The Smart Travellers Guide to Cruises

Cruise Vacation - the best way to go!

2010-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t been on a cruise vacation yet, then you're missing out on one of life’s greatest adventures. Have you spent years envying those who take cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas while you're stuck at home or driving to Florida? Well, now is the time to take action. Cruises aren't just for the rich anymore; they're for everyone! The great thing about a cruise is that one price pays for everything. More and more people are discovering the fun and value of cruising, but many more still have not heard the good news. Now more than ever, a luxury cruise is easily affordable and accessible to everyone. Regardless of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. The Staff are there to make sure you needs are met. From chocolates on your pillow to your favourite drink waiting for you at your dinner table, you will feel like you are being spoiled day and night.

The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated because a cruise vacation is one convenient package. You don't have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... it just does not get more carefree than that. Regardless of the size or cost of your stateroom, you have full access to the ship's facilities and amenities, and the ship's crew will do everything in their power to make your experience exceptional.

The price of your vacation includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your accommodation, activities, children programs and entertainment. Throw in the exciting journey to some of the most fascinating and charming places in the world and you have yourself a deal! You will also know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. Most cruise packages do not include the cost of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, guided shore excursions, or optional shipboard services like a massage, spa treatment, photographs, access to the internet, etc. Many cruise lines also add an automatic 15% gratuity to the cost of drinks, and you will also need to tip your steward and waiter at the end of the cruise. Check with your cruise line in advance for a complete list of what is included in your ticket price and what will cost extra.

If you think you might be bored while on a cruise, think again. There are so many options and activities that you will never be able to participate in them all. And don't worry about being in the close quarters of a ship; there really is plenty of space to move about so you're not likely to feel confined or claustrophobic. Nearly every cruise line offers special programs and accommodations to families, and some even specialize in entire cruises designed completely around the needs and wants of a family. On these family-focused cruise lines, you will find special supervised areas of the ship where your children can go to do age-appropriate activities while you enjoy adult time.

When it comes to nightlife, a cruise ship offers many options. Common choices include Broadway-style entertainment, dance bars, quiet piano lounges, casinos, movie theaters and arcade game rooms. There truly is something on board to suit every entertainment taste. For a whole seven days, I didn't have to cook or clean or even make up the beds. There were maids and professional chefs there to do it for me. There is no need to buy fancy clothing or a tuxedo to go on a cruise, although some cruises do require formal dress in specific on board restaurants. Your general packing list does not need to be much different from any other vacation; simply include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and expected weather conditions. And don't worry about items like hair dryers, shavers, and other personal appliances - they all work just fine on board a luxury cruise ship!

Every port you visit is different, and each one will have excursions, activities and places to discover. Just as on board the ship, you will not be able to do everything there is to do at each port. You can choose a paid tour excursion or you can explore on your own. Many cruise lines have cooperative arrangements with hotels and resorts in the ports they visit so that cruise passengers can use hotel facilities like swimming pools, fitness rooms, spas and other amenities.

More and more people are finding out about the pleasures of cruise vacations including singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends or families. Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience, once people try it, they come back again and again. You can see the world on a cruise. Feel free to completely unwind or take a walk on the wild side. If you want you can dance the night away or go up on deck and steal a kiss from your love. Make new friends, feast on sumptuous cuisine, learn something new, or just hang out and bond with your family.

Cruising is the fastest growing leisure vacation choice today, and it also enjoys the highest rate of repeat satisfied customers of any type of vacation. The choices of destination, experience, accommodations, and cuisine are nearly limitless. There is a cruise for everyone -- especially – you!

Booking a cruise online is both easy, fast, and the most economical method to purchase a cruise. There are no commissions to pay online, so the prices are the best you can find, and with most sites, your can browse the ship, see your room, check out the dining room, and more, right online.

Whatever your heart desires, it can be done on a cruise so be sure to “choose to cruise” for your next vacation.

About The Author

Hugh Goble has spent the last 25 years working in IT but his real passion is travelling. He now spends most of his free (Web) time ferreting out travel bargains. Visit his website at http://www.kwik-info.com/ or http://cruise-vacations-travel.blogspot.com/.

Answers To Money And Shopping Questions While Cruising Europe

2010-04-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Money matters can be confusing when traveling but maybe this article will help you out.

We always take lots of single and five dollar bills with us on every cruise. They come in handy for taxis, tips for tour guides, tips for the staff, and little souvenirs at craft shops. They are handy if you run across a bartender on the ship that is really treating you well.

Europe has now changed to the Euro in many countries making it easier to travel from country to country. The countries that are now using that currency are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Thanks to the miracle of the ATM machine, it is now easier that ever to get money in foreign countries. Use your ATM card in the machine to get the appropriate amount of money for the days you will be in each country. This eliminates carrying lots of Traveler’s Checks but take a few in case of emergencies. Never carry big wads of money no matter where you travel. It makes you an instant target.

Always keep in mind that you will be unable to reconvert coins so spend them liberally. It will be necessary to know the exchange rate so you can figure out how much you will need. If you are doing a cruise in the British Isles you may make three stops in Ireland so plan for three days of the local currency if you don’t want to keep finding an ATM machine.

If you are cruising around the Caribbean, every merchant takes dollars and credit cards, I recommend using Credit Cards. If you don’t use the above suggestion about using the ATM’s the ship will provide a service to change dollars into Euros or any other currency necessary. You should have some of the local money for buying small items such as soft drinks or a snacks, tips or local craft items. Any other purchases should be charged to your credit card because this protects you if there is something wrong with the item or it is not what it is purported to be.

The very best way to find out where the good shopping is, ask the crew. Some of the shops actually “sponsor” the cruise lines shopping lectures. The cruise lines will receive a commission from the stores they recommend. It’s a great big commercial to a captured audience, but if there is a problem the cruise lines will stick to their policy and get you a refund. So it’s a matter of comfort level, go on your own if you think you are savvy enough or go with the cruise lines recommendation to be safe.

The days at sea the cruise the ship’s boutiques will have “sales” so wait until then to see if what you want has been reduced.

If you know what you want to buy when you are cruising, check out the costs at home before you go, including the discount stores. Sometimes you can get a better deal at home with the comfort of knowing it’s returnable if it is defective.

If you buy perfume open the sealed box before you leave port to make sure the perfume has not evaporated. At one of the islands we visited I purchased some perfume and just out of curiosity opened it when we returned to the ship. The seal was still it tact but the bottle was three quarters empty. Since we were still in port I was able to return it to the store for another bottle.

I’d like to add just a word on traveling to different ports everyday and credit cards. When we were traveling in Europe I purchased several things in different ports on different days. By the third day the credit card company would no longer honor my card because they were suspicious of theft. For that reason, I always carry two credit cards and make sure both companies know I will be traveling extensively. This is a very good tip to know.

Follow this money and shopping advice and you should get along fine no matter which country you visit. 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.

About The Author

Mary Hanna has cruised the world on almost all of the top cruise lines. After over 60 cruises she has decided to compile her expertise into an e-Book for either first time or seasoned cruisers. Mary has written other eBooks, Software Reviews (for people who are technically challenged like her) and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: Money matters can be confusing when traveling but maybe this article will help you out.

We always take lots of single and five dollar bills with us on every cruise. They come in handy for taxis, tips for tour guides, tips for the staff, and little souvenirs at craft shops. They are handy if you run across a bartender on the ship that is really treating you well.

Europe has now changed to the Euro in many countries making it easier to travel from country to country. The countries that are now using that currency are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Thanks to the miracle of the ATM machine, it is now easier that ever to get money in foreign countries. Use your ATM card in the machine to get the appropriate amount of money for the days you will be in each country. This eliminates carrying lots of Traveler’s Checks but take a few in case of emergencies. Never carry big wads of money no matter where you travel. It makes you an instant target.

Always keep in mind that you will be unable to reconvert coins so spend them liberally. It will be necessary to know the exchange rate so you can figure out how much you will need. If you are doing a cruise in the British Isles you may make three stops in Ireland so plan for three days of the local currency if you don’t want to keep finding an ATM machine.

If you are cruising around the Caribbean, every merchant takes dollars and credit cards, I recommend using Credit Cards. If you don’t use the above suggestion about using the ATM’s the ship will provide a service to change dollars into Euros or any other currency necessary. You should have some of the local money for buying small items such as soft drinks or a snacks, tips or local craft items. Any other purchases should be charged to your credit card because this protects you if there is something wrong with the item or it is not what it is purported to be.

The very best way to find out where the good shopping is, ask the crew. Some of the shops actually “sponsor” the cruise lines shopping lectures. The cruise lines will receive a commission from the stores they recommend. It’s a great big commercial to a captured audience, but if there is a problem the cruise lines will stick to their policy and get you a refund. So it’s a matter of comfort level, go on your own if you think you are savvy enough or go with the cruise lines recommendation to be safe.

The days at sea the cruise the ship’s boutiques will have “sales” so wait until then to see if what you want has been reduced.

If you know what you want to buy when you are cruising, check out the costs at home before you go, including the discount stores. Sometimes you can get a better deal at home with the comfort of knowing it’s returnable if it is defective.

If you buy perfume open the sealed box before you leave port to make sure the perfume has not evaporated. At one of the islands we visited I purchased some perfume and just out of curiosity opened it when we returned to the ship. The seal was still it tact but the bottle was three quarters empty. Since we were still in port I was able to return it to the store for another bottle.

I’d like to add just a word on traveling to different ports everyday and credit cards. When we were traveling in Europe I purchased several things in different ports on different days. By the third day the credit card company would no longer honor my card because they were suspicious of theft. For that reason, I always carry two credit cards and make sure both companies know I will be traveling extensively. This is a very good tip to know.

Follow this money and shopping advice and you should get along fine no matter which country you visit. 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.

About The Author

Mary Hanna has cruised the world on almost all of the top cruise lines. After over 60 cruises she has decided to compile her expertise into an e-Book for either first time or seasoned cruisers. Mary has written other eBooks, Software Reviews (for people who are technically challenged like her) and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.FirstCruiseBestCruise.com, http://www.WebMarketingReviews.com, http://www.CruiseravelDirectory.com or contact her at mary@webmarketingreviews.com.

Planning a Valentine's Day Vacation

2010-01-31T13:02:00.000-08:00

Planning a vacation as a Valentine's Day gift is an excellent gift idea for couples who have been dating for awhile and are looking for a really fun and unique gift. Whether you plan a weeklong vacation in an exotic location or a weekend getaway near your home, you and your date can have a great time as long as you do a little advanced planning to make sure the whole trip runs smoothly. This article will provide information for those who want to plan a Valentine's Day vacation but are just not sure exactly how to go about planning this type of trip.

The first thing to consider is your relationship and whether your partner will view a vacation as an appropriate Valentine's Day gift. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, even a short weekend getaway is likely to be significantly more expensive than typical Valentine's Day gifts such as flowers and candy. If you and your partner have not been dating for long, your partner may feel as though this type of gift is a little too much.

Another thing you should carefully consider is whether your partner will be comfortable traveling with you. If you have taken trips together before, it should be no problem but if you have not, and you have not discussed the possibility of vacationing together, you may not be on the same page with the subject. For example, you might assume it will be acceptable for you and your partner to share a room on the vacation, but your partner may assume there will be separate accommodations. To be safe, you should discuss this issue with your partner before planning the trip. It will ruin some of the element of surprise, but it will also help to avoid a potentially awkward and uncomfortable situation.

Consider your work schedules when planning a Valentine's Day vacation. You may have a great deal of vacation time to use and may be able to do so at short notice but your partner may not have the same luxury. If your partner's schedule is variable or you do not know about the vacation policy at your partner's place of employment, it might be best to verify the potential dates with your partner before making any solid plans. Either you can choose to include your partner in the vacation planning or you can just discuss the dates with your partner ahead of time and keep the rest of the plans a surprise.

Consider the vacation destination carefully when planning a Valentine's Day vacation. Presumably, you are planning the vacation as a gift for your partner. Therefore, the location you choose should be a location your partner will really enjoy. For example, a vacation on an exotic beach might sound great to you but if your partner does not like the ocean or the beach, it might be a good idea to choose another type of location. Likewise, you may think a week in a rustic cabin in the woods is incredibly romantic, but if your partner is not used to this type of travel and is not the type to enjoy outdoor experiences it might not be an enjoyable trip for your partner.

Finally, when planning a Valentine's Day vacation, consider your budget for the trip. The budget should depend on both your financial resources as well as the depth of the relationship. You may be very wealthy and have a great deal of money to spend on your partner, but unless it is a rather solid relationship, this type of extravagant gift is inappropriate. Conversely, you may have a very small budget and want to do something really nice for your partner on Valentine's Day. In this case, you can search for affordable weekend getaways, which will be really special without causing you to overload your budget for Valentine's Day.

Wether you live in California, in New York City or wether you plan to go overseas to Paris , to Italy or the Caribbean , on a Cruise
, there is a travel guide for every destination!

Cruise Jobs: Travelling for Free

2009-04-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, the United States armed forces has been plugging “joining up” as a great way to see the world and gain valuable life experience. While there is no doubt that these things are true, there are a couple of other ways that you can see the world and gain great life experience without putting your life in harms way on a daily basis. One of these ways is getting a job aboard a cruise ship. There are many different exciting careers to choose from on a cruise ship, and while it is a full time position, meaning you are probably not going to work just forty hours a week, you will most likely receive free room and board, free on ship medical care, and you will get to travel the world and meet exciting new people, all while getting paid.

In each cruise ship there are three departments that all of the positions get divided into: the deck, hotel, and engine department. Each of these departments has a supervisor. The staff captain runs the deck, and is also the person that the hotel manager and the chief engineer report to. It is unlikely that you will be able to get a job as an officer or captain without a degree from a naval academy. However, there are several entry level jobs that you can get with the help of the Seaman’s Union in the deck and engine. Most of the entry level positions will be in the hotel department, which consists of several departments. The Hotel department encompasses all of the following:

• Administration
• Purser’s Office
• Cruise Staff
• Entertainers
• Food Department
• Bar Department
• Dining Room
• Housekeeping
• Medical Staff
• Salon
• Gift Shops
• Photography
• Casino
• Shore Excursions
• Tour Office

Most people work their way up from an entry level position, but people fall into cruise ship careers from all different walks of life and backgrounds. Obviously, someone from the medial department is not going to work their way up in the salon department without some additional training. However, there is room for growth in almost all of the departments. One of the most important things about working on a cruise ship is to have an outgoing personality. In a fast paced travel environment like a cruise ship, it is important to be outgoing and flexible. With that in mind, you will be able to go far.

People who have worked on cruise ships often highlight the benefits of working on them as travel, sightseeing, meeting new people all of the time, having free living expenses and recreation, and getting to know their co workers in a close knit environment. While you often need to make a commitment of a minimum of four months, there is often a break of four to six weeks before your next contract, and you have no living expenses while on contract so you have quite a bit of expendable income while on your break.

Cruising With a Celebrity: Are Celebrity Cruises Worth the Money?

2009-04-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

You may have seen advertisements on the television, the radio, or online. Your celebrity is vacationing aboard a cruise ship and they want you to join them. The advertisement you heard is for a celebrity cruise. Celebrity cruises are gaining popularity in the Untied States and all around the world. The question is are they worth the money?

Celebrity cruises are not to be confused with the popular Celebrity Cruise Lines. Celebrity cruises are cruises that are offered by a wide range of different cruise line companies. The intention of a celebrity cruise is to attract travelers. To do this, celebrity cruises are booked with well-known television stars, movie stars, and musicians. For some reason, and they are right, cruises lines know that fans follow their idols.

If you are interested in determining whether or not a celebrity cruise is worth the money, there are a number of factors that you should consider. One of the most important factors is the purpose of the cruise. The musicians, television stars, and movie stars are compensated for their appearance on the cruise ship . While this may not have a direct impact your reservation, it may be in your best interest to know.

In addition to being compensated for their appearance, a large number of movie stars, television stars, and musicians use a celebrity cruise to promote one of their upcoming shows, movies, or music albums. It is not guaranteed, but you may be granted behind the scenes information and footage. To many fans, this information makes a celebrity cruise worth it.

Promoting a charity or another good cause is another reason why celebrities make the decision to participate in a cruise ship voyage. If you are interested in promoting a specific charity or cause, you may find it beneficial, in more ways than one, to attend the cruise. In addition to being able to meet one of your favorite celebrities, you could be helping to bring awareness to one of the many world charities that need assistance.

Another important factor to consider when deciding on a celebrity cruise is the amount of time the celebrity will be onboard. Due to busy schedules, celebrities may be unable to stay onboard for the whole length of the cruise. To determine whether or not a celebrity cruise is worth the money, you will want to know how long each celebrity will be on board. If they will only be onboard one or two days, you may find that the cruise is not worth your time or money.

In addition to the length of a celebrity’s stay, you will want to know when certain promotional events are scheduled. These events should be established ahead of time. To determine when you may be able to dine with, meet, or get an autograph from your favorite movie star, musician, or television star, you should check the ship’s itinerary. This will enable you to determine if you will even get a chance to meet the celebrity onboard.

It is also important to estimate how many passengers will be the celebrity cruise you wish to take. The number of onboard passengers may have an impact on how much time you get to spend with your idol. If there are a large number of onboard passengers and the celebrity will only be on the ship for a short period of time you may be unable to meet with them. This is something that should be closely examined when determining if a celebrity cruise is worth any value to you or your family.

Finally, the cost of the celebrity cruise should be closely examined. The cost of a celebrity cruise is often higher than other traditional cruises.

Celebrity cruises are nice, but a celebrity should not be the only reason to plan a vacation on a cruise ship!

Research Your Cruise

2009-04-12T03:23:00.000-07:00

The focus of the following information is to provide you with the tools and information that will allow you to confidently arrange your cruise vacation. You'll know that all your ducks (or sea gulls) are in the right row and that you've selected and booked (jargon for purchased) the right cruise for you.

I'll define the jargon used in the travel industry so you understand what Travel Agents and/or Internet Agents are saying to you. I'll provide you with a solid understanding about

Ship layout
Stateroom (cabin) categories
Pricing scenarios
Best seasons to travel.

I'll describe what you can expect from the time you book your air and cruise to the time you arrive home again. I intend to give you all the ammunition you need to negotiate the best fares possible for YOUR cruise vacation.

Armed with this information, you'll understand clearly that it's "not what you save that counts -- it's what you get for what you pay"! Cruising is all about value... but that value must give you what YOU need and want... or it won't matter what you save. Buying the $299.00 cruise just because it is $299.00 is no bargain if you wanted a romantic cruise, but got in with the Spring Break/Party crowd.

about

YOU choose:

Alaska, Hawaii, the East Coast Inland Waterway or the Wine Country of California

Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean (Eastern, Western or Southern)

The Mediterranean, the Rivers of Europe, or the Fjords of Norway

The South Pacific, Australia or New Zealand

The Chilean Fjords or the Amazon

Antarctica

The basics of cruising apply to all destinations. Colder climates may negate the desire for a private balcony but we’ll get that in a later volume. Once you have an itinerary in mind, your booking agent will advise you of the cruise lines and ships that travel to YOUR destination and meet YOUR needs. What follows will provide you with enough information to plan your perfect dream vacation at sea.

If you're ready to get started, let's go look at where you'll "live" during your cruise... your stateroom.....

Ship layout
Stateroom (cabin) categories
Pricing scenarios
Best seasons to travel.

Technorati Profile

Cruises: enjoy it all inclusive!

2009-04-11T02:29:00.001-07:00

You can enjoy fine dining every night at your reserved table. Go ahead, taste several
appetizers. Try more than one soup. If you can't decide between two salads, have
both. Indulge yourself with such international entrees as Beef Wellington and Duck a
l'Orange. Never say no to desserts than can include such masterpieces as Baked
Alaska. Every meal is an event designed just for you.
So satisfy your every craving, and then walk out of the dining room without ever
paying a bill!

Oops, eat too much? Staying in shape is easy. Every floating resort has a spa facility
with state of the art gym equipment and aerobics classes. Are you a runner? You'll
love jogging on deck in the fresh sea air. After exercise, relax, have a massage, try
the steam room or sauna, or just a dip in the swimming pool.

Trying to get away from crowds? On your ship it's easy to find a quiet corner to
contemplate the sea, read a book from the library, hold that intimate conversation, or
just count your blessings. Whether you're a newly wed or celebrating your 50th
anniversary, you'll feel the special magic of being on a cruise ship miles out to sea.
But wait.... you're single.... There's a ship for you too.... and believe me, you'll have
a blast!

Whether you love musicals, hard rock, country or the big band sound, you'll find ships
playing your song. Who needs Las Vegas when in the showroom; they'll wow you with
Vegas-style revues?

Don't plan on deep conversation in the high energy dance club; save your talks for the
friends you'll meet at the sing-along piano bar.... or for each other as you stroll along
a moonlit deck.

Nothing on earth compares to the value of a cruise vacation. Why?

Because on a cruise, one low price covers just about everything.... remember what I
said about cruises being all inclusive? That means all your meals, almost every
shipboard activity and your entertainment. (Note: on most cruise ships adult
beverages are extra although there are cruise lines that include even those)!
Compare that to most land vacations where you find you're constantly faced with the
added expenses and hassles of reservations, finding a hotel in each location you wantto see, car rental, parking, buying theater tickets and searching for restaurants, and things to do.

What land vacation can take you from one exotic destination to another while you
dance and dine and dream the night away?

Cruise Vacation: Choosing a Ship II

2009-04-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

“If you don’t have any fun… It’s your own damn fault!”
Brent Farris – KZST Radio, Santa Rosa, CA (aboard the Carnival Elation)

Some vacations are just more fun than others.

There will be very few times in your life when you're completely free... free from cares, responsibilities, chores... free from deadlines, timetables, ringing phones and demanding voices. Sound like a little piece of heaven?

It's just what you need! Now!

Oh, but you have to plan it... and you feel overwhelmed by all the choices...

You want something the whole family can enjoy.... or...
You want a romantic vacation.... or...
You want a place to meet people.
You have “special places” you want to see

You also want great value for your money. Seem like an impossible task?

Maybe you should consider CRUISING!

Cruising is becoming a very popular alternative to more traditional vacations. There are so many destinations.... so much to do. So just hold on... don't put this away and say, "Cruising isn't for me." Read on as I’ll tell you about what you will find:

Dance clubs
Sports facilities
Live entertainment
Movies under the stars
Enrichment classes
Casinos
Champagne and caviar in the surf
Supervised children's activities....

Cruise ships really are catering to people in all walks of life, people of all ages, and people with many different interests.

Cruise Vacation: Choosing a Ship I

2009-04-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

You DO need good advice so you'll choose the right destination and the right ship. We'll give you that advice. You DO need to know EXACTLY what you're buying with no built in surprises; we'll show you how to choose.

Ships are different, amenities are different, rooms are different, food services are different across the many cruise lines available to you. If you do your homework right, I guarantee this will be the best vacation you've ever experienced.

How can I say that? I've seen it happen over and over. Cruise vacations enjoy a very high "repeat factor". More industry jargon... it shows that over 90% of first time cruisers come back and cruise over and over again.

We'll show you how to choose that first cruise... And once you take it, we bet you'll be cruising over and over again too! Take it from a Cruise Vacation Expert.... you might just become a Cruise Evangelist.

Bon Voyage!

Going on a Cruise: an Option for Me?

2009-04-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

CRUISING!

Everyday, more and more people discover cruising. The all inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation with no worries about where or what to eat, where you're going to sleep, how you're going to get to the next city.

And who cruises?
1.
2.Singles
1.Honeymooners
1.Couples
1.Families
1.Groups of friends
2.Anyone who wants to sail away on the vacation of their lives...... with no worries!

The number of people who choose to cruise grows as the cruise companies learn what YOU want, and bring more ships and destinations online for YOU to enjoy. According to "industry statistics", last year alone, just under than 11 million people enjoyed cruise vacations. Cruise lines are gearing up for YOU.... billions of dollars in new ships are coming.

There are 9 new ships to be delivered in 2008 and, there are another 40 more new cruise ships under construction or on order for deliveries through 2012! That represents 98,754 beds with an estimated building value of approximately US$22 billion!

The coming ships range in size from small intimate luxury vessels with just 400 passengers to the Royal Caribbean Cruises “Genesis” project at about 220,000 tons and 5400 passengers!

What does all that mean? Simple, the vacation ship of your dreams is out there!

The Queen Mary 2? I can hear you now.... "Whoa! That's not MY vacation!" "I can't afford THAT".

I understand your reluctance... You and most of the rest of the traveling public! I want to show you you're wrong. Look at these statistics...

Almost 90% of the travelers have never been on a cruise vacation. Five times as many people go to Disney World or Las Vegas every year than take a cruise.

And Why? I think it's because of all the negative myths that abound about cruising. I'm here to tell you they ARE just myths. You've heard them.... maybe you've even thought about these yourself. But let me turn them around because as you read on through this book I'm going to show you that....

Cruising is NOT expensive! Not when you factor in the meals, the entertainment and sights and the hassle free travel.

You'll be so busy on board these ships all day you can't be bored.

There is such a wide variety of activities that there is no regimentation.

On some ships you have to dress up, but on others you can be casual.... you choose. You tailor make your vacation.

Now as to that complaint “I'll get seasick”.... well, depends on where you cruise. To Antarctica maybe, but probably not in the Caribbean. And don't worry; there are a variety of ways to deal with any possible motion discomfort.

I’m sure some of these myths keep people from even investigating cruises as holiday options.... If you're unsure about a cruise, I’m here to prove that you should do yourself a favor and take a close look.