Michael W. Smith & Friends Caribbean Cruise 2008 – On the 23rd all of the staff went out to Sting Ray City and swam with the Sting Rays. At night it was another CONCERT and a dance on the deck with Smitty DJ’ing
Job Details
Landau Music is now hiring Female Vocalists to front Top 40 band on board Cruise Ships! Landau Music, Inc.
Read more on Playbill
Hafner homers as Indians cruise; Reds’ Leake impresses
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — David Huff pitched well for the Cleveland Indians Wednesday. Good enough for a spot in the rotation? He’ll have to wait to find out.
Read more on Coshocton Tribune
Leesburg Man Arrested For Cruise Ship Hoax
A Leesburg man was arrested Sunday after making a comment that there was a bomb on a Carnival cruise ship he was traveling on. The ship was docked for several hours at Port Canaveral while authorities investigated.
Read more on Leesburg Today
Jeff Conaway Back Home, Struggling for Sobriety After Nursing Home Stint
Things are looking up for Jeff Conaway. The Grease actor and Celebrity Rehab alum has returned home after a stay in a nursing facility after breaking his hip in a fall at…
Read more on E! Online
My Five
Quilt store owner Becky Taylor shares her five favorites.
Read more on Omaha World-Herald
What better way to escape those cold weather doldrums than a relaxing cruise to a warm destination. Cruises offer all the amenities of home, and many more. The all inclusive nature of a cruise vacation makes it easy to relax and put the thought of cold weather and work behind you.
Choosing a destination to escape those cold weather blues can be a fun challenge. There are many options for warm weather cruising. Some may choose the more exotic routes such as the Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, or even the Nile River. Others may choose the allure of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. Still some prefer the South Pacific or the Mexican Riviera.
All of those destinations have a lot to offer, but the five destinations below are the top five for the warm weather seeker.
Multi-Destination Caribbean Cruise
This is by far one of the most popular cruise choices. The Islands of the Caribbean have so much to offer. They are as diverse as they are similar. The sandy beaches, blue waters, and lush jungles entice many visitors to jump ship at each port and explore the many offerings.
These cruises range from a 3 day excursion to 10 day island-hopping expeditions. Some cruises focus on only a couple of islands, while others make a swing around the entire area. On board the ship you can enjoy the entertainment and meals, while resting up for the day trips to the islands. Scuba, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, or simply exploring villages and mountain trails, are all examples of some of the adventures that await you on the islands.
While it is impossible to experience all the Caribbean has to offer in one multi-destination cruise, it does allow the traveler the opportunity to sample a little of each culture.This smorgasbord of experiences opens new opportunities for future vacation planning.
Barbados
While we are still in the Caribbean, Barbados is a superb destination. With nearly constant 80 degree temperatures, soft sand beaches, cool blue waters, and lush vegetation, this is a vacationer’s paradise; a relaxing cruise to the island makes it even more enjoyable.
Barbados offers a rich cultural history coupled with many modern amenities. Friendly, laid back people also make this a choice destination. Throw in some great water recreation, posh resorts, and a hopping nightlife and Barbados becomes an even better choice.
Hawaii
Although not well known as a cruise destination, Hawaii has always been a warm weather destination for travelers. The problem for most vacationers was choosing which island to spend their vacation on. A cruise through the islands eliminates that choice. You get to experience them all.
You could choose a cruise that started in Honolulu and then hop to each island for a great cultural and entertaining vacation. The time aboard ship could be used to rest up between visits to the islands. This is a great way to experience all the islands have to offer in a short amount of time.
For those who enjoy the on-ship part of the cruise the best, there are cruises that depart Mexico or British Columbia and float across the pacific for a very relaxing trip. These are much longer excursions. The onboard time can be spent enjoying all the amenities the ship has to offer before embarking on the many island adventures.
Aruba
Another Caribbean destination, Aruba, is well known for its nightlife. Aruba has often been called the Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas, with its many lavish casinos and upscale resorts. This island relies on tourism to keep it going, with over fifty percent of its gross national product coming from tourism. That explains why the people are so open and friendly.
The trade winds help keep the temperatures down from the extremes, but the arid, dry climate promises plenty of beach weather. Days spent on the beach and in the warm waters, coupled with nights spent enjoying the resorts and casinos equals fun and relaxation. A low crime rate just adds to the air of relaxation.
U.S. Virgin Islands
This popular string of islands is a hotspot for cruise ship tourism. St. Thomas is the port of choice for shoppers. There are many other attractions and beautiful beaches, as well. Many cruise ships focus their trip on St. Thomas alone, and the passengers are not disappointed. However, the other islands cannot be ignored.
St. John is not a common cruise ship destination, but it is an easy ferry trip from St. Thomas. St. John offers a great look at the nature and history of the islands. And, if it is history you are looking for St. Croix is the destination of choice. It is rich in history with many historical attractions. And Water Island, although not on the cruise ship docket, is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas and offers a relaxing taste of paradise. With less than 200 residents it is an unspoiled gem in the chain of islands.
Jeremy Foster, a freelance writer who writes about travel tips and vacations, also discusses specific kinds of vacations such as a Caribbean cruise.
The Caribbean is arguably the number one cruise destination in the world. The tropical chain of islands offers sun and fun with enough variety to keep it interesting and exciting. The tropical location keeps the temperatures warm, while the ocean breezes make it comfortable. The exotic beaches, mixed with luxurious accommodations, make these truly island paradises.
The Caribbean encompasses over 7000 islands, islets, cays and reefs with an island chain that spans 2500 miles. These islands encircle the Caribbean Sea. The ownership of these islands was contested during colonial times and many of the territories changed hands several times before reaching their current status. Due to their location along the Western trade routes these islands have a rich history.
The top five Caribbean destinations will depend on the goals for your vacation. Most of the islands offer plenty of beaches for sun and relaxation. The tropical waters offer plenty of underwater enjoyment as well. Some of the islands offer lush tropical forests to explore or tall mountains to hike. The cost of entertainment on most of the islands is reasonable. The following are five of the most popular cruise destinations from last year.
1.When deciding to take a cruise to the Caribbean to escape the winter cold and blues, the most popular choice has to be a multi-destination cruise. A cruise that swings through several of the islands in a nice 7-day vacation can give you the best variety. You will get a taste of the different cultures and each stop will leave you wanting just a bit more, as any good vacation should. The time spent on the ship can be used for rest and rejuvenation between beach excursions that may include diving, submarine voyages, hiking, biking, or any number of other exotic adventures. The rich history and cultural diversity in the region makes each beach excursion a trip in itself.
2.Another very popular cruise destination in the Caribbean is Barbados. Barbados has a fairly constant 80-degree temperature. This island has lush vegetation and great, white sandy beaches. It has a good mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The people are very friendly and approach life with a laid back attitude. Plenty of duty free shopping abounds. Also, water sports, great resorts and a hopping nightlife make this a great destination for fun in the sun.
3.If nightlife excitement is what you are looking for, then Aruba would be a good stop. The story on the seas is that Aruba is the Caribbean’s version of Las Vegas. Its upscale casinos and luxury-packed resorts will satisfy even the most expensive tastes. The trade winds help cool things off on the island, as well. The dry, arid climate promises sunny days for enjoying the beaches. This island knows how to treat its tourists, which is why half of their gross national product is earned through tourism. Add to that a low crime rate and you have a great destination to relax and have some fun.
4.St. Lucia is another great destination in the Caribbean chain of islands. This is a good choice for sheer beauty. The approach to the island on the ship is breathtaking and the undisturbed nature on the island provides a glimpse at the past. Trails through the secluded coves and lush, green vegetation offer a relaxing opportunity to reconnect with nature. The beaches are carpeted with golden sand. Don’t be mistaken, however, the capital, Castries, is a lively place. There are plenty of shops and attractions to keep even the most urban traveler busy.
5.The Dominican Republic attracts many people for its beaches. It does have the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the 10,164 foot Pico Duarte, but it is the beaches and resorts that attract most of the visitors. The fairly constant tropical temperature, ranging from 78 to 88 degree Fahrenheit, is also a popular attraction. It is also a good destination for shorter cruises due to its close proximity to the U.S. It has a good selection of all-inclusive resorts in the southeast. History can be found in the buildings in the capital city, Santo Domingo. If kiteboarding and windsurfing is your thing, then the North-central area of Cabarete would be a great place to visit. Overall, if you are looking for sun and relaxation the Dominican Republic is a good stop.
Whether the goal for your vacation is just relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the hills and jungles, the Caribbean has a lot to offer. While a single destination cruise gives you the chance to fully explore an island, a multi-destination cruise will give you a taste of many different cultures. If you want to escape the gold and grey winter a cruise to the Caribbean is a great choice.
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Caribbean Cruise | Cruise Deals
Taking a cruise is still a dream for many people who cite varying reasons for holding off on sailing the “high seas.” The most common excuse is the affordability factor with many people on tight budgets simply resigned to the fact that cheaper holidays are available elsewhere and by other means.
Well, I’m here to tell you that cruising holidays are not just reserved for the “rich and famous” but in the main, are designed for those who in fact are working on staying within their allotted budgets. A cheap cruise doesn’t mean travelling on a “ship without a rudder!”
Let’s Find A Cheap Cruise
Finding a cheap deal is a lot easier than you think. Travel agents are there to help you locate the most suitable holiday for your travel plans. Companies will go “the extra mile” to get you on one of their ships and in most cases, you’ll find them extremely accomodating. Here are some simple tips to finding a cheap cruise.
1. Go online and do a search. Many travel and cruise companies will offer request forms on their sites and you simply fill in the information; where you want to go, how much you want to spend and how many people you want to book for.
2. Pricing varies from destination to destination but the beauty of these type of holidays is the value factor. Over delivering is common so don’t be afraid to state your preferences no matter how lavish they may seem. In the final analysis, common ground is reached and you’ll be surprised how much vacation experience your tight budget dollars will get you.
3. Avoid peak travelling seasons. Often, prices will normally be inflated which is common during any popular vacation time such as normal holiday periods. The bargains will normally be found during off-peak times and you’ll need to clarify these with your travel agent.
4. Don’t leave booking your cheap cruise until the last minute. Similar to airlines, holidays or trips will cost you more generally, the closer it is to the departure date. Booking a long way ahead means that there are better deals available as companies “scramble” to fill their available spots.
5. Make it clear to your booking agent exactly how much you want to spend. Be careful not to book a holiday just because you can afford it and then realise it’s not what you wanted. Finding a bargain is one thing but finding that will suit your needs and desires is another. Be very clear up front.
Cheap Family Packages
Obviously the larger the family the more cost is involved. Again, cruise lines are very accomodating and the above principles also apply in the area of family holidays. For example, Disney have on-going cheap cruise deals to such exotic destinations as the Bahamas with some tremendous savings to be had. You just need to be aware of them which means a little homework on your part.
You’ll be surprised how affordable holidays can be. The best part is, a cheap cruise will usually offer a lot more than the term implies.
Have you been thinking about a cruise? Everyone seems to be going on one and you don’t want to feel left out, right? The problem is that there are so many itineraries out there, which makes it hard to decide where your first cruise should be. In this article I talk about the best five itineraries I have been on and why they are my favorites.
Selecting my five favorites was not an easy task. I enjoy cruising so much and believe it is the only way to go on a vacation. You only unpack once and you get to see so many cool places. No driving miles and miles a day on one of those driving vacations where you have to stop at a different hotel every day. I find cruising very relaxing and am always ready to go on the next one.
My Fifth Favorite Cruise
Europe: This was a very interesting way to see several places I might have never gotten a chance to see. I would recommend this cruise to anyone who can afford to take the time. It was fifteen days long and well worth it.
On this cruise we went to Copenhagen Denmark, St. Petersburg Russia, Helsinki Finland, Stockholm Sweden, Oslo Norway, Tallinn Estonia, France where we took a bus ride to Paris.
Paris was breathtaking and it was great just to be there. There are so many things to see in Paris and a tour is probably your best bet if you have never been there.
St. Petersburg was a two-day stop and we could have stayed longer. We took a tour one day and got to visit the Hermitage Museum on the second day. Wow, you won’t want to miss The Hermitage if you are ever in St. Petersburg.
Basically, we took a tour at each port. Tours are great because you get to see the key points plus learn the history behind everything. You also learn about their lifestyle and how different it is from our own. This cruise was an experience I will always remember.
My Fourth Favorite Cruise
10 Night Caribbean: There are so many different itineraries when cruising the Caribbean that it can be difficult to determine which one to take. My favorite cruise of the Caribbean contained these three ports.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Okay, this one was special to me because my father was born in Puerto Rico. As a Puerto Rican I always enjoy stopping here. If it is your first time in Puerto Rico, you may want to take a tour of San Juan. The fort is especially interesting.
Key West: I totally fell in love with this little island. I have even thought of staying here for a few days. My only complaint was that we only had about five hours here and the first two hours everything was closed. My suggestion for Key West is that you take a tour of the island as soon as you arrive. I have regretted not taking one and have not had the opportunity to go back to Key West. I will the first chance I get.
Bahamas: This was a great port. It seemed to have a little bit of everything. There is a large hotel that actually has an extensive aquarium. It runs the entire length of the building and is something you must see at this port. I also recommend that you take a tour if it is your first visit. A tour will give you an overview and then you can decide what you want to do with the rest of your time here. Again, make sure your tour includes a tour of the hotel on the other side of the bridge.
My Third Favorite Cruise
Mexico takes this spot. We have been to Mexico via a cruise ship several times. This is one of the most relaxing cruises I have been on. There are basically three ports on a Mexican Riviera cruise and each one shows a different side of life in Mexico. Most of the Mexican Riviera cruises go to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan. This is your typical seven day cruise of the Mexican Riviera. However, some cruise ships bypass Mazatlan and take you to Acapulco and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. These cruises are usually ten or eleven days.
My Second Favorite Cruise
Alaska takes my number two spot. It was hard to decide between number one and number two, but I went with Alaska. My husband and I have taken this cruise about seven times and we never tire of it. Each port is a little different. The glaciers are awe-inspiring.
One of the things that fascinated me the first time I took the Alaskan cruise was the wildlife. There are eagles everywhere. If you see a white spot in a tree, get out your binoculars. You are likely to find out that the white spot is actually an eagle’s head.
We get to see several orcas on this cruise as well. There is nothing that compares to seeing wildlife in their own habitat. I used to go to zoos and places like Sea World regularly, but now that I have seen some of these animals in their natural surroundings, the confinement of zoos just doesn’t appeal to me.
My Number One Favorite Cruise
Hawaii was my all time favorite cruise. I have actually taken this cruise three times. I took it with Norwegian Cruise Lines each time. My husband and I boarded the ship in Honolulu and stopped at several ports.
Lahaina, Maui
We spent a couple of days here. On one of those days we rented a car and drove the road to Hana.
Kona
We take the Atlantis Submarine hear. The water is really clear and the fish are quite interesting. There are also some coffee plantations you can visit in Kona.
Kauai
We took a helicopter ride in Kauai. Several movies were filmed on this island and there are so many beautiful waterfalls. The helicopter ride was simply breathtaking.
Hilo
We took a tour in Hilo. There is a lot of volcanic activity here and it is very interesting to see all the hot spots and how the lava flows and continues to move.
FANNING ISLAND, REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI
It took two days at sea to get here and two days to get back. It was a very relaxing time at sea, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Island itself is rather primitive. It is a totally different way of life than we are accustomed to. The Cruise Line has added several amenities for the natives, but you still get a good view of a more laid back lifestyle. This is also a great place to get postage stamps. You can mail yourself a postcard and see who arrives first, you or your postcard. The stamps from Republic of Kiribati are a novelty for stamp collectors.
Well, I hope sharing my five favorite cruises helps when you are trying to determine where to go on your next cruise. I never tire of cruising. I have found that it is one of those things you either really love or really hate. You, of course, will have to decide for yourself.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers