Archive for February, 2007

Jake M. Robinson

 

Whether honeymoon or a get-together of families or friends, a Bermuda cruise is the perfect way to enjoy. No matter what your likes or dislikes are; from pink sand beaches and shopping alleys to colorful nightclubs, Bermuda will have something to offer for the traveler looking for something extraordinary.

A Bermuda cruise is the best way to unearth the jewels of Bermuda, the total land area of which is about 22 square miles only. A variety of cruise options are offered – family, business, honeymoon or even for singles. There are two options for choosing a Bermuda cruise – you either board your cruise from the US itself or take a flight to Bermuda and then embark on your journey.

It is important to know the ports of call in order to plan your tour. Normally cruises will stop at all the three ports of Bermuda. Hamilton, the capital, is the busiest amongst all the small towns of Bermuda and is a great place for shopping and is also known for its exciting nightlife. The almost four centuries old settlements in the port town of St. George’s, on Bermuda’s east coast, has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The Royal Naval Dockyard, which has an extensive history of British naval exploits, also has forts and museums. The three ports will serve as your base for exploring the center, eastern coast and the western coast. Horseshoe Bay, South Shore Park and the Cristobal Colon ship wreckage are not to be missed. You can also choose from eco-tourism, golf and watersports or simply lay back and watch the waves break.

Bermuda receives moderate rainfall throughout the year. Tourist influx in the islands is at its highest during the months of April to September and cruise services during the winter months are almost negligible. Many cruises offer huge discounts during the low season. Departures for Bermuda cruises are available throughout the year; so choose a schedule that suits you.

Before embarking on your cruise it is imperative to know what activities or charges are included in your cruise package. At all the ports passengers are charged an entry tax. Cruise packages often advertise reduced rates; but find out whether it includes port taxes, the expenses of land stay, city excursions or spa and gambling charges on board. Different price options are available – you can either book for a cruise that will also include your city expenses or you can book for the cruise only while do your own thing once you are on land.

About the Author:

Jake M. Robinson writes on many subjects. For more info on bermuda cruises visit bermuda cruise island and try bermuda wedding cruises. Read more articles by: <'/?s=author&a=Jake+M.+Robinson' class='biggerlink'>Jake M. Robinson

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David Pierce

 

It seems like everybody these days is setting sail, cruising around the deep blue ocean on ships the size of small cities. Travelers return from their ocean adventures with strange and marvelous tales of grand movie theaters, huge climbing walls, water slides, and mounds of delicious food, but is this the reason why cruises have grown in popularity? What is it, exactly, that makes cruises so appealing to so many people.

Perhaps it’s the price. Long cruises, especially, can be expensive, and port fees, cruise cancellation insurance, and airfare (if it’s not included in the price), not to mention pricey shore excursions, can destroy your vacation budget. Just like with air travel, however, significant discounts can be found online and through travel agents, and when travelers factor in the meals, accommodation, and shipboard entertainment that are included in the fare, cruises can actually be pretty reasonable. There’s also less room for the typical nasty surprises that accompany traveling to exotic locations on your own.

Unlike land tours, which offer a similar sense of security when traveling, cruises also allow passengers a great deal of personal freedom and the ability to set their own pace. If you don’t feel like getting up for breakfast, then you can stay in your cabin and make it down in time for lunch. On a tour, if you miss breakfast, you might have missed the bus for the entire day, and you’ll end up stuck in your hotel, while everyone else is seeing the sights. Cruises have a definite relaxation factor that accompanies the fact that you are, essentially, staying in a floating hotel, which is one reason why cruises attract passengers who are celebrating honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions.

The fact that cruises are actually carrying passengers from one port of call to the next with a minimum of fuss or fanfare is another reason for their popularity. Unlike planes, trains, or, God forbid, automobiles, passenger can sleep, eat, exercise, and even party while the ship is transporting them from point A to point B. As mentioned earlier, the pace is slower, but for many, that’s a benefit rather than a drawback of cruise travel. Also, once you get to your port of call, you’ll be all rested up for duty-free shopping (in the Caribbean, at least) or scuba diving or whatever draws you to exotic locales in the first place.

Traveling also entails meeting a lot of new people—some of whom are nice and some of whom are not nice. Dealing with nasty flight attendants, shady cab drivers, and grouchy hotel clerks can add a level of stress to travel that detracts from the sense of excitement and adventure that should accompany any vacation. Perhaps it’s because everyone’s so relaxed or perhaps it’s because the staff is brainwashed (or desperate for a generous gratuity), but, in general, fellow travelers and staff on cruise ships seem to be a whole lot happier, nicer, and more accommodating than your average human being you encounter every day. Your fellow cruisers, who come from a variety of backgrounds, are not only happier but also more interesting to be around, and you’re actually encouraged and able to socialize on a cruise.

But let’s be honest. Nothing’s more important to you than your stomach. Airlines understand that. It seems like, on some long-haul flights, attendants are walking around every hour with another opportunity to stuff your face. Airline food, however, will never be able to compete with cruise ship food. Food is often the highlight of a cruise experience. Whether it’s at a buffet, in a dining room, or in your cabin, the food is delicious, and there’s plenty of it. In fact, you might find yourself gaining a few pounds if you’re not careful. Luckily, that’s what vacation is all about. If you are worried about your waistline, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise and stay fit onboard.

Finally, one of the major reasons why cruise travel is growing in popularity is the variety it offers. Over 200 cruise ships float in the world’s oceans and rivers today, and that number is growing by the year. Just like with air travel, there are the big names—Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival—and they each have their own fleet of ships. There are also smaller cruise lines, tailored to a specific region or for a specific purpose. These days, if you do your research, you can find the perfect cruise ship to fit your needs, wants and interests.

David is an experienced internet entreprenuer with over 7 years of experience. He owns and operates the site http://www.florida-bound.info. Visit the site for more info and specials on visiting Florida, plus other exciting places.

 

Copyright David Pierce - http://www.florida-bound.info

 

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Bruce Channers

 

If you are interested on embarking in a once in a lifetime luxury vacation, look no further than setting sail on the ocean deep! There are a variety of high quality cruise companies that offer personal boats or smaller ocean liners for the unique experience that are a great deal more luxurious and elegant than those over the top and gaudy cruise ships. A luxury vacation is perfect for newlyweds eager to begin their married life on a fantastic luxury vacation or mature travelers who want to enter the more upscale world of luxury cruises.

Instead of massive cruise ships packed with people, low quality food, and watered down entertainment, consider embarking on a luxury vacation with a quality cruise line. These ships are generally a great deal smaller than the lower quality cruise ships, but come with larger staterooms that are usually all open to the outer decks. Do not feel like a fish on the high seas as you are packed into a tiny room! On your luxury vacation, enjoy a large, luxurious room that will make your feel like an honored guest and not a sailor crammed into a miniscule bunk. These rooms usually have decks to the great outdoors that will allow you to enjoy your morning paper or a beautiful sunset on the privacy of your own balcony.

Luxury cruises generally show you a different side of any luxury vacation spot. Many cruise lines that cater to the luxury crowd focus on ecological, biological, or anthropological aspects of travel. Hearken back to the days of Darwin’s expedition on the HMS Beagle and visit the Galapagos Islands to explore the natural flora and fauna. Take a luxury vacation to the Mediterranean to discover new cultures and meet the friendly people of the area.

The food available on a luxury vacation cruise is fantastic. Instead of crowded buffet rooms packed with lower quality food and watered down drinks, these luxury vacation cruises serve only the best. From top shelf drinks to haute cuisine featuring the freshest ingredients possible, dinner time on the luxury liners is unlike any other experience. Experience native dishes from the area you visit and enjoy local delicacies that are a must for any explorer.

Most luxury vacation cruises comes with extra packages packed with culture, adventure, or learning. Whether you choose to swim with dolphins or explore ancient cultures, these in depth tours are led by informed guides and are conducted in small groups perfect for individuals who want to see more than the traditional “tourist traps.” Consider taking a luxury vacation down the Nile after a camel tour around the Great Pyramids in ancient Egypt. There are many cruises that head to the home of one of the world’s most famous ancient civilizations, so anyone can see Egypt in high style.

Other destinations include Greece, Eastern Europe—including Russia, the Caribbean, and even luxury vacation cruises all the way around the world! Consider taking a year off and seeing the entire globe from end to end on a hired boat. Live out a treasured dream will allow you to enjoy any destination and luxury vacation.

About the Author:

Luxury Vacation Facts is an information site that contains articles, a directory and other Luxury Vacation Resources. It can be found at: http://www.luxuryvacationfacts.com Read more articles by: <'/?s=author&a=Bruce+Channers' class='biggerlink'>Bruce Channers

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Briana Liebmann

 

Cruising is a favorite pastime for many vacationers craving a break from land. Cruises offer many activities which are set apart from any other getaway. For most of us, however, cruises may come once in a blue moon and planning for your perfect trip may seem stressful. This fear is certainly justifiable when a supposed action filled senior trip turns into 7 days of senior citizens and shuffleboard. This scenario can be prevented by planning ahead. Preparation cannot be stressed enough.

The great thing about cruises is the many varieties which are offered customers. Think about what you want from your perfect cruise; is it a romantic honeymoon, a fun-filled family experience, or maybe you are just wanting a secluded quiet trip to “get away from it all”. Because people have many different reasons to take a cruise, many types are offered, and once you know exactly what you are looking for, you can begin your quest for the perfect vacation.

When deciding on the perfect cruise, here are a few suggestions:

1. Decide ahead of time what amenities you want to be offered on your cruise - If you are one of those high school seniors and don’t want to spend your nights playing bingo, research your cruise lines and see what accommodations they offer. Each cruise line is centered around a specific lifestyle. A look at the activities and events planned will give you some clue as to what kind of theme a certain cruise line is going for. If you are still not entirely sure, don’t be afraid to talk to customer support or even a travel agent.

2. Choose by destination - Cruises are not always about the ship. Keep in mind that you will be venturing to different islands and countries. There may be a certain place or culture you wish to see. Try to find a liner that will carry you there. If you are vacationing with someone else, make sure you both agree on the destination of your cruise line. These ventures can be a great experience for both of you.

3. Look at the ratings - Cruises are ranked by stars much like hotels. The highest being a five star rating and the highest in that category having a plus attached at the end (three plus stars, for instance). Paying attention to these can also clue you in on what type of cruise line you are looking at. For instance, most five stars will generally be more classy and formal while some three star lines will be much more suited for families and younger vacationers. A good suggestion would be to find the type of cruise line you want and then choosing the highest ranking line in that category.

4. Find the cabin you want - On some liners, there can be anywhere from three to twenty cabin options. Many people think they won’t spend much time in their cabin and will try to get the best deal. This may work for some, but remember, your cabin is the only place away from the crowd and especially on longer trips, there will be many days out to sea where you will have plenty of idle time to relax in your room. If you think a closet size room with no windows and a bunk bed will not drive you crazy, then go ahead and save some money. Keep in consideration the accommodations, service, surroundings and amount of time you will want to spend outside or your cabin.

5. If you are working with a travel agent, make sure to ask plenty of questions - Your travel agent should be interested in your needs, not just what gives them more commission. Make sure they’ve been on a few cruises themselves so they can reflect on personal experience, and make sure they ask you plenty of questions.

Browsing around will help greatly in your search for the perfect cruise. You will certainly benefit from planning ahead by enjoying the best vacation you can expect.

Briana is an original content writer for http://www.youseekit.com which features original articles on a variety of topics. To see the original article, go to http://www.youseekit.com/cruises.htm.

 

Copyright Briana Liebmann - http://www.youseekit.com/cruises.htm

 

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