Smart Guide to World Cruise Ship asked:


 

The demand of people taking Antarctic cruises are increasing every year, they all go as a part of an organized expeditionary cruise. The Antarctica voyages are very popular, although Antarctica is not an easy place to get to, it is the coldest, windiest, and driest place on earth.

Most visitors to Antarctica arrive by ship, from the closest port, Ushuaia, in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The seventh continent - Antarctica is the world’s largest wilderness, its vast ice-covered expanses may seem inhospitable, but during the brief austral summer is the home to some of the most amazing wildlife spectacles on earth.

Millions of penguins and sea birds come here to raise their young, five species of seal crowd the beaches and ice floes,whales and dolphins thrive on the rich plankton and marine life below the surface. 

Antarctic cruises are frequently guided by experts who are a mixture of seasoned seafarers, and ice or wildlife experts. 

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators requires its members to pledge to send no more than 100 persons ashore at any one time.

The Antarctica cruises and tourist season is four months long from November to February, there is almost constant daylight during this season, watching the wildlife and scenery is an around-the-clock opportunity. The rest of the year is dark or nearly dark and very cold, the temperature range from 20°F to 50°F (-6°C to +10°C).

 



Each month of the Antarctica cruises season has its own attractions:

November & Early December is late spring / early summer, Courting season for penguins and seabirds are courting and mating. Elephant and fur seals establish their breeding territories.

 Mid-December and January is Mid Summer feature hatching penguins and baby chicks, along with warmer temperatures and up to 20 hours of daylight each day.

February and March is late summer, but whale sightings are at their best and penguin chicks start to fledge. More fur seals appear in the Antarctic Peninsula.

There is also less ice in the late summer that allow ships to explore further south, and the ships are not as booked up as earlier in the season.

Main attraction places of Antarctica: Whalers Bay on Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbor, Almirante Brown in Paradise Harbor, Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff,Snow Hill Island and more.

Getting to Antarctica from Ushuaia is as much a part of the experience as exploring it.The body of water that separates Antarctica from South America is the Drake Passage.

Antarctic cruises have always been about exciting and breathtaking possibilities! 

Source Article: Visit http://www.smart-guide-to-world-cruise-ship.com/antarctic-cruises.html for making the best of your Antarctic Cruise vacation : )

 

 

 



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Mandy Karlik asked:


Shopping for a Mother’s Day present is never easy, but it is particularly difficult for people who want to give their mothers or other special ladies in their life something very special. Cruises are a great way to give your mom Mother’s Day memories she’ll cherish forever. What’s more, they’re surprisingly affordable.

A cruise is best considered as an all-in-one vacation package. If you want to comparison shop, your cruise fare equals hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and entertainment. It does not include alcohol, special amenities (like spa services or casino gambling), or shore excursions, which are optional.

One other factor that influences the total price: you have to get to port city on your own dime, too.

Giving your mother a cruise vacation is a great idea because it is not only an inclusive vacation that most people really enjoy (most people who cruise once become fans and cruise again), it is also a very easy way for you to set up a family get-together or reunion. These group cruises are increasingly popular and most cruise lines encourage them.

In fact, calling a cruise line representative is a good step to see what a particular cruise might be able to offer you for a group package.

There are four ways to give your mom the present of a cruise vacation.

The first method is to let your mother pick out the cruise vacation she wants and then let you come back and buy it for her. This is a bit complicated logistically since there are many cruise lines with many more offerings, and there is no “gift card” option that will let her shop around. About the best gift card you can get is one through a credit card which all major cruise lines accept. The problem with that is that cruise packages can vary a lot in price. Another way to give her this kind of gift is to offer to pay for the cruise she picks out–but your mom might spend more or less than you’d like!

The second choice is that you can be bold and pick a cruise for your mom, pay for it, and give it to her.

Cruises have the “Noah’s Ark Syndrome,” which mean they want everyone to get in the boat by pairs. Cruise fares are always stated for double occupancy (although you can make arrangements to sleep three or four to a state room, too). Besides, cruising alone is no fun. So book your parents a cruise or, if your mom is alone, get her a cruise with a family member or friend.

The third method of getting a cruise for Mother’s Day is a fabulous idea. You pick the cruise and buy it, only you go along with her. Depending on your family structure, it may be just you and your mom or it might be several couples (parents, you and your spouse, maybe a sibling and spouse and so on). These are fabulous adventures and a gift that everyone will always remember. Cruising in a group heightens the enjoyment. Your family can dine together, explore the ports together, take in shows or stroll the ship together, all while somebody else cooks, cleans up, and drives!

The fourth way to get your mom a cruise vacation for Mother’s Day involves creating a family reunion group. In this scenario, you pick the cruise and pay for your mom and her traveling mate. You also arrange to travel with them. After that, you just need to tell the family about the plan to see who can join you. Invite relatives, even friends.

Family cruises of many couples are not uncommon on cruises today, and many cruise lines will work with you to help make the organizational chores of setting up this sort of thing as easy as possible.

If you opt for a large family reunion cruise, book it as far in advance as you can. By booking early, cruise lines will often offer you the very best prices and it gives the other people in your family time to make the necessary work, family, and financial arrangements they need in order to participate.

Picking a cruise can be tough these days because there are so many options. Here are afew different ways to approach it.

Some people pick a cruise by destination: Alaska versus the Caribbean or cities of the Far East versus Europe. Others prefer to pick a cruise by port. If you live at or near a cruise port city, this can drastically reduce your total expense. Still others pick a cruise by type. Some cruises call at many ports, others spend more time at sea. Some emphasize fine dining, formal events, and luxurious spas, others emphasize kid-friendly activity and super-casual fun.

Price is a bit more complex in that there are numerous price levels on any given cruise. Price changes on the type of cabin you want (bigger costs more and windows or even balconies, sometimes called verandahs, cost more) and optional excursions can also drive up the price.

The best place to shop is online, in that every major cruise line runs a great, user-friendly website that allows you to window shop and even compare prices. You can even get a sneak peek at cabin floor plans and find out about activities, ports, and excursions.

Although most cruise lines are online, it is best to book by phone by calling the number provided on the website. In fact, some cruise websites do not allow online booking.

Talking to a cruise representative is a great way to familiarize yourself with the many voyages and options available to you. A family vacation can be one of the most memorable Mother’s Day gifts your mom will ever receive!



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Mary Hanna asked:


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.



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girlicious asked:


Me and my girlfriends are planning a cruise for this summer. We are all college students and are looking for cheap cruises / flights. We want to go somewhere really hot!
Any ideas??
Thanks!

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