Travel and Leisure Articles

These days when we look at advertisements for spring break packages online, on television, in newspapers, or magazines we see many incentives thrown at us to help us choose one package over another. Twenty hours of free drinks, free pizza at Pizza Hut while your there, free entry to exclusive parties and clubs…these are an example of what you may see posted with the ads. These are called travel teasers. They help one travel agency establish dominance over another by giving away something you can’t get from the other guy. This is usually done when the basic elements of the package have a preset price that can’t be changed due to contract restrictions from the hotels, airlines, or cruise lines. Most of these incentives and travel teasers turn out to be less valuable than they appear.

It’s important to cut through these teasers to reveal the important elements of each package. If it’s an air/hotel package try to concentrate on the price your paying for those two elements. Food may be included if it is an all-inclusive spring break package. If so, this also must be taken into consideration when a price is given. It’s normal for food to add a significant amount to the price.

Some college students may be looking at a cruise/hotel package. These are typically called cruise and stay packages. Bahamas cruises usually offer a cruise and stay package since a Bahama cruise is usually no longer than seven hours each way. Again, look at the cost for the cruise and hotel only when comparing to other spring break deals.

Incentives are great if you view them from the proper perspective. The price shown is what you are paying for your hotel stay and round-trip ticket on a cruise or airline. If by chance the incentives and teasers turn out to be useful that’s great, if not you didn’t pay for them. Travelers who think they are paying for the incentives are usually the people that feel cheated when they return from the spring break vacation.

What better way to see the amazing sights of this beautiful country than by indulging in a luxury cruise of Australia? Whether you want to cruise locally around one of the many stunning regions or would prefer an extravagant cruise along the Australian coast, from Cairns to Hobart or all around Australia, there are many great options to choose from.

The top 5 Australian cruises we suggest are:

1. Sydney Harbour

Glorious Sydney Harbour is full of delights for visitors and locals, and the best way to discover them is on one of the many commercial or private cruises.

There are cruises that specialise in catering to extravagant corporate functions and events like wedding receptions. Imagine hosting a private party on an opulent boat, cruising along the Sydney Harbour at night? Many of the more distinguished vessels can also provide a chef or caterers so you can thoroughly enjoy your luxury cruise holiday without worrying about mundane tasks like cooking.

For something special, Prestige Harbour Cruises are sure to impress you and your guests. They provide luxury boat hire and overnight charters as well as catering for corporate functions and weddings.

2. The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, is world-renowned for its unmatched beauty. This is the perfect place to visit if you enjoy water-sports such as diving, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or just relaxing on the water.

Cruising around the Reef is an ideal way to see much of this vast expanse and discover hidden inlets and deserted coves. For a luxury honeymoon or lavish vacation, a cruise on one of the exquisite Coral Princess Cruise vessels is the perfect way to relax.

3. Murray River

The diverse Murray River is another place that is best experienced by cruising it. This river meanders through eastern South Australia, southern New South Wales and northern Victoria. For a relaxing nature or historical cruise along this ancient river, Captain Cook Cruises offer a range of Australian river cruises and river-based activities.

Along with amazing scenery along the journey there are many attractions to visit while cruising along the winding Murray River. Some of these attractions include Dundee?s Wildlife Park, Monarto Zoological Park and Mannum’s unique floating museum. There are even several quality golf courses along the route!

4. The Kimberley Region

When many people think of the Kimberley region they imagine a dry, hot rugged landscape - not exactly somewhere you can cruise. In fact, cruising along the Kimberley coastline is an amazing journey and is the ideal way to experience this region in total comfort.

The Kimberley Quest 2 was custom built for cruising along the Kimberley Coastline and allows passengers to learn about the region while visiting various remote places that are difficult to access via the mainland.

5. Tasmania

There are so many wondrous sights to discover in and around Tasmania and many of them can be experienced on a cruise.

Visitors to Tasmania can enjoy luxurious travel cruising direct from Sydney or Melbourne to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania - a very popular option for those who want to take their vehicle with them. There are also indulgent vacation cruises from the mainland that stop at various ports around Tasmania, allowing guests to experience various cities on the Tasmanian mainland while being accommodated in onboard suites that you would expect to find in a five star resort.

For those who like leisurely river cruises multi award-winning Tamar River Cruises will take passengers on a journey of discovery along the fascinating Cataract Gorge and Launceston’s magical riverfront. If you enjoy the comfort and relaxed experience of cruising, then you will love any of these top 5 Australian cruises.

A great way to see parts of Europe without a lot of the usual hassle is to book a cruise. In mid-May, we flew to Barcelona from Phoenix via British Airways direct flight to London with a short second flight to Spain. From there, we boarded a Royal Caribbean ship, the Splendor of the Seas, for the beginning of a seven day exploration. Our trip would begin in Southern France stopping at Villefranche-sur-Mer and Nice, then Livorno, Citavecchia, and Naples in Italy.

The large ship was our floating hotel, which not only took us to our destinations, but provided our meals, entertainment and offered a plethora of excursion choices. For instance, the first port allowed us to tour Marseille and gave us the historic and scenic overview in the luxury of a first-class motor-coach. It would then stop for lunch and give us shopping time. The same was true for all other ports of call. As we slept, the ship would move on to the next adventure. There was no need to pack and unpack and book another hotel. We would wake up in the next town refreshed and ready for the newest experience. We explored Marseille with its amazing beaches and then saw Cannes, just at the time of the Grand Prix, which traverses the entire city. Grandstands were everywhere. The harbor is magnificent and loaded with expensive yachts.

Then it was on to Italy. We bypassed Pisa and headed for Florence, an hour inland. I am an artist and greatly enjoyed the rich architectural wonders and artistry that defines this unique Renaissance city. Michelangelo’s sculpture from David to Moses are a must see. We used a full day to exhaust the cobblestone streets and ate pizza in an outdoor café with a view of the main square. Awesome! The next day it was on to Rome, also an hour inland. The tour included the Coliseum, the highlight of any Roman visit. To see it in person is breathtaking.

Our final tour showed us Sorrento in the morning and Pompeii in the afternoon. The first was exhilarating as you drive high along the soaring cliffs with the sea below. The latter is fascinating to view the 2000 year-old ruins that are sill under excavation with acres left to uncover. Seeing a bakery with actual loaves of bread in the oven is almost as chilling as seeing the preserved bodies. Mount Vesuvius still looms large in the background.

The final day at sea brought us back to Barcelona where he stayed an extra day to view the beautiful city. It was a bit disconcerting eating dinner at nine at night, but that’s Spain. In summation, we saw a good chunk of Europe in style and safety while letting the cruise line help us pick the best tours. On our own, I doubt if we could have seen all the sights we saw in a week. Check the Internet for available places to explore. From England to Norway to Russia and beyond, ships sail to almost every part of Europe. Bon voyage!

Those of you feeling stressed out from your everyday life will welcome the relaxing energy of a cruise to the Bahamas. Between the culture and food of the Islanders and the gorgeous islands themselves you will feel the tension melt away. On such cruises there are opportunities for everyone in your party to have a great time.

Due to the fact that Nassau is merely fifty miles from the sand of Florida it is usually the first island experienced by tourists. Most find a familiar yet exotic feel to this island thanks to its British Colonial heritage. Its European feel comes from the fact that everyone drives on the left side of the road and British style of the police uniforms. However once you see the modern resorts and incredible beaches you know you are in the tropics.

If you are fortunate enough to score cheap cruises to the Bahamas you could have some coin left over to appreciate the many other activities available on the islands. The endless beaches and warm sun are by far the stars of the show. But you should definitely make time for water sports like diving glass bottom boat tours snorkeling and submarine tours. There are so many things for you to do on your cruise. You may desire to shop for baubles much like local art at the cute markets. Golf enthusiasts will encounter gorgeous courses while nature lovers can swim with dolphins.

During your trip to the Bahamas a passenger could appreciate the abundant community which is a undeniable assortment of African and European community. There is the amazing blend of African and European influences. If you just associate it with steel drums you’re only getting a small part of the picture. You’ll hear lots of different types of unique music like calypso rake scrape and Junkanoo. There are many special festivals that occur in the Bahamas you should try to schedule your trip so it coincides with one of these events.

Holidays to the Bahamas could usually embark from a Florida port much like Port Canaveral. Due to the fact that many islands are in spitting distance many cruise packages could deliver you there in a short time. Existing in the Atlantic the Bahamas are located southeast of the Florida coast. The Bahamas is actually a string of nearly 700 islands between Florida and Cuba. Even a cheap weekend getaway cruise will allow you to visit at least one island in the Bahamas.

Holidays to the Bahamas is the perfect holiday for those who desire to have a good experience on the sand in addition to those looking for more activities. Cheap cruises to the Bahamas are offered if you do some poking around. There are many resources for you to use in order to get a better idea of types of packages are available and which ones best fit your particular needs. You’ll be glad you did once you find enough in your budget spend on shopping and fun activities at the various ports on your Bahamas cruise.

With the popularity of luxury world cruises growing, there are more and more people asking for advice once they have decided that a world cruise is the vacation of their dreams. Keeping in mind that most world cruises last between 100 and 250 days, there are a lot of things to think about. One of the most often asked question is, “What should we pack?” Here are a few helpful suggestions, and though some may seem obvious, it is important to have a running list so that you don’t get confused about what you have or have not packed. After all, you will be gone the greater part of a year, so be prepared!

Clothing

Travelers interested in a luxury world cruise should not pack a new outfit for each day. To make your wardrobe appear fresh without overdoing it, pack about ten tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched, and bring accent pieces such as scarves and attention getting shoes to spice up your looks. You will be doing a lot of walking, so bring at least 20 pairs of socks. You should also bring about five pairs of shoes, three which are comfortable and made for walking. Chances are your boat will have a swimming pool, so make sure you include your swimsuit. A windbreaker and a coat are a must, so that no matter how mild or cold the weather is, you are prepared. You should also be prepared for formal nights, and bring about three formal outfits.

Electronics

You may not think of bringing electronics on your luxury world cruise, but there are some items that you may need in order to continue the lifestyle you are used to at home. First and foremost, bring a power strip and/or outlet converter. Check to make sure your ship is equipped with USA outlets, and if not bring the appropriate converters. Chances are there will only be one or two outlets in your cabin, and this will help you tremendously. Of course, bring your camera. If you are using a film camera, be sure to bring lots and lots of extra film. If you are using digital, you should bring an extra memory card and a charging cable. You may also want to bring a laptop so that you can download your pictures instantly. A laptop will also help you keep in touch with family and privately access the internet in your cabin. You might also pack an alarm clock to ensure that you don’t miss any early morning activities.

Paperwork

There are certain important documents you will want to bring on your luxury world cruise. The first and most often forgotten is your passport. Although it is true that most cruise ships will not require you to bring your passport, when going on a world cruise you should definitely bring one. Chances are you will be visiting upwards of twenty countries, and should something happen to prevent you from reembarking the ship, that passport is the only item that stands between you and being stranded. You should keep several copies of your passport and ID. You should have one extra copy in a completely random place on your body every time you leave the ship (such as your shoe), one in your cabin safe, one in your luggage and one checked with the ship’s purser. It is also a good idea to bring your insurance card, and a prescription card if you have one. There will be an onboard doctor, but to avoid any extremely expensive charges made because of health care, present your card when you are treated. It is a good idea to keep several copies of these as well.

Packing the right clothing, electronics and paperwork can be vital to the success of your luxury world cruise. Arriving prepared will give you peace of mind. Packing right will also save you money in the long run, so that you do not have to purchase overpriced items at the onboard boutique or abroad, unless you want to.

A luxury world cruise is the adventure of a lifetime, and now that you know what to pack, you can look forward to embarking on an adventure full of excitement and empty of worry.

If traveling the world is one of your plans for the future, why wait when you can do so with 5-star world cruises? There are six cruise lines that offer this cruising experience with various itineraries and cruise durations. Check out what each of the following has to offer you in an around the world cruise:

o Holland America Cruise Line

o P & O World Cruises

o Cunard Lines

o Princess Cruise Lines

o Regent Seven Seas

o Crystal Cruise Lines

Holland America World Cruise

Sail aboard the Rotherdam for a luxury around the world cruise departing from Los Angeles for 128 days of cruising experience in the lap of luxury. Sail to exotic destinations in the South Pacific, the Far East and along the coast of Africa before taking the voyage across the Atlantic. Share in the fascination of the Caribbean Islands before disembarking in Fort Lauderdale having had a glorious experience of travelling completely around the world with extended stays in most of the ports of call, which include 50 ports on five continents.

P & O World Cruises

The Oriana is the ship of choice in this line of 5-star world cruises. P & O World Cruises is one of two lines offering two such cruises in one year. Most of the cruise lines only offer one world cruise during the winter months. A look at the ports of call included in a world cruise with this line include stops in just about every country of the world and more than one stop in several of these countries. For example, your itinerary will include 7 destinations in Australia and 5 destinations in Egypt. Through such a cruise you really get a good look at sights and sounds from all parts of the globe that you can only dream about.

Cunard Lines

Sail away on the Queen Victoria the flagship of this cruise line’s upscale world cruises. Such a cruise is 99 days in duration and departs from New York City. The itinerary includes ports of call in the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, Asia, India, the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean. The world cruise ends in Southampton, England from where you can fly back to North America or sail across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2.

You can also choose the Queen Mary 2 as your ship of choice for 5-star world cruises for a 90-day cruise starting in Fort Lauderdale and sailing around Cape Horn. This is one of the most expensive cruise ships ever built and has amenities untold for the passengers, which include a range of shopping experiences onboard, 5 pools and 10 restaurants, just to name a few. You will have the opportunity to take part in shore excursions in many countries, which will certainly make the world seem a smaller place.

Princess Cruise Lines

With two 5-star world cruises to choose from, you can sail on either the Royal Princess or the Tahitian Princess. Both cruises last for 107 days and include such ports of call as the islands of the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Dubai, Oman, Barcelona and many others giving you a glimpse of what life is like in other areas of the world.

Regent Seven Seas

Visit 54 ports on five continents with this cruise line’s version of 5-star world cruises. The fine dining and luxurious amenities onboard the Seven Seas Voyager may even tempt you not to take the shore excursions at all but choose to take in the scenery from the ship. However, you will go ashore in all the locations to take in the exotic scenery and enjoy fantastic food and shopping experiences.

Crystal Cruise Lines

Although this cruise lasts for 109 days, it is not a true world cruise. It circumnavigates the Pacific, but the stays in the ports are longer giving you a greater length of time to experience the culture and the sights in each location.

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending the grandeur and nobility of seafaring with the imagination and style of the good life, it is my favorite way to explore the world. Moving up to a luxury ship helps make memories that endure forever.

The right ship or cruise line is one that makes you very comfortable and very special while fulfilling all your vacation desires. You need to look at the size of the vessel, the nature of the experience, the activities available, dining schedules, on board dress code and the style of service. Equally important are your itinerary, the type of accommodations, and the cost of the cruise, along with the inclusions that may be offered.

Ships in the luxury category are generally smaller than the mass-market vessels with passenger capacities ranging from less than 100 to near 900 and offer the most generously proportioned and inviting accommodation. Many of the staterooms will feature private verandah, sitting areas and rich décor and deluxe amenities. The standard of service you will enjoy can be measured by looking at the crew to guest ratios. Exceptional service will be found on ships that have a ratio of one (or more) crewmembers to every two guests and mirror the warmth and discretion of finest hospitality. The following unique cruising styles can be celebrated each in its own right - so you can choose to travel elegantly with companions who share your sensibilities.

Ultimate luxury cruises are quite formal and embody the ceremony of cruising, recalling the days when traveling by ship was an event in itself. Voyages in this category offer the ultimate travel experience and excellence in every detail. These cruises are breath taking in every respect and offer you an atmosphere of sumptuous refinement with service that is truly indulgent. Guests are treated to the finest meals in exquisite dining rooms and in a single seating. Jackets and ties are generally the rule for dinner and tuxedos are not uncommon with a dress code that is observed faithfully.

Casual elegance cruises offer a luxurious cruise experience with a “resort elegant” country club type of shipboard atmosphere. Windstar Cruises, vessels are wonderful examples for traveling in unregimented, graceful and subtle luxury. Shipboard lifestyle on this type of cruise is generally unstructured, with few organized activities. In keeping with the contemporary, easygoing atmosphere on board these ships, the style of dress is casually refined. Jackets, if worn, are casual and ties must be left at home! The dining experience is flawless with the added flexibility and convenience of open seating. You ennjoy dining at your leisure with your choice of new found friends. Ships in this category tend to be smaller and the service on board is of the highest calibre.

The last category of luxury cruise is “unique exploration”. You can explore many of the world’s most intriguing destinations while enjoying a friendly comfortable cruise experience. The ships in this category offer overall excellent cruise value. The ships themselves are anything by ordinary and each have their own unique features and highlights. The emphasis for these voyages is on the special itineraries.

Ports of call have been carefully selected to highlight the history and culture of each region. Each offer you the opportunity to experience, learn and explore. Most of the vessels in this class include an official guide or guest lecturer, theatres for lectures, enrichment programs and often an extensive library. The on board environment is relaxed and the service is very personal.

The dress is generally resort casual by day and varies for evening dining depending upon the ship. Whether experiencing an Antarctic expedition, the Amazon River or the national heritage of the legendary clipper ship, this class of cruising gives you a unique blend of style and adventure.

When choosing your next cruise, take time to examine the possibilities of Seabourn, Windstar, SeaDream Cunard, Radisson, Crystal, and Silversea. These cruise lines allow you to follow your own desires and inner rhythms, discovering your own unique vision of Utopia.

Bon Voyage

Sid Kaplan

http://www.cruisevacationsguide.com

Are you looking for an adventure that is different from anything you have ever done before? If you are, you ought to consider taking an Antarctica cruise.

You can enjoy several different types of cruises to the Antarctic, depending on how active you wish to be and how much luxury you require on your cruise ship. You can take a cruise on a large luxury liner with five star services or you can take a cruise on a small research vessel from which you can enjoy a more relaxed, hands-on experience with the Antarctic wild life.

Cruise ships of all kinds, holding anywhere from twenty to two hundred passengers sail the Antarctic Circle, where life is suitable only for a select number of plants and animals. Lack of human habitation keeps Antarctica pristine so that when passengers aboard Antarctica cruise ships visit the continent, they get to see unspoiled nature as they can see it nowhere else in the world.

The sea is crystal blue and the ice formations that rise from it are magnificent works of art. Marine life such as whales and sea lions entertain cruise ship passengers while land dwelling creatures such as penguins thrill them while on excursions from the boat.

Most cruise ships allow you to take kayaks from them to icebergs, weather permitting, where you can take a hike or even camp overnight, if you dare. While resting on a chunk of Antarctic ice, you might have the privilege of viewing an albatross in its natural habitat.

Preparing to embark on a cruise vacation is an exciting time, particularly for first time cruisers. With so many details coming together however, it can also be overwhelming. There are definitely a few key elements to keep in mind when planning the cruise. Once these elements have been addressed, it’s time to kick back and relax!

Passports

Having a passport is an absolute necessity on a world cruise. If you travel to a country requiring one, you have to present it before getting onboard the flight or the cruise ship. As of June 1, 2009 a passport is going to be required for all travel into or out of the United States of America.

Dining Aboard

On the larger upscale world cruises and even those that do not travel the farthest of distances, you’ll most likely have three or more dining location options. Usually there is a main dining room, an alternative such as a fancy restaurant, a cafeteria, a buffet or two for breakfast and lunch, and room service. Typically an extra charge applies when you use the alternate restaurant, however. There are normally two different times available for dinner in the main dining area. The earlier sitting takes place at about six o’clock p.m. and the later one is around eight o’clock p.m. When you are in port and traveling off of the boat it may be best to request the later time to allow more time to dress and get ready for dinner. Also, there are special diet requests you can put in but it is best to double-check to see if they can be accommodated. More often than not these types of requests can be, but ample time is needed to prepare for them.

Deciding What to Wear and What to Pack

As obvious as it may seem, it’s important to pack clothes that match the weather. Vacations in the northern region of the globe, such as Alaska, will require a sweater and a windbreaker. It is probably best to bring a heavy jacket as well. Shorts or skirts and light weight shirts are good for tropical excursions. There are typically at least two formal nights aboard a seven day luxury cruise. You could wear something like a cocktail dress or suit, or if you prefer, you can go super fancy and wear a gown or tuxedo. It’s fun to dress up and mingle with the other guests onboard.

United States Currency Overseas

Generally, U.S. money is acceptable almost everywhere in the western hemisphere. It’s a good idea to take small amounts of cash to tip cab drivers, baggage staff, and tour guides. Cruisers may want to consider bringing traveler’s checks instead of cash just to be on the safe side.

Shipboard Tipping Procedures

There are now policies in place that allow for a ten to twelve dollar addition to each person’s billing in lieu of each one’s voluntary gratuities. This helps those staff members who often find themselves in a not so tip-lucrative position. On the other hand, since this dollar amount is added it doesn’t even seem like a tip anymore. It could simply be seen as a fare increase minus the cruise establishments upping their advertised prices.

Additional Costs

Unfortunately certain charges exist that you are not previously informed of when you embark on a luxury world cruise, even a four day excursion. Some examples include fuel surcharges, taxes, and fees. Examine the fine print at all times in the brochures. In determining an appropriate budget for your vacation cruise, make sure to include gratuities, tours and outings off of the ship, salon and spa treatments, beauty store purchases, the mini-bar in your room, and your bar expenses. It’s all of the little things that people tend to forget to include. They certainly can sneak up on you if you fail to plan ahead for them.

All in all, a cruise is an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to sail the high seas and enjoy luxurious on board amenities that five star world cruises have to offer. Even if you think something as extravagant as one of these cruises is not within your reach, cheaper, more reasonable options exist as well. So long as you are aware of all of your options, you can plan for the appropriate cruise vacation for yourself as well as anyone else who may want to join you on your exciting journey. Cruises offer a wide variety of activities and choices for all kinds of people, which make them such a fantastic vacation decision.

If you have decided to go on Gulet cruising, congratulations - it will probably be one of the most joyful cruises you ever took.

I am booking one week each summer with my family. I’ve tried both Turkey coast and Adriatic one. Adriatic sea is by far more beautiful… magnificent.

I’ll share with you some tips you should know when preparing for your blue voyage.

1) Take only your closest friends. The Gulet is small environment where you’ll spend your week or two. If you are on that small space with people you don’t like or with troubleseekers, it can ruin your whole vacation. I know. We have been once with our friends and their friends. One guy was such a pain that he has almost ruined our entire vacation.

2) As always on cruising, there is a captain. It is person of authority and command when you are on sea. Although he is there to make your cruise joyful, while traveling, you must listen to captain’s commands. The reason for that is mostly your safety and safety of the yacht itself. As always, there could be a bad whether and captain usually knows the forecast and when you should stay in the marine and when it is good to go. Forcing your captain to set sails and go to another destination when a bad whether is forecast could cause you unpleasant time with big waves. If you are in Adriatic sea and with skillful captain, it isn’t dangerous, but it could look scary if you haven’t experienced bad weather on the sea before.

3) Sex in the cabins. Well, as it is attractive and must-have experience on such voyages, be forewarned. If you are loud at all, it will be heard by all. Gulet is a wooden boat and you are on the water… it transfers sound like crazy.  The same advice applies for talking about someone behind his back. Extra careful.

These are my three tips you usually won’t find in brochures and other resources, but are absolute must-know for pleasant and joyful vacation.

By the way… if you are considering a gulet cruise in Croatia, I absolutely recommend it. It is relaxing, tasteful experience you’ll never forget.