John Metcalfe

Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten about when it comes to choosing a cruising vacation. After all, why go to Mexico when the tropical paradise of the Caribbean is right on our doorstep? If these are your very thoughts, then why not take some time out to uncover the delights that await you on a Mexico cruise. What you discover will surprise and fascinate you…I guarantee it!

The majority of cruise lines operate Mexico cruise round-trips from the ports of Los Angeles and San Diego. The main points of interest (cruise-wise) in Mexico are to be found down the western coastline. Mexican cruise destinations on the Gulf of Mexico side are catered for by Caribbean-oriented cruise vacations departing from Galveston, New Orleans and some ports in Florida.

From the Californian ports a wide choice of Mexico cruises are available through several different cruise lines. These vary from a short 3-night cruise that takes in one Mexican port of call - Ensenada - before heading back, to 14-night cruises down to Acapulco and back.

Ensenada is in Baja California. It is less than 100kms from San Diego and is the third largest city on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. The city is a tourist hotspot, attracting many people from all over the world to its shops, restaurants, beaches and wineries. One ‘must-see’ attraction here is the La Bufadora natural blowhole, which spouts ocean water a full 35ft into the air!

Further down the coast on the Mexican mainland is Mazatlan. Miles of beautiful golden sands lined with palm trees await at this port of call, aptly named as the Pearl of the Pacific. Fine restaurants, nightlife and shopping can be enjoyed in Mazatlan, as well as a whole host of watersports and land-based sports activities.

Puerto Vallarta is another popular port of call on a Mexico cruise, where more excellent beaches and fine restaurants await. From this port, shore excursions up into the spectacular mountains behind the city can be taken. The city of Guadalajara and its fine Mexican heritage can easily be reached from Puerto Vallarta.

The furthest point that most cruise lines will sail to on a round-trip is the dream destination of Acapulco. Known as the ‘Hollywood’ of Mexico, Acapulco has everything from water parks and balloon rides over the city, to rock diving and a complete raft of watersports activities. There are excellent restaurants, great shopping opportunities and a buzzing nightlife to enjoy too. Be warned though, once you’ve visited Acapulco you may become addicted to the place!

With all this to enjoy, and much more besides, Mexico really is a top cruise destination that should be on everyone’s travel itinerary. Just kick off those work shoes and enjoy the good life!

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Mexico Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/mexicocruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com

John Metcalfe

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.

A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.

More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you’re after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.

History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona, before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.

A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.

A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt’s Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.

The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you’ve ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity..

John Metcalfe http://www.azcruises.com

About the Author

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for http://www.azcruises.com which is the No1 resource for Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles here: http://www.azcruises.com/newsletter-articles

John Metcalfe

Experiencing a Hawaii cruise is a dream come true for many people around the world. Very few travel adventures can live up to the thrill of sailing out into the depths of the Pacific Ocean on a luxury cruise liner in search of a paradise that is Hawaii and her neighboring islands. And what a paradise it is too!

Golden sunsets, sun-drenched sands and palm trees swaying in the warm gentle breeze await all who take a Hawaiian cruise. Is there anything on Earth that could rival sipping your favorite poison while watching the sun dip down below a watery horizon - all to the gentle sound of wavelets breaking on the golden sands of Hawaii? For many, this is paradise found!

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, Hawaii cruises depart from numerous seaports along the west coast of North America. Vancouver, Seattle and San Diego are the main ports of departure to Hawaii, although several of the other ports up and down the coastline offer cruise services to Hawaii too.

Hawaii cruise vacations normally comprise of a round-trip of 15-18 days and take in Hawaii and one or two ports on the other islands in the group. One-way cruises can also be booked where passengers opt to fly back home from Hawaii. Many companies also offer extended Hawaii cruise vacations of 25-30 days or more. These extended cruises are an excellent choice for those wishing to experience a more intense adventure in Hawaii and also for those who would like the opportunity to spend some time on the other islands of Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai.

Aside from lazing on the pool deck and soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, a Hawaii cruise offers many shore excursions to satisfy even the most restless of vacationers. On the Big Island itself you can turn intrepid adventurer and explore the dormant volcanoes of Mauna Kea or the smaller Kilauea crater. If you don’t fancy the hike you can always do a Circle of Fire tour by helicopter.

On the south side of the Big Island near the port of Kona is the Kona Cloud Forest botanical walk. You can also enjoy many varied types of watersports here, as well as taking a passenger submarine down to explore the 25 acres of coral reef in the vicinity.

Further afield, a Hawaii cruise lets you relive the drama of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, as well as providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Honolulu. You can go in search of whales off the shore of Lanai Island, and even head off into the rainforest of Kauai in a 4×4! So, whether you want endless days of relaxation, the ultimate in outdoor adventure or a bit of both, a Hawaii cruise could be the dream vacation for you.

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Hawaii Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/hawaiicruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com

John Metcalfe

Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world. Its attraction is overpowering - grand cities, relics of ancient civilizations and breathtaking scenery await European cruise passengers at almost every port of call. The variety is such that one visit to this part of the world is never enough - it’ll have you coming back for more…again and again!

European cruises depart from most major seaports around Europe. They often cover a specific region of Europe, although some companies do offer a whirlwind tour of the major sites right around the European coastline.

Starting in Northern Europe, cruises around Scandinavia and the Baltic States are popular, especially those that take in the Norwegian fjords. Here, you can delight in stunning scenery where mountains rise up like towers in every direction, and where waterfalls and glaciers are almost within touching distance. There are majestic cities too. Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, home to the Uspenski Cathedral - the largest orthodox church in Western Europe - can all be built into a European cruise itinerary.

Northern Europe also has its fair share of specialist cruises. You can do a cruise of the Baltic palaces or simply enjoy Norway’s awe-inspiring craggy coastline. A very popular Northern European cruise is a tour up the Scandinavian coastline into the Arctic Circle to view the ‘midnight sun’.

A European cruise around Western Europe embraces the British Isles, Ireland, the Low Countries and France. Scottish castles, the emerald green landscapes of Ireland and a visit to a French vineyard and chateaux are just some of the highlights of a cruise around Western Europe. You could also build in visits to historic ports of call, such as Portsmouth in England, where Nelson’s ‘Victory’ can be toured.

Moving further south into the Mediterranean Sea, a European cruise takes in the glory of the historical and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Portugal, Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey all have their own attractions. The colosseum of Rome, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Monaco’s grandiose vista and the famous Turkish bazaars await all those who elect for a European cruise in the Mediterranean.

There are a number of specialist tours in the Mediterranean region too. You can enjoy the delights of classical Greece and its magnificent islands, or discover the magic of island hopping from the Balearic Islands in the west of the Mediterranean to Cyprus in the east.

A European cruise is a true voyage of discovery. Tour this region and you’ll unearth the very soul of Europe and uncover a past that is rich in intrigue and drama.

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for European Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/europecruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com