Nov
26
Posted on 26-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 26-11-2009
Joseph Ewart asked:


There are more than 200 cruise ships that you can choose from today. But the one thing that they all have in common is that a little advance planning and “insider” knowledge can help you save time and money on your next cruise. Here are the “top ten tips”:

1. Maximum flexibility = Maximum savings. Most travelers have some flexibility in their travel dates, especially if planning ahead of time. Let your cruise specialist know that you can consider alternate departure dates that may have lower rates available. Keep in mind cruise lines will offer better prices and perks on sailings that are not nearing capacity.

Tip: Shoulder or off peak sailings offer the deepest price cuts. For example, the departure right after the New Year cruise might be substantially lower.

2. Ask if guarantees are available. This requires that you have a little gambling spirit. Many cruise lines will offer a rate on a particular cabin category instead of an actual stateroom number and in effect guarantee that rate to you. Then the cruise line has the option of assigning you a stateroom in either that category or better.

Sometimes you win and end up in a cabin several grades higher and sometimes you end up in exactly the category you were guaranteed. Remember, there is both an upside and downside to this program.

Tip: Completely understand the process before booking a guarantee.

3.Upgrade programs. Often, your cruise specialist may offer a cruise line upgrade program. This means that you book and pay for category ‘B’ and will be moved to a higher category ‘A’. Again, there is an element of risk here. The fact that a stateroom may be in a higher category does not always mean it will be a more desirable cabin. For example, you might be in a nice mid ship balcony stateroom on Deck C and get an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on Deck A.

While your new assignment may be the same size and have identical amenities you might end up in a less desirable location such as near an elevator or at the extreme end of the ship. And there are outside cabins that have views partially blocked by lifeboats or other equipment. On the other hand there are many instances of guests being upgraded several categories to wonderful staterooms.

Tip: Advise your cruise specialist that you will consider upgrades offered but you want to have final say on any changes before they happen.

4.Special Fare Eligibility - One of the reasons that savvy cruisers find a knowledgeable cruise specialist and stick with them is the fact that there are many special fare programs that may or not be visible to cruisers doing casual research on the web. These include things like regional fares that are made available to residents of selected states.

Caution: If you are offered a regional fare and you don’t live in that area and can not prove residency, don’t do it. Cruise lines have the right to check your eligibility on sailing day and charge for the difference before you board. It does happen. Some of the other special fares being promoted today include active duty and retired military fares, union member fares, police and public safety discounts, airline or hospitality rates and more.

Tip: If your cruise partner is a member of any of the these groups, the discounts usually apply to everyone traveling in the same stateroom.

5. Past Passenger Specials - Virtually every major cruise line has a loyalty club for its members with different levels and benefits. Joining is free and entitles you to special perks and discounts when you book on that line. For many commonly owned cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, the offers extend across all the brands such as Carnival, Princess, Holland America etc. Ditto for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Tip: Many cruise lines started operation before computers become common and can not easily retrieve date for cruises you may have taken several years ago. However, if you send a letter to the cruise line listing the ships and cruises you have been on, most will take your word and credit you with those unrecorded sailings. This might have the effect of moving you from Gold to Platinum level and significantly improve the benefits.

6. Check for Group Rates: Many cruise agencies hold what is known as block space on ships. That means that they have reserved space at group rates, which can be up to 20% lower than individual rates. Many agencies that reserve space for groups hold aside several cabins for individual clients who might be able to depart on this date.

While you may be traveling as a group, your cruise experience will be as an individual traveler. The downside might be that your dining time or section is affected by the group program. The upside is that you might benefit from some group amenties such as an onboard credit, free shore excursion etc.

Tip: If your cruise specialist offers group rates, understand the features, benefits and limitations completely before you book. From the cruise line perspective you are a member of the group and fall under the policies and procedures for groups.

7. On board re-booking. Most cruise lines now allow you to book your next cruise with that line while on board. They may have what is known as an on board sales consultant or even a desk. This is usually a great opportunity to save. Generally, the cruise line will throw in some strong perks to retain your loyalty to their brand. Onboard credits on the future cruise can be quite substantial. Upgrades and other benefits are usually significant.

Tip: Many cruise lines realize that you may not be sure when and where you want to cruise while on your current voyage. Not to worry, because most have a program where you can book on board with the flexibility to change to other sailings and ships via your cruise specialist when you get home and keep all the benefits. This is a truly a win win for you!

8.Seek out Value Adds. Over the past few years, cruise lines have instituted something known in the trade as The Level Playing Field. This was instituted to attempt to control the rampant rebating and discounting that occurred in the post September 11 travel slump. Basically, now the cruise lines have been partially successful in putting the genie back in the bottle by requiring cruise agents to all use the same pricing feeds.

Because cruise agents do not purchase and re-sell the cruises but are paid a commission, the cruise lines themselves totally control published rates. One of the unintended side effects of Level Playing Field pricing is that the cruise lines had to find a way to promote challenged sailing dates. And they did this by creating Value Added features. They can include benefits ranging from dollars off certificates, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, free spa treatments, specialty dining experiences, casino credits to a free bathrobe or camera.

Tip: Ask your cruise specialist to seek out sailings that offer value adds. They can significantly impact your bottom line.

9.Arrange your own airline tickets. If you need to fly in to your embarkation port most cruise lines have flight programs known as Air/Sea arrangements. The good news is that includes the flights and often meet and greet and transfers. The bad news is that in order to publish these add-ons the cruise lines have negotiated the fares far in advance and try to set the rates on a cost average basis.

To you, it generally means that these add-ons may be up to 50% higher than the fares you can get by arranging the flights yourself. The one exception to this in many cases are Europe cruises where many lines maintain bulk contract fares. So it is always a good idea to comparison shop. Most lines allow you to purchase just the transfer package so you are able to create your own air/sea package at significant savings. And of course if you have several thousand airline miles collecting dust, this might be a good time to try to use them.

Tip: If you are arranging your own flights, make sure to allow plenty of time for flight delays etc. Savvy cruisers will often invest in a pre-cruise hotel the night before the cruise so that they can avoid the stress caused by late arriving flights. Remember, if the airline leaves you on the tarmac for 7 hours and you miss the ship, that voucher for a free flight will not seem very appealing. And unfortunately, the airline will not compensate you nor will the cruise line refund your money as you are counted as a no show.

10. Travel Insurance: What is the one thing you must bring on your cruise that you hope never to use? Trip Insurance! As you can see in #9 above things can and do go wrong. An affordable comprehensive trip insurance policy can cover many of these contingencies including, lost baggage, trip interruption, medical evacuation and more.

Your cruise specialist can explain the various programs available as there are several. Mark sure you understand fully the coverage and limitation before accepting coverage and keep in mind that you can not get coverage retroactively. It is a small, but absolutely vital part of your vacation expenditures. Keep in mind very few medical insurance polices cover you while out of the country and basic homeowner policies often do not compensate for lost luggage or other events. Just as in land based trips, the carriers responsibility to you is extremely limited by their contract and should a medical emergency arise on board or ashore you are responsible for all expenses incurred.

Tip: Cancellation coverage is very specific. Understand what is covered and not covered. You can not decide not to go at the last minute without incurring substantial cancellation charges. And if you have any pre-existing health issues, this may or may not be a covered event. That is why it is important to actually read the coverage.



Vertical Vinyl Siding
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
26
Posted on 26-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 26-11-2009
Prince Cruise asked:


If you want a holiday that’s fun and cheap, hop on to the Sydney Harbor and get ready for a cruise. With just a bit of planning, you can even take in the historical sights, the cultural tradition, the grand and elegant buildings, and the loads of food choices from all over the world.

The best time to take a cruise from here is in November, which is late spring here. You must remember to take along sweaters, a camera, batteries and memory cards and a hat. The cruise begins at Circular Quay, and it makes sense to arrive here a little earlier than 9 a. m. when it sets sail. Take advantage of a hop-on-hop off cruise ticket and go visit the Taronga Zoo which is mesmerizing with its emus, kangaroos, koalas, birds, wallabies and beautiful flora and fauna. Then, go shopping and then on to Darling Harbour, visit an aquarium and one of the fantastic museums nearby before returning to Circular Quay.

Apart from this, you can also choose from the innumerable ferries that begin at Sydney Harbour and take in the golden beaches, the warm sun, waterside homes, the sound of the water and blooming jacarandas. If you do get on to a ferry, you will experience a form of life of the people of this harbor city. A ferry is a mode of transport here. They set sail at Circular Quay, which is fully equipped with ferry wharves, jetties, a railway station and bus terminals, apart from coffee shops and tourist shops.

Choose to go anywhere from here-Taronga Zoo, Mosman, Neutral Bay, or Manly, if you want to go north. If going southeast is your wish, go to Watsons Bay and Darling Point, or sail westwards to Homebush Bay or Parramatta, Balmain or Gladesville and Parramatta and then cruise around a little before you return to Darling Harbour.

On your cruise, you need to keep an eye out for the Sydney Opera House in the east and the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rocks district in the west, all very near the Circular Quay jetties. Go all across the waters to the fun and entertainment center-Luna Park, and then on to the Star City casino and entertainment center at Pyrmont Bay and Darling Harbour-something you’re going to love.

You’d be extra fortunate to board a cruiser around New Year’s Eve because of the fantastic fireworks display which begins at midnight for the New year’s Eve Sydney Harbour. This usually begins at 9 p.m. and is followed by the Harbour Light parade.

If you’re a beach bum, Sydney has many fantastic, clean and inviting beaches with a lot of water sports and activities to offer you. Do visit Manly beach, among others. Or if you like you could take a leisurely cruise around the harbor and admire its wonderful and quaint waterside homes and dock at an isolated spot for an exclusive lunch.

Don’t go packed with food and drink. Instead, go under the Harbour Bridge and land up at the Sydney Fish Markets. Get onto the wharf and choose from any of the seafood specialty restaurants and order take-away seafood the way you want it, hot or cold. Then, bite into their amazing selection of fresh water fish delicacies. In fact, here you will find food, food and food what with a fruit and vegetable market and a deli.

Go on the water and take a Sydney Harbour cruise.It’s going to be great fun.



Daiwa Fishing Reels
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
22
Posted on 22-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 22-11-2009
Smart Guide to World Cruise Ship asked:




Taking an Alaska cruise from Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) is the perfect way to see and experience the natural beauty of the far-flung glaciers,mountains, spot whales in the open, wildlife, and culture of America’s last frontier.

Alaska is a land you must explore to appreciate, and there’s no better way to explore Alaska than on a cruise where you’ll see the breathtaking Alaskan interior, the majestic fjords and the beautiful wildlife! 

The Port of Vancouver has been the leading Canada homeport for Alaska cruises since 1970s, offering passengers more ships and departure dates to choose from than any other port. 

The Vancouver Port has two cruise terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne. Both are conveniently located, and only 30 minutes away from the Vancouver International Airport. The Port welcomes close to 300 ship visits and 1 million passengers at its two cruise terminals.

Canada Place is located in the city centre, whereas Ballantyne is located east of the city centre and close to Canada Place. Both cruise terminals are modern, secure, and world-class.

As the Alaska cruise from Vancouver ships dock in the business/commercial district downtown, making shopping, dining, and sightseeing easy. Local sites attractions include historic Gastown, Chinatown, and bayside Stanley Park. Hiking and kayaking opportunities are also plentiful.

Premier international cruise lines operate the Alaska cruise from Vancouver are: Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises , Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises.

Vancouver is ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, serving as an excellent place to start or end a cruise. Vancouver is a friendly, safe and clean city, it has been selected as the host city for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Vancouver is the place to visit!

Vancouver is an exciting and lively city, its spectacular setting, cosmopolitan flavor, variety of activities, diversity of attractions and fabulous international cuisine, are enjoyed by and strongly impressed on both the one-time visitor as well as local residents.

The cruise season is from May to September - an excellent time to visit Vancouver. Passengers come to enjoy the wide-open spaces, parks and gardens, sightseeing, arts, culture, international cuisine, shopping, and outdoor sports like ocean kayaking, river rafting and golf.

Alaska cruise from Vancouver sails the Inside Passage route, known for the magnificent scenery of the lush temperate rainforest and wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. 

Vancouver has two Off-site long term parking for passengers while on a cruise, Cruisepark and Citipark:

Cruisepark is a short distance from Canada Place, All arriving Cruisepark customers are requested to go directly to their lot and it provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Canada Place and Ballantyne.

Cruisepark Alaska Cruise Parking Inc. 

Tel: 604.266.4243 

Fax: 604.266.4519 

Toll free: 1.800.665.0050 

Web site: www.cruisepark.com 

(online reservations available)

Citipark operates the two level parkade at Canada Place, no shuttle service is provided to Ballantyne.

Citipark (Canada Place) 

Tel: 604.684.2251 

Fax: 604.684.2254 

Toll free: 1.866.856.8080

Enjoy the variety of festivals and events Vancouver has to offer, and Alaska is a land you must explore to appreciate!

Source Article: Visit http://www.smart-guide-to-world-cruise-ship.com/alaska-cruise-from-vancouver.html for making the best of your Alaska Cruise vacation : )



How To Administer Cpr
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
20
Posted on 20-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 20-11-2009
Mary Hanna asked:


When planning a trip why not consider a Cruise vacation. Having sailed on Celebrity Cruise Lines after reading many cruise reviews, I can highly recommend Celebrity Cruises for a great cruise vacation.

Scuba diving? Exotic cuisines? Going to a spa? Different activities for a vacation you can choose from, but why not do all of them on a Celebrity Cruise vacation.

A Celebrity Cruise is a cost and time efficient vacation. You won’t have to go to different destinations to enjoy the above activities. On a Celebrity Cruise vacation all the amenities you want, fitness center, restaurants, swimming pools, casino and gourmet food can be found on a Celebrity cruise vacation.

You do not have to worry about your luggage. You drop if off at the pier and it will be delivered to your stateroom. Unpack once and you’re done for the duration of your cruise vacation. After you have unpacked go to lunch, one of the best cruising activities is the parade of delicious dishes in Celebrity Cruise dining rooms.

Each Celebrity Cruise vacation has its own restaurant administered by the finest chefs in the world. Best of all, every meal and snack are included in your Celebrity Cruise package.

In every port tourist guides are readily available to assist you. Take a tour on a Celebrity cruise lines guided excursion. You do not have to worry about your children; there are several activities, which will keep them preoccupied while you are enjoying your own activity.

Taking a Celebrity cruise vacation enables you to enjoy every minute of your vacation and frees you from worrying about where to eat, what to do and how much it will cost.

All cruise lines offers these services to their passengers, however Celebrity Cruise Lines does it just a little bit better. Celebrity Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines available in today’s market. They offer competitive packages and are just one step above other cruise lines. They have onboard upscale boutiques and entertainment ala Las Vegas, which was created and designed exclusively for Celebrity Cruise Lines by Cirque du Soleil.

You can try your luck at the Casino or even purchase some fine art at the onboard auction. Late in the evening check out The Bar at the Edge of the Earth, an exotic lounge provided exclusively by Celebrity Cruise Lines.

If you feel the need to relax, visit the famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. There, you will experience a deluxe manicure, facial treatments, and a relaxing massage. Celebrity Cruise Lines also has onboard acupuncture center if you want to feel renewed and invigorated. You can book spa packages before you go on your cruise vacation over the internet

Your kids will also enjoy their cruise vacation on a Celebrity Cruise vacation. Celebrity offers the X-Club Youth Program exclusively for your kids. It has activities and entertainment for specific age groups.

A professional staff administers all of these activities, which include science and nature exploration, treasure hunts, talents shows, dinner parties, and more. Celebrity Cruises have reserved areas on the ship for younger seafaring passengers such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center, and pools. This allows your kids enjoy their own activities while you are off enjoying yours.

Celebrity Cruise Lines has designed its ships to accommodate mobility-impaired passengers. There are staff members that are always ready to attend to any of their special needs. Celebrity has an onboard clinic staffed by a licensed doctor and nurse who can speak foreign languages

Food on a cruise vacation is available 24/7 in cafeterias and dining areas. You can also request room service if you want to have a romantic dinner with your spouse. We did this while we did a European cruise and the dinner came with a white linen table cloth, china, silver and crystal glasses. It was really beautiful and I have never experienced that on other cruise lines. There are formal dinners in the famous Celebrity Cruise Lines dining rooms two or three times during the cruise vacation, depending on the length of your cruise travel. If you do not wish to participate in this cruise activity there are casual restaurants that you can visit instead.

Celebrity Cruise Lines has a variety of itineraries from which to choose. Some of them our very exotic like the Galapagos or Australia. No matter which itinerary you choose you will always feel pampered on a Celebrity Cruise vacation. Celebrity Cruise Lines staff always go the extra mile to please you. Read some other cruise reviews and see if they don’t agree with me.

Enjoy cruising with Celebrity Cruise Lines!

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.



Drink Vending Machines
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
18
Posted on 18-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 18-11-2009
Zark Barker asked:


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.



Rheem Gas Furnace
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
08
Posted on 08-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 08-11-2009
carnellsfuturestar asked:


For my 16th birthday, my friends and I going on the City Lights Cruises boat at Navy Pier (Downtown Chicago). I wanted to know if it was fun or not because three hours seems like a long time to just dance and eat. Can please give an honest review about your experience?

12 Volt Sump Pump
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
07
Posted on 07-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 07-11-2009
Mary Hanna asked:


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!

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.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com



Goodman Gas Furnace
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
06
donrull asked:


Has anyone had any experience going to the port the day of departure and trying to score a really cheap price on a cruise? I have heard of this through the rumor mill, but have not been able to get any details. How about any other ways to get super bargains on cruises?

Fishing Tackle And Accessories
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
04
Posted on 04-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 04-11-2009
Smart Guide to World Cruise Ship asked:


Happy cruising! Protect yourself from cruise ship illness during your wonderful cruise vacation.

Healthy cruising tips by USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP):

1) Wash your hands frequently!

* Wash your hands often to avoid exposing yourself and others to anything that may cause illnesses and spread germs:

> Especially before eating or smoking, and after using the toilet.

2) If you are sick, report your illness.

* Before your voyage, ask cruise line:

> if there are alternative cruising options i.e., voyage dates, credits, etc.

> or, consult a doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail.

* During your voyage, visit the ship’s medical facility and follow the medical staff’s recommendations.

3) Avoid eating and drinking anything that you think will make you sick.

* Look for inspection scores and general food service cleanliness to help you to decide where and what to eat.

There are three most well-known widespread diseases onboard cruise ship populations are Influenza, Legionnaires’ disease and Noroviruses:

1. Influenza:

* Influenza infection among travelers is the most common cruise ship illness.

* It is the most popular vaccine-preventable travelers’ disease:

> Cruise goers are encourage to have annual influenza vaccination, it is the primary method for preventing influenza and its complications.

* This cruise ship illness can cause disease in all age groups:

> Rates of infection are highest among infants, children, and adolescents.

> Serious illness and death are highest among persons over 65 years of age.

> Persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at high risk for complications from influenza (e.g., chronic cardiopulmonary disease).

* The risk for exposure to influenza depends on the time of year and destination:

> In Europe, seasonal epidemics of influenza generally occur during the winter months.

> In tropical, influenza can occur throughout the year.

> However, passengers on board can be exposed to influenza anytime; there always will be travelers from areas of the world where influenza viruses are circulating.

2. Legionnaires’ disease

* Legionnaires’ disease has led to pneumonia outbreaks on cruise ships.

* Contamination of ships’ whirlpool spas and potable water supply systems have most commonly been implicated sources of this cruise ship illness.

* Passengers typically develop symptoms upon completion of travel only, resulting in delayed detection and continuous transmission.

* Cruise travel typically involves stays in hotels as well as multiple environmental exposures during ports of call, it is usually difficult to link a cruise ship with infection.

3. Norovirus

* The norovirus was originally called the Norwalk Virus.

* Norovirus is often termed the “cruise ship virus”:

> Even thought the vast majority occur on land.

* Norovirus is an extremely common and highly contagious virus which causes gastroenteritis:

> An inflammation of the stomach and the intestines.

* The incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis is usually between 24 and 48 hours, but cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure.

* Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea.

* Some people may also experience headache, mild fever and abdominal cramps:

> It is sometimes known as the “24-hour stomach bug.”

> Vomiting is more common in children.

* Symptoms generally last between one and three days (24 to 60 hours):

> Medical attention is required especially among the young and elderly.

> Usually resolve without treatment or long-term consequences.

> Recovery is usually complete and there is no evidence of any serious long-term effect.

Visit http://www.smart-guide-to-world-cruise-ship.com/cruise-ship-illness.html to learn more about cruise ship illness norovirus and read good quality information about cruise ship illness and cruise ship health.



Bamboo Vertical Blinds
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
Nov
02
Posted on 02-11-2009
Filed Under (cruises) by admin on 02-11-2009
O. Cruise asked:


One of the many advantages of a cruise is that everything is organised for the tourist if the person wants it to be so. They can also choose how long they want to be away for, whether it is a mini cruise, a seven day cruise or even longer. Reserve an European cruise in North or South Europe, sail to the famous Mediterranean with yachts, mouth-watering food, mountains, lovely historical buildings, perfect beaches and friendly folk.

The Baltic Sea area

Starting in Northern Europe, do not miss the Medieval Baroque architecture of Norway and Finland and also its dramatic scenery and rich history. Visit St Petersburg, Russia s most beautiful city and a most in any tourists itinerary. Enjoy the wild night life of Hamburg or Copenhagen in Germany and Denmark respectively.  Explore one of the richest areas in the world and take advantage of the cruises’ facilities.

Europe

Departing from Southern England, visit the Atlantic ports of France and Spain –experience the world famous fine cuisine and wine culture!  Cruises sail through the Bay of Biscay and the Straits of Gibraltar, where tourist can also enjoy the most beautiful ports of Portugal and Southern Spain.  Finally some cruises also visit the well renowned Spanish islands including Mayorca and Ibiza.



The Mediterranean


Visit historic places, romantic cities and beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, but also enjoy the top quality resorts and sandy beaches. The Mediterranean has been divided into three main areas, as follows:  Western Mediterranean cruises include the French Riviera, la Costa Brava and volcanic Sicily. Southern Mediterranean sails through Northern Africa, including the most important ports in Egypt and Morocco. Eastern Mediterranean cruises travels along the Aegean Sea covering most of the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy; expect to find amazing ruins from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians



Vertical Vinyl Siding
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google