal and is good choice if you do not want the hassle of New York. Bayonne used to be the home of oil refineries but now it is the place for Port of Bayonne cruises. There is only one cruise line departing from this port but in a way that is a good thing, since there will be less congestion. And it is only 7 miles from New York and three miles from Newark. You will see stunning views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Cross the George Washington Bridge and you are in lower Manhattan. There are a couple of cruise lines offering cruises from this port including the Queen Mary II. You can do a Broadway show, visit some of the excellent museums or visit the Empire State Building. Nothing is as dazzling as sailing our out of this port past Lady Liberty.

Our last stop is Boston, Massachusett’s Black Fountain Cruise Terminal located in the industrial center. Cruise travelers are offered cruises to New England and Canada. Luckily downtown Boston is only a few miles away. This city is so rich in history. Take a tour on the Freedom Trail to see many of the important historical sites. Don’t miss Faneuil Hall Marketplace and do a little pub hopping, Bostonians favorite pastime.

Well, now you can choose your cruise from a close to home port, and this is only the East Coast. Next we’ll explore the Gulf of Mexico.

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.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

When you have selected the places you want to visit on your holiday, whether you want to see sand or fjords, palm trees or pine trees, coconut huts or castles, the next thing to do is decide on the kind of traveling. Do you want a cross-country drive, a train ride, an airplane ride, or a cruise? A cross-country drive involves plenty of vehicle preparation, and while driving you can not enjoy any activities or a relaxed meal. It does not make for a restful holiday. A train or plane ride is too fast to appreciate the scenery and the accommodations do not allow for much comfort or the opportunity to enjoy many activities. Besides, a holiday spent in train stations or airport terminals is no holiday at all. Thus, cruise travel is the better way to travel. You board the cruise ship and your holiday begins immediately. The captain and the crew will take care of everything for you, ensuring your enjoyment of the sights and sounds along the way. After deciding on cruise travel, find a travel company that will offer you the best travel deals. Best deal meaning cruise vacations that combine maximum satisfaction with the best price.

With top travel providers in their network, DiscountCruiseDeals has the best cruise deals in the industry. The website is easy to navigate, the forms are simple to fill in, and it provides assistance through its Cruises Express Search feature to help you find your perfect getaway. Aboard the cruise ship, the food and dining establishments range from the casual pizza places to the elegant gourmet restaurants, so you have plenty of cuisine to choose from. Entertainment and activities onboard the cruise ship cater to individuals and groups, the young and the old. There are bars, casinos, sports centers, spas, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, leisure areas, theatres, onboard activities and shows to keep you entertained. Cruises are an ideal way to travel. Enjoying land activities while cruising the ocean provides an ultimate vacation.

Shore excursions are an option offered directly through a cruise line. Shore excursions offer day trips such as, shopping, sight-seeing, animal encounters, fishing, gold mining, beach trips, and so much more. Activities are designed to meet various physical levels and strive to meet all your entertainment needs. In fact, cruise deals can include on-land activities like guided tours for its passengers. With all these choices, cruise travel is never boring and routine. There are exciting and exotic things to do.

The Discountcruisedeals Cash Reward Program gives customers cash rewards up to 2% of their travel purchase on cruises, hotels, car rentals, flights and vacation rentals. You are still entitled to any credit card rewards, airline miles, or hotel loyalty rewards in programs of which you are a member. There are no limits on how much you can earn and no time limit on when you can earn. Large public companies, privately owned firms and individuals are saving money under this hugely successful program. We believe that you, the customer, are our biggest source of promotion and in appreciation for you doing business with us, we are offering you this amazing Cash Reward Program. This is no gimmick, it is the REAL DEAL!!!

(more…)

Cruise ship vacations are one of the most affordable ways to travel almost anywhere – from the glaciers of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

There are many types of cruises – from luxury cruises to the budget cruise that provides value for very little money. One advantage of going on a cruise is the variety of entertainment. It ranges from cinema, bowling alley, swimming pool, casino, volleyball, basketball, gymnasium, golf and many more.

Most advertised cruise prices are based on double occupancy. There are less cheap cruise deals for solo travelers, since the single supplements can add quite a bit to the price of the cruise. It is always a good idea to inquire about special single rates if you are traveling alone.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration when booking a cruise. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive. If you have never taken a cruise before, it is a good idea to get advice from those who have experienced this sort of budget travel. They can provide valuable insights on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise.

Just like its many options, the excitement and adventure on cheap cruise holidays are boundless too. Many cruise passengers love the off-ship excursions that are offered at every port. Water sports lovers will revel at the opportunity to water ski, jet-ski and scuba dive. For instance, guests on a Mediterranean cruise may enjoy a night at the opera or a day at a local soccer game, while visitors to Caribbean ports of call may enjoy diving and enjoying the local coral reefs.

These cheap cruises also offer a wide range of dining options. From buffet to fine dining, all you need to do is pick one that suits your palate. And best of all, many cruises’ buffet are open day and night. Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises may include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure that the excursion you booked will get you back to the ship on time.

And when night arrives, you can select from discos and bars to casinos and theatres. Some cruise ships even offer classes such as poker or ballroom dancing. These cruises are often popular for those who are looking for a budget travel. After all, lodging, meals and entertainment costs are included on the cruise. Check the Internet or local travel agent to get the best cheap cruise available.

Getting the best deal on a cheap cruise requires time, planning, perseverance and research. Shop as early as possible especially for popular destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico in the high season.

It is always possible to save money when you travel during the off-season. This is often a great budget travel strategy. For instance, even though it is the middle of the winter and most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it may be warm and inviting in many tropical cruise destinations. It is important to check out the local weather and to avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering.

Cruise lines have been know to offer some cheap cruise deals at the last minute to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with a less than full passenger load. There are many last minute travel newsletters with these sort of budget travel deals. So be on the lookout for it.

(more…)

When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.

If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship’s departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.

Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:

You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here’s a cruise tip, for a small additional “air deviation” fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.

If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today’s world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.

You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.

When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta’s airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.

The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.

Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.

It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.

An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.

Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.

When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.

When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won’t disappear without your knowledge.

Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.

It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.

The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 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.

(more…)

Cruise vacations are one of the most exciting and fun vacations you and your family will ever have. Planning your cruise vacation is the key to making the most of the cruise experience.

Cruise ships are floating hotels that sail through ocean while you enjoy all the hotel’s amenities provided. They have casinos, swimming pools, theaters, restaurants, shopping centers or boutiques, spas, gyms and more.

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.

Land excursions are a great way to explore different cultures and destinations when taking a cruise vacation. You can choose from many activities once you reach a port of call. You can go kayaking, scuba diving or go shopping in the markets of the ports of call.

Following these guidelines will give you some ideas on planning your cruise vacation properly. Proper planning will give you a more exciting cruise experience.

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.

(more…)

The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.

Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.

If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.

Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.

If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.

When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.

This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.

Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.

Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.

The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.

Happy Cruising!

(more…)

Cruising is an exotic treat for the whole family. Cruising offers the combination of relaxing at sea and exploring on land. This makes a whole new vacation experience for the family. There is so much to look forward to in cruising. Enjoy looking at the marine life in the sea. While looking out, you may see different species of under water life such as dolphins, flying fish, or whales. In the comfort of a luxurious ship you will be traveling from one location to another.

On the Internet, you will see various cruise deals that offer affordable cruise travel. One of the websites that offers affordable cruises is discountcruisedeals. Here you will see everything you want for the perfect cruising experience. They offer travel deals to thousands of travel destinations. This is a website geared to help you with all your travel needs. It is very easy to navigate around the site. Discountcruisedeals offers online selections for all your travel needs or a toll free number to speak with a travel professional to assist you 24 hours a day.

Along with cruise options you will also see cruise fares on the website. Each cruise line offers a variety of stateroom accommodations. The cruise fares are based on the type of accommodation you prefer. Some examples of different accommodations include ocean view, interior, family staterooms, or suites. When planning a cruise vacation keep in mind that there are several choices in the duration of the cruise which will affect the fare. Most cruise lines offer weekend, four, five, and seven day cruises. For the seasoned traveler there are also two to four week cruising experiences.

On discountcruisedeals you will have the opportunity to see cruise fares for group cruising. Group rates are an affordable option for family reunions, class reunions, or even a wedding party. Discountcruisedeals has a travel professional available 24 hours a day to assist you in planning the best deal for your next group function.

In addition to the general information on cruises, the site also provides information on various locations around the world. You will see a list of hotels, flights, condos, rentals with lots and lots of travel deals from different places. The site simply leads you to your destination all over the world. Discountcruisedeals offers various search engines for all travel needs. This makes the site a one-stop information vehicle for all your travel.

The Discountcruisedeals Cash Reward Program gives customers cash rewards up to 2% of their travel purchase on cruises, hotels, car rentals, flights and vacation rentals. You are still entitled to any credit card rewards, airline miles, or hotel loyalty rewards in programs of which you are a member. There are no limits on how much you can earn and no time limit on when you can earn. Large public companies, privately owned firms and individuals are saving money under this hugely successful program. We believe that you, the customer, are our biggest source of promotion and in appreciation for you doing business with us, we are offering you this amazing Cash Reward Program. This is no gimmick, it is the REAL DEAL!!!

(more…)

Cruising can be a luxurious and comfortable way to travel from one destination to another. Cruising provides you a mode of transportation with both convenient accommodations and delicious food. Cruise ships are immaculate, have great entertainment, restaurants, lounges, and swimming pools. You can cruise if you simply want to take a break. The entertainment, amenities, and other facilities of the cruise ship can be your form of relaxation. It would even be exciting to think that you are hanging out on the sea. No matter how many days you spend on the cruise, the experience of being at sea can be rewarding and fun.

Whether you cruise for transportation or for relaxation, you can always get the best cruise deals with DiscountCruiseDeals. When you surf their website, they provide many different choices for cruise travel. You can choose your cabin, cruise length, from where and when you cruise, ports-of-call, and with what cruise line. From the data that you choose, they can provide you with the cruise fare. Since they offer only discount cruise fares compared to other cruise sites, whether it is for group cruise or single cruise, you can be assured that your travel with DiscountCruiseDeals will be affordable and convenient.

DiscountCruiseDeals offers the best deals for cruising because the company works with travel providers that offer the lowest travel deals. They also offer great deals on flights, hotel accommodation, condos, and car rentals to any destination in the world. Just choose your destination and your preferred transportation and you will receive the most affordable deals. For your convenience book your reservation directly on the site. With simple click of a mouse, you will get the affordable travel that you need.

At the conclusion of a cruise many travelers find it necessary to stay in a hotel before their flight home. The site provides these details. In fact, you can search on their site for all your travel needs. For example, if you cruised from Canada and decided to disembark in Mexico, you would need information on where to go in Mexico. DiscountCruiseDeals can make the necessary arrangements and reservations for your trip, taking advantage of the affordable travel deals.

The Discountcruisedeals Cash Reward Program gives customers cash rewards up to 2% of their travel purchase on cruises, hotels, car rentals, flights and vacation rentals. You are still entitled to any credit card rewards, airline miles, or hotel loyalty rewards in programs of which you are a member. There are no limits on how much you can earn and no time limit on when you can earn. Large public companies, privately owned firms and individuals are saving money under this hugely successful program. We believe that you, the customer, are our biggest source of promotion and in appreciation for you doing business with us, we are offering you this amazing Cash Reward Program. This is no gimmick, it is the REAL DEAL!!!

(more…)