Travel and Leisure Articles

When reading any cruise ship review you’ve got to keep an open mind about the benefits of the cruise in review. It’s quite easy to get carried away with an excited author’s version of their cruise experience because what works for one person may not work for another. Also, the review could be completely biased with the author having a vested interest.

In the final analysis, a cruise ship review worth any salt should provide both the good and the bad of the cruise experience from ship amenities to staff hospitality.

Carnival Glory

In a recent cruise to the eastern Caribbean on Carnival Glory, the experience was very satisfying from a relaxation point-of-view yet there were some areas which were a little concerning.

Yes, the 7 night 7 day cruise was a bargain at $950 for two people yet the cost of staying on board the ship left a little to be desired.

For example, purchasing those memory-filled photos proved an expensive exercise with the largest prints selling for almost $22. For a package of seven, the customer would have to fork out almost $150. There were smaller sizes available yet no discounts at all for the more popular larger versions was a little disappointing.

Another disappointing aspect was the cost of internet access on the ship. At 75 cents per minute, it turned most people off and while packages of 250 minutes for $100 were available, it still seemed excessively high.

The casino is a popular venue on a ship and the slot machines attract plenty of patronage. The one and two cent machines generally attract the most interest however, they were few in numbers and were outnumbered clearly by the 25 cent and higher machines. For someone looking to play them for a little fun and recreation, then it could become and expensive exercise.

Carnival Glory Hospitality

This cruise ship review isn’t about highlighting the negatives. The hospitality was first class and the staff fantastic. That’s what you would expect on a floating resort. It certainly made the experience worthwhile despite some of the points made above.

When assessing a cruise ship review make sure you get a cross section of reviews before making any decision to book a ship. While an overall price may seem appealing just be aware that there are costs associated with traveling on a cruise ship and if you’re working on a tight budget, they can impact your hip pocket.

Caribbean cruises are all the rage these days. When you consider the range of amenities and facilities, the varied ports of call, and the range of activities on offer, Caribbean cruises are pretty good value. They offer much more than any one Caribbean resort can offer, and can be great fun no matter what the weather is like. Modern cruise liners are huge and can usually handle rough weather in stride without the passengers on board even noticing. The popularity of Caribbean cruises has resulted in several cruise lines operating in the region, as well as several different routes to choose from. So how do you decide which cruise line and route?

Firstly, let us take a look at the Caribbean cruise lines on offer. The big names are Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian, and it makes sense to look at these three first. They have made their names based on their reputation of reliability, service and range of amenities, services, activities and routes. The pick of these would have to be Royal Caribbean. They have the largest and most modern fleet of cruise ships in the Caribbean, and, despite normal fares being a tad expensive, have some surprisingly cheap Caribbean cruise package deals especially in the off season. However if you are planning your vacation for a high season, book well in advance as Royal Caribbean is often sold out months beforehand. Norwegian is also a great cruise line and a little cheaper than Royal Caribbean, while Princess is another good option for those looking for a deal. There are several other Caribbean cruise operations that work on theme-based cruises, such as Celebrity, which may suit certain travelers’ tastes.

Now, on to Caribbean cruise routes. Generally cruises take place in a certain area of the Caribbean, visiting the ports of call particular to that region. Basically, the Caribbean Sea can be divided into Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern areas. Depending on the length of the cruise, one or a few of these regions can be explored. There are also cruises just to one destination, such as Bermuda or the Bahamas (both of which are technically not actually part of the Caribbean, but close enough!). Personally, I think the Eastern and Southern routes are the most interesting. The Eastern routes usually stop in at fantastic places such as Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, all of which are steeped in history and have the friendliest people. These routes may also take you through the French and Netherlands Antilles, which have their own distinctive cultural atmosphere and magnificent sights. The Southern cruises also take you to magical islands such as Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao, Aruba, Barbados and Bonaire. Those with enough time and money can easily combine these two regions into one cruise, seeing what I consider to be the best of what the Caribbean has to offer!

A solo cruise on the Atlantic in December was just what I needed - no phones, no emails, and just many days of lazing around, doing whatever I liked on a brand new ship.. Just perfect!

Launched: 2007 Passengers: 2,384 Registry: Bahamas Tonnage: 93,000 Crew: 1,154 Decks: 15

Since I was traveling solo, I was determined to be outgoing, although that is not my nature. When we arrived at Barcelona Airport, I talked to anyone who looked like a likely prospect for the same cruise. I met Pat and Mike, a nice couple from Connecticut, who had spent the prior week in India, at their son’s wedding. They did not like India, and were pleased to be back in civilization. I met another fellow, and then a very proper looking American fellow, none of whom wanted to share a cab to the ship. (Too much luggage, I was told). 20 euros later (with tip), I was at the docks of the sparkling Norwegian Gem. The decoration that look from afar to be flowers on the hull, were gems. I should have guessed that. No fanfare, no lines, and within 5 minutes I was through the duty free area and on board.. The decor was more subdued than most NCL ships, thankfully. Still all turquoise, blue, melon and burgundy was everywhere. The carpet pattern in the hallways is ocean like, and I was later told, the carpet dolphins swim towards the front of the ship to aid in finding your way.

It was 5PM by the time I boarded. I met with our Cruise Critics in the Star Bar at 6PM. A nice bunch of people, but I had the good fortune to sit at a table with two English couples, Wendy and Mike, and Ken and Jean. They were friendly and welcoming. I discovered that Wendy and Mike now lived in Florida, and the other couple in California. After an hour or pleasant conversation, they invited me to dinner, but I declined. I was still dressed in jeans, the one outfit that is not allowed in the fancier dining rooms. They recommended the Blue Lagoon, and I had some good Tex-mex food there. The evening entertainment in the Stardust Theatre was a singer- dancer replica of Sammy Davis Jr, whom I did even like when he was alive. I stayed for the whole show, though and won $54 in an instant win game (Like Lotto scratch off cards) .

Day 2 I really wanted to sleep all day, but with a meet and greet party at 1030, that wasn’t possible. All 103 Cruise Critic people were there, and we met some of the staff. I met a few more people whose names I knew from the board. Always nice to associate a face with a name. An art lecture (and one free print later), a Red Hat Lady meeting where I seemed to be the only participant the dinner with Ken and Jean. Ken excused himself and Jean told me her very interesting life story until the wee hours of the morning. Mine is not an eighth as interesting! Everything from the daughter of a chip shop owner, to a single mother after a failed marriage to finding her way to America with her second husband Ken and her then teenage daughter.

Day 3. I slept so late that I missed breakfast. I went to the gym, but with a massive headache, I felt sick and lasted there only a few minutes. I walked by the outdoor pool, and the sunshine was warm, even though we were now in the Atlantic. Bingo for 40 minutes, and I left $35 poorer. A VERY L O NG art auction brought a second free print, but not much else.

Day 4 Funchal our only port of call. Madeira is a jewel rising from the Atlantic with poinsettias on TREES, beautiful orange cone like flowers - aloe. And bougainvillea. The island features a long steep climb to top with volcanic peaks, and Nuns Valley below. It was a beautiful day. At the top of the toboggan run, an accordion player in a white outfit with a Madeira hat entertained us while we waited a few seconds for our sledge to arrive - a two seater flanked by two men in white with jaunty straw hats. The toboggans or sledges were fun, When the slowed or stopped, the men added wax to make them run over slow spots. The photo taken en route showed two large sized women, crammed into the sledge with mouths open. I bought a brightly colored Madeira hat and football jerseys featuring the local hero, who apparently plays for Man United. We returned to the ship just before it left.

Day 5 I was scheduled for a bowling tournament, but arrived ½ hour after it started. What a concept, bowling at sea. The waves did nothing to help my score. We each threw a ball, and the next person finished the frame. My team was easily eliminated on the first try. The highlight of the day was the murder mystery dinners. We were assigned to teams of 6, each with the same story, and led to the Grand Pacific dining room, where we acted out our parts. I played Holly Day, a billionaire’s wife on vacation in Hawaii. It certainly kept the conversation going during dinner.

Day 6. Today’s evening entertainment, a comedy troupe from Second City were excellent. Ship - excellent, spacious, always being touched up, even only 6 weeks after 1st sailing.

The rest of the journey was blur. I read 3 ½ books. I slept well. The weather on board out on open deck was warm enough to just wear a long sleeved shirt - no coat or vest needed. My overall impression: Food excellent Specialty restaurants Teppenyaki very good (like a Benehana) and the Italian La Cucina was excellent. Do it yourself laundry on board. Entertainment varied, some just okay, some excellent. Room stewards efficient and made fun towel animals nightly.

I would definitely travel on the Norwegian Gem again, and would not hesitate to do a trans-atlantic cruise, even in the dead of winter.

On-Board the Super Star Virgo luxury liner

We started our getaway with a cruise on the Superstar Virgo from Singapore to Port Klang. We spent 2 days 1 night on board. We departed Singapore at 10:30pm and reached Port Klang the following afternoon at 3pm.

Our cabin was on the 11th floor without a pothole. We were surprised by the welcome gifts awaiting us on the dressing table. The room was cozy and have comfortable beds that will definitely allow you to have a beautiful night’s rest. The cabin isle is long which shows that its a long ship

The meals onboard were sumptuous. There was a choice of Western, Chinese and Mediterranean, each having a separate restaurant. We tried both the Chinese (for breakfast) tim sum style and Mediterranean (for dinner) buffet style. The breakfast was average but good enough to feel you. The dinner was better, evidenced with us going for a 2nd round to eat our fill. There are other restaurants onboard but you have to pay for them and is not included in the tour package

We toured the ship and used its facilities. Our first stop was the spa pool, hot bath and sauna. This was the first time I visited the hot bath and sauna. It was really hot and I had to open the door to let off some steam… Good thing no one was in it. hahaa. There was a theater for live performance. When there was no performance they would screen a movie. There are 13 floors in all in the ship, when you take the lift, it gives you a breath taking view of the beautiful interior. There are 2 swimming pools, one at the front and another at the rear of the ship. Last but not least we visited the casino. There were many tables for card games, roulette and others. There were many rows of slot machines too. One of the biggest casino on board a ship I have seen thus far.

Heading to Genting Highlands

We arrived Port Klang as scheduled and got off the ship to take the bus ride to Genting HighLands. The bus journey lasted 3 hours. It was like the expressway as there were no traffic lights to stop us. Along the way we got to see the majestic twin Petronas Towers at Kuala Lumpur. After a brief toilet break we started to ascend the hills of Genting HighLands. The road is not as winding as before as there are now 3 lanes going up and down. After an hour we reached the peak and proceeded to First World Hotel . It was already foggy and visibility was poor.

First World Plaza Indoor Theme Park

After dinner, we proceed to the First World Plaza Indoor Theme Park . We were amazed how a theme park could be within a building. As time was limited, we managed to ride only on the:

1. 4D Motion Master (Fast)
2. Euro Express (Fast)
3. Ferris Wheel (Slow)
4. Funtasy World (Slow)
5. Reindeer Cruiser (Slow)
6. Venice Gondola (Slow)

Genting Outdoor Theme Park

The next morning we visited the Genting Outdoor Theme Park. It rainded alittle in the morning, however it stopped. We noticed that some rides have to be paid as it is not included in the entrance fee. We took rides on the following and these are included in the entrance fee:

1. Boating (Slow)
2. Bumper Boat (Slow)
3. Cyclone (Fast)
4. Dinosaurland (Slow)
5. Flying Dragon (Moderate fast - Fast)
6. Grand Prix Fun Kart (Moderate fast - Fast)
7. Matahari (Slow)
8. Monorail (Moderate fast)
9. Pirate Ship (Moderate fast)
10. Pirate Train (Moderate fast)
11. Space Shot (Very Fast)
12. Spinner (Fast)
13. Super Toboggan (Moderate fast - Fast)

Out of the 13 rides, we had the most adrenalin rush from the Space Shot ride. A word of advise, only ride it with an empty stomach. We left at about 4pm to explore the hotels and casinos

Hotel exploration

We exit from the outdoor theme part main entrance. The shopping path we took connected us to all the hotels like what we have at City Link at City Hall in Singapore. First we visited the Resort Hotel. It looked like it was under some renovation. Next we walked to Genting hotel and then to Highlands hotel . Highlands hotel look the most grandeur.

Casino exploration

We visited the casinos at First World hotel and Genting hotel. We only tried our luck on the jacpot machines and not the card games. It was thrilling and exciting though we did not win anything, its more how long can our $10 last. Haha. Btw, the air of the casinos are filled with smoke and many people tend to light up in there. After dinner we headed back to the jacpot area and later walked back to our hotel to turn in.

Going home

We left Genting at 3pm. It was a 6 hour bus ride back to Singapore. We stopped at Chong Pang Johor Bahru for a light dinner. On the way I noticed that street lamps only appeared when there is a major junction and the rest of the way was mostly dark. Our coach returned by the second link through the Tuas immigration check point which was much faster. We returned home with fond memories of our trip and had the feeling of wanting to stay there longer and not return :D.

When you are searching for cruise line reviews, you can find all kinds of different reviews online. Some of them are more helpful than others. Without knowing it, you could be swayed by a review that is not very accurate if you are not careful. You have to know what to look for when you read the reviews.

Who is writing the reviews?

Some reviews are written by average people who have only taken one or a few cruises in their lives. These reviews are usually unbiased because the reviewers’ business with the cruise lines is already completed. However, the reviews are based on limited experience. If that particular amateur reviewer has a problem on a cruise, they will likely have a bad attitude towards the entire cruise.

Other cruise line reviews are done by experts in the field. These are professional travelers who earn at least part of their livings writing about vacation destinations. As long as they are independent reviewers, or affiliated with travel magazines or shows, they can be unbiased as well. The advantage is that they tend to give details that the average traveler may have missed.

The final type of reviewers is those that are connected in some way with the cruise lines. These reviewers can show favoritism to the cruise line that employs them. They may be full of information about the history and dimensions of the ships, but they will less likely spell out the problems with the cruise lines.

What is included in the reviews?

Often cruise line reviews will be in diary form, telling about a particular cruise in great detail. During the reviews, professional travelers will throw in facts about their previous trips on other ships of the same lines. They will make comparisons that will help you to determine which ships in a fleet would be more to your liking.

These reviews can also be packed with information such as the roominess of the cabins, the quality of the restaurants, and the variety of the entertainment. If the cruise line has private resorts, such as the private islands many cruise lines have in the Bahamas, these resorts can be reviewed as well.

The reviewers should give information on the programs the ships offer, such as physical fitness programs and handicapped accessibility. You can look for details about the quality of the spa program, as well as what activities are available for kids.

When all is said and done, cruise line reviews can give you a lot of information upon which to base your choices. One thing you should always do is to read a variety of reviews. No one reviewer can tell you everything you want to know about any one cruise line. Reading a number of reviews is just a part of the research you can do to make sure you get the cruise you want.

P & O cruises give you the opportunity to wake up to a new view each morning. They sail from Southampton to Africa, Asia and Orient, Australasia, Baltic, USA and Canada, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Mediterranean, Fjords and Iceland, Indian Ocean, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific and the Middle East.

Also on offer are world cruises, city breaks around Britain and fly/cruise holidays from regional airports. For those travelling further afield P&O can arrange discounted airport parking and pre-flight overnight hotel stays. The P&O fleet consist of the Arcadia Artemis Aurora, Azura, Oceana, Oriana and Ventura.

Shore excursions are also available as an optional extra, including beach trips, scenic trips or more cultural trips. P&O shore excursions are available in GBP, so there is no need to be concerned about the exchange rate.

P&O’s ships are one of Britains largest and most contemporary fleet of cruise liners. The Artemis and Arcadia are childfree whereas the Aurora and Oceana is child friendly. Whatever ship you choose, you will find extensive onboard facilities to keep you fit, pampered, beautiful and entertained.

Each cruise ship have a photographer, a spa, beauty salon, a gym, laundry service, and much more. You need never worry about getting lost as there is a pocket guide in each stateroom and ships maps posted around.

P&O super liners have a thrilling range of entertainment and venues to guarantee memorable days and nights on board. There are musicals, live bands, deck parties, nightclubs, theatres, cocktail bars, concerts and classical recitals, cinemas, ball themes, games rooms and quizzes with prizes, as well as numerous bars each with its own individual style and atmosphere.

All P&O ships have three different dining room styles, Club, Freedom and Select. There is a huge selection of restaurants including pizzerias, cafes, Chinese restaurants and grills and Tapas bars. You can also choose to have a personal waiter service as you dine al fresco on your private balcony.

P&O offer stress free special occasions and comprehensive wedding packages totally unique to any experience on shore. P%O do an extra special service for special occasions including weddings and birthdays.

You will be rewarded with complimentary membership to the Portunus Club. Points are earned for each day you sail and the more points you earn the more discounts you will receive.

Its the extras that P%O provide that make their cruises so comfortable and enjoyable. Things like having your bed turned down each night, stewards who quickly catch on to what you prefer to drink and make sure your glass is topped up at dinner. The complimentary ships newspaper keeps you up with the latest headlines and there is always be a welcome pack and loads of entertainment for the children.

Princess Cruise Lines are part of the biggest cruising companies in the world, although they are still probably best known for the TV series “The Love Boat” from the 1970s.

Princess Cruise Lines began in 1966 when the “Princess Patricia” was chartered by Stanley MacDonald to undertake cruises from Los Angeles to the Mexican coastline. The ship though had been designed for Arctic cruising, and came without any of the necessary features of an equatorial cruise. The “Princess Patricia” was then replaced by the “Princess Italia” a ship designed for the warmer climes, and was truly modern in every aspect. The “Princess Italia” ended up doing Alaskan and European cruises as well. A third ship, the “Princess Carla”, was quickly added to the growing company.

Princess Cruise Lines was going from strength to strength and in 1974 the company was purchased by P&O (the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company), who assed the “Sun Princess” to the fleet. The “Island Princess” and “Pacific Princess” were also built new fro P&O, it was on these two cruise liners that “The Love Boat” was set. P&O already had a large fleet and ships would be transferred between brand names, and the “Sea Princess” sailed for both brands from 1978. It wasn’t until 1984 that the first ship, the “Royal Princess”, was the first liner specifically built for the Princess Cruise Lines Company.

P&O continued to buy other cruise companies and with the purchase of Tour Alaska and Sitmar Line, further ships were acquired and new cruise routes were added to the company. Many ships and routes were added to the Princess Cruise Lines brand. Princess Cruise Lines ended up being separated from P&O in 2000, before Carnival Corporation merged with P&O and all of its separate companies, to incorporate twelve cruising brands.

Princess Cruise Lines is now marketed as Princess Cruises and runs seventeen cruise lines, which include three small ships. All of the liners are designed to provide all of the experiences of a five star hotel, but with what feels like a personal service. Depending on which ship you are on you can expect casinos, theatres and swimming pools. The liners also sail on a wide range of destinations, including world cruises, Alaska, Hawaii, South America, Europe, in fact pretty much anywhere around the world. Cruises from Princess Cruise Lines may not be cheap but they are an unforgettable experience.

In 1871 Holland America Lines began its history as the Nederlandsche - Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatwsschappij. Headquartered in Rotterdam Holland, and providing service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line.

In 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise from New York and in 1910 its leisure cruise from New York to the Holy Land. In the 1970’s Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic service and sold its cargo shipping division. Vacations became her full time focus. In 1989 Holland America Line became a wholly owned subdivision of Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world.

Embarkation was smooth and easy. Drop off the bags in bins outside, walk inside, show ID and boarding pass, fill out the health questionnaire, get in a short check in line, show them the credit card you are using, smile for the camera, snap of another picture and you are on board. Probably 20 minutes from arrival to the first mojito on the lido deck. I’ve never had a better embarkation.

The last time we were on the Oosterdam was in 2003 when she was brand spanking new and I think someone has taken loving care of this beautiful boat. She is just as lovely today as she was back then. Our balcony stateroom was really nice and has more than enough room for us to move around, store all the clothing etc and relax with a glass of wine as the ocean rolled by.

Ok here we run into the only problem of the entire cruise to date. We were confirmed with late seating and a table for 8. We arrived to a 4 top with one elderly gentleman who was also sailing on his first cruise, with Air America, and had been assured of a large table of like minded individuals.

It was ok, but not the most comfortable evening. A quick trip to the Maitre D the next day fixed us up with a table for 6 with two other couples that were similarly disenchanted the evening before. We had great table mates for the rest of the cruise.

The shore excursions we picked have to rank right up there with some of the best shore excursions we have experienced anywhere in the world. From Cabo San Lucas we went to Todos Santos for lunch at the Hotel California. This is a very interesting drive through the desert of Baja California from the bay at Cabo on the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, where the driver stopped at an unscheduled spot because there were lots of whales to see.

The town itself is charming and some of the art work, most notable Rueben Gutierrez is spectacular. By the way the Gutierrez pottery is very reasonably priced. Then it was lunch at the Hotel California which had wonderful food.

In Mazatlan, we signed up for the Shrimp Fest. We went to a lovely private residence, up on a hill overlooking the entire city, with gorgeous gardens and lovely terraces set up for the crowd. They served Margaritas and beer and sodas all day and a buffet of all the shrimp you could eat, in three different styles along with rice and beans and guacamole and salsa and chips and of course tortillas.

A small artisans gallery was on the grounds and my wife bought the most amazing citrine and freshwater pearl necklace and then met the designer of the necklace who offered to make her clip on earrings to go with it and email her when she had designed them.

In Puerto Vallarta, we did “Rhythms of the Night” and you don’t want to miss that excursion! It starts with a one hour catamaran ride to a private beach all lit up with tiki torches and absolutely gorgeous. The catamaran crew put on a show which was pretty good.

Dinner was truly memorable as each party had a table for the number of people they designated. It was a buffet, but there were so many buffet tables set up that there were no lines. Waiters brought you drinks and whatever else you wanted, and then there is a show in an amphitheater. I will admit I was not looking forward to the show because some of the cultural shows are boring, but this one was spectacular. Then we took the catamaran back to the ship with all of the stars, the lights of Puerto Vallarta and finally the gorgeous Oosterdam lit up for the evening. It was great!

The disembarkation was as smooth as the embarkation. Remember way back when I said the rooms weren’t ready until 1:30? When you disembark, you may stay in your stateroom until they call your luggage tag color. This is great! Then you go to Deck 2, a short line, show your passport, and give the customs declaration to an official. Then quickly pick up your luggage and in our case take the first taxi in line and it is off to the airport. Couldn’t have been smoother!

We both work for ourselves and build a cruise web site while traveling. The internet is a crucial part of cruising for us and on the Oosterdam, we had wireless access in our stateroom. You can buy packages from $100 for 250 minutes (40 cents a minute) on up. You can also add more minutes as you need them and if you are on a package and you run out of minutes while logged in, they are charged at whatever rate your package calls for.

This was our 11th cruise in 9 years and I must say, even though we had been to these ports before, this was one of the best cruises we have ever taken!

This ship had its maiden voyage on April 26, 1992 and has since had two renovations. The first renovation was in May 2003 where it was outfitted with an alternative evening dining option, a rock climbing wall, and an Internet center. And in 2007, the pool deck was remodeled, the Spa & Fitness Center facilities were expanded, and the staterooms received luxurious bedding and flat-screen televisions.

Once considered a large ship, it is now small in comparison to other cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. With a passenger capacity of 2,744, it is primarily used for short trips to the Bahamas and Keywest. Also on board is a Johnny Rockets ’50s-style restaurant, Sorrento’s Pizza, Latté-tudesSM coffee house featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Casino RoyaleSM, themed bars and lounges including Boleros Latin lounge, 2 whirlpools, 2 outdoor pools, Adventure Ocean® youth facilities, and an open-air basketball court.

For those new to cruising, or just looking for a short get away, the Majesty of the Seas is a perfect choice for the whole family. While you will see people of all ages, the typical demographics includes couples on a honeymoon, celebrating anniversaries, or just getting away from their kids for a few days.

The entertainment on board is average and as expected for a cruise, featuring belly flop contests, comedians, and Las Vegas style shows, just to name a few. For the number of people year around, the ship is surprising clean. The service is great and staff works hard to keep everyone happy. And lastly, even the pickiest eater will find something that will satisfy their appetite.

Three day cruise packages can be a great introduction to sailing on the open seas. Many people are curious about a cruise vacation, but they may hesitate because a 7 or 14 day plan might seem out of their price range at the moment. Others may question whether or not they would enjoy a long cruise, but these economical, 3 day plans are the perfect length and price for everyone.

Have you wondered what cruising involves and were just unsure about the time involved? This is a common concern for many prospective passengers. Maybe you only have a few days of vacation, or you only have a long weekend that you can use for a quick getaway trip. Some people are just looking for something to break the monotony of long weeks of work. Whatever your reason, 3 day cruise packages are certainly a perfect solution.

Even though you only have a few days to be out on the ocean there is no lack of excitement. The activities on board will provide you with many diversions and opportunities to experience the adventure and fast paced lifestyle onboard large ocean liners. You might just find that cruising is something that you want to repeat again and again.

For people that enjoy shopping there are shops onboard for your enjoyment when you are not at docked at a port of call. Bingo, night clubs, parties, entertainment and other activities will keep you busy throughout the day and evening if you sign up for one of the 3 day cruise packages. There are always events that are scheduled for passengers of every age. You might have an onboard auction, or a cooking class to attend and most classes will be giving away door prizes to lucky guests.

If you want to rest and relax you can sunbathe at one of the pools or hot tubs or just enjoy the view from a reclining deck chair. You can even read or watch your favorite television shows in your cabin. If you have a private balcony you can enjoy a little solitude at any hour of the day or night. You will be provided with a daily schedule of the ship’s activities for every cruise, including those 3 day cruise packages, but you only choose those that you want to be involved in each day.

Outstanding food is included, and you will have regular meals served in the restaurants daily. These are buffet affairs. The large windows surrounding all of the restaurants provide panoramic ocean views that are sure to impress you as you dine. A wait staff is always on duty to assist you, and they will even bring your meals to your cabin if you prefer. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and if you have special dietary requests the cooks and chefs can accommodate you easily.

The cost of these short getaways is very inexpensive, even if you are planning on taking the family. You can also check for last minute specials on which can save you 50-75% of the original cost. This means that you can often arrange one of these exciting 3 day cruise packages for less than $200.