Family Vacation

Heading into the winter months, the chances of grabbing cheap cruise vacation deal increases significantly and the trend in recent years seems to be strengthening in favor of many holiday seekers looking at this time of the year to head out into the open oceans for their vacation fun.

We are not going to spend time telling you where you can go to get a cheap cruise deal because the chances are that they will find you. This article is more about alerting you to the fact that much of the promotion is centered around making it attractive enough to take the plunge in the first place. However, it’s the on board costs that many may not be aware of and unless you take into account that there will be expenses to take care of during a cruise then your cheap cruise deal may not be so attractive after all.

6 Cruise Expenses You Need To Be Aware Of

Just be aware, while you may pay under $500 for that super Caribbean cruise experience, the cost may not be all inclusive which many believe could be the case.

In other words, while your initial cost will include some onboard privileges, the cost of staying on a ship for any length of time can be expensive. That’s not detracting at all from the experience because there is little to compare with a cruise but many holidaymakers will have suffered temporary high blood pressure levels when it comes time to squaring up at the end of the trip.

Let’s take a look at some of the expenses you could be faced with which can blow your cheap cruise vacation experience into an expensive one:

1. Drinking is one of the biggest expenses on a cruise ship. Just be aware, if you like a drink then be prepared to pay for it. Souvenir drinks are attractive; that is, drinks which come in specially designed glasses which you get to keep afterwards but how many souvenir glasses do you want to end up with?

2. Photos can be a brutal expense. Photographs are a great way to savor wonderful memories and there will be on board photographic services which will be happy to snap your picture everyday. But be warned they are not cheap. If you have your own camera then make sure you pack it.

3. Many inexperienced travelers will often think on shore excursions which are organized are part of the cruise experience but this is not usually the case. This is something you need to check with your travel professional before making your booking.

4. Entertainment is great on board a ship and most of it is free however, if you like to indulge in a little gambling and have a “soft spot” for slot machines be prepared to play the larger denomination machines because the smaller 1 and 2 cent machines can be hard to find.

5. On board staff and generally fantastic and it’s hard to beat the service you get on a ship. Again, it can come at a cost via gratuities and this is fair enough however, if you are from a place where tipping is foreign, just be prepared.

6. Some on board services are not included as part of the initial cheap cruise vacation price. These include grooming and beauty services. Meanwhile, medical services will cost you extra should you need attention on your trip.

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If cruising is your passion then a Europe cruise vacation has to be on your agenda at some stage.

Bear in mind, cruising through Europe will be a little different than cruising the Caribbean simply because of the different cultures. While fun is the obvious theme for many cruises a European cruise also offers the chance to experience culture and history.

And there is a lot of history contained within Europe. The best times to travel on a cruise to this history-rich continent is between April and November.

Yes, this is also peak time but you’ll also enjoy the best of the weather. Cruise lines such as Carnival are offering great deals most of the time and it will pay to check their site for these specials.

If you find something you like then always check with a travel agent before you go ahead and book. It’s always more prudent to deal with travel professionals when booking a cruise because you are likely to get a much more attractive deal.

Best Cruise Deals

For example, Carnival are offering 12 day cruises in October 2008, still prime cruising time for just over $1000. That’s pretty good value considering the cruise will last almost two weeks. You’ll need to be quick though as these trips fill up quickly.

The benefits of a European cruise lies in the fact you get to visit many ports in a short range of time. Europe is a pretty compact continent so you have the advantage of seeing many different cultures in a short space of time.

Most of the traveling is done at night because of the close proximity of many destinations within Europe you get to enjoy most of the day sightseeing.

The famous Mediterranean is a haven of fun, adventure and romance and the ability to view and film some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world is worth the price of the cruise alone.

Are there any drawbacks? Sure and biggest one for North American visitors is the extra travel time.

That is, traveling from the US for example to your European destination will usually take at least a day so if you’re planning a Europe cruise, make sure you give yourself an extra 2-3 days of vacation time.

Another drawback is the amount of time spent at each port-of-call. A Europe cruise is often packed with several destination points and while this may be a little too rushed for some, most will appreciate the fact that they can at least see a destination for a short time and then perhaps plan to re-visit it at a later date.

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Its that time of the year when you celebrate your birthday, 55th one this year. Your wife, just a few years behind, asks you what you’d like as a present. Hmmm let’s see … you’ve got a cupboard full of gifts you haven’t really used so what else could there be? We’ve got an option you’d love to try. How about taking a cruise? Where? Well- anywhere you want to go … there are so many cruise lines world over!

How about a Mediterranean cruise – along the Nile or an exotic one in Asia - Thailand or Hawaii? Costa Rica? Or a cold adventurous one through the Arctic? The choices are a plenty and each one different from the others.

Apart from the places you visit enroute, the cruise company has its own party planned on the liner. The luxurious interiors of a ship are complemented by the activities such as pools, casinos, fine dining, dancing and many more. You can decide on the cruise that fits your mood and your age too! Yes, cruise lines offer specialized itineraries for different groups. If you feel adventurous, you can opt for the cruise offering offshore hiking and other adventure activities. If you want a relaxing holiday, go for one with more sightseeing programmes. You might even be tempted as many others, to pick more than one cruise – it would be so memorable.

One of the best parts of a cruise is that you get to see so many destinations in one trip. Besides, the ship docks for a few days in one port for supplies. This helps passengers who get to sightsee in peace. It is a boon for the travelers who like to enjoy the local attractions.

In case you can’t plan too much in advance or have decided to take a cruise at the last minute, you needn’t despair. Most cruise lines offer a variety of departure schedules so that you can adjust according to your comfort. Certain cruises last quite a while.

When you are in the over 50s age group, you would more often than not want a relaxed peaceful trip. Maximum excitement could be the festivities on board or the marine life you get to see. People have reportedly seen dolphins swimming beside the liners at see a number of times. You could probably report a similar experience too while you sit by the pool side on the deck and enjoy the brilliant sun, the sparkling sea, azure sky, starry nights and the cool sea breeze!

Travel agents will gladly take care of your booking and provide all the required information on your chosen cruise. If you like, you could access website on the Internet. Browse around for a good deal being offered specially to patrons in their fifties! You’ll get some special rates and discounts. Price listings can be obtained and special information can be requested through online brochures. These websites also give departure schedules and ports enroute.

A cruise travel is a wonderful investment. The returns are memories that stay with you a lifetime! Go traveling in style.

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Family cruise vacations are a wonderful way to engage the whole family in a trip that’s relatively all-inclusive and offers a range of activities that appeal to family members young and old. However, before you depart on your big family cruise vacation, you need to consider a few crucial safety tips.

To learn how to really enjoy yourself and have a fun and safe time on your next family cruise, keep reading for the top family cruise safety tips from the experts.

1. Check your ship’s report card

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a department called the Vessel Sanitation Program. That program inspects ships on a regular basis for cleanliness, food preparation, hygiene, water control, rodents and disease prevention. Upon inspection, each ship is given a report card that is then made available on the CDC web site.

Before you book your next cruise, look up your specific ship’s report card to check their grade.

2. Put safety first

Before you book with a cruise line, even a “family” cruise or a “kid” cruise, always make sure you know the cruise line’s policy on child safety. If they don’t have one or if it isn’t readily available to you, then they are not the cruise line for you.

Ask about their daycare employees, the activity counselors and the children’s guides - are they qualified to work with children? Do they have first aid certification? Have they been thoroughly screened? What background checks has the cruise line done? How does the cruise line keep track of every child when parents aren’t present?

3. Be diligent, especially on shore

Admittedly, a cruise can feel very safe. It’s an enclosed environment, but that doesn’t mean parents can fully let down their guard. Kids can still fall, slip, get hurt, wander into unsupervised or dangerous areas and generally do what kids do.

Despite the childcare, the amenities available to you and the enclosed space, never forget that you’re a parent. If you’re going on shore with your children, keep a close eye on them and try sticking to cruise ship organized activities.

4. Have your papers in order

Before you leave, make sure that everyone has a passport. If any of the children have a different last name from yourself or your friend, or if they’re traveling without one parent, be sure to get copies of their birth certificates or custody agreements or a letter that states you’re allowed to bring them outside the country.

Also, make sure everyone is properly insured for travel, including cruise destinations which have specific legal implications because of international waters and the various ports of call. Keep all this paperwork in a safe place.

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One of the best ways to get on board a cruise ship for the least amount of money is to take advantage of discount cruise sales which are starting to become popular within the industry.

The big winner of course will be you. Cruises for a lot less than they would normally cost can entice even the toughest shoppers but the thing to remember that with these offers being so attractive it may be a case of being first in first served.

Basically, a cheap cruise sale is an offer from cruise lines for a limited period of time and on a set day. These cheap cruise sales tend to reflect the economy as well as with more ships to fill and more cruises to cater for, cruise lines are stepping up their publicity machines to attract more travelers to fill their state rooms.

But whatever the reason, you have a great opportunity to get onboard at attractive prices. Carnival Cruise Lines is one company offering these cheap cruise sales and as just about the most recognized cruise brand on the waters, they are getting strong interest.

Cheap Cruise Sales

The best way to stay informed on discount cruise sales is to sign up for a cruise lines newsletter. Or simply get on their email list. If you are really serious about getting these offers then you’ll need to verify the cruise lines address with your spam filters because many will get filtered out given the catchy headlines that accompany these emails.

How many cruise lines should you sign up with. For US based travelers definitely Carnival and Royal Caribbean but if you have traveled with another line then as a past guest you will more than likely already be on their list.

While the aim is to attract people on board ships in the short term, many if these sales also offer the opportunity to book up to nine months ahead. So if you were planning to vacation at a later date you can lock in a cheap cruise price.

Cruises ranging from 3 to 4 day sailings from under $300 to 8 day excursions for less than $600 make them irresistible. From the USA, destinations include popular places in Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Speaking about fuel prices, the prices quoted may not include extra fuel surcharges and you will need to clear this up when booking.

The discount cruise sales also offer the incentives of upgrades but only within the time specified. That’s why it’s important to be on a mailing list to know when they are having a sale and for how long.

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Alaska is a land of enchantment. It is situated high above the other forty-nine states like a jewel in a crown. One way to see this beautiful state is from the decks of a cruise ship.

Have you ever wanted to take a cruise? Tourists don’t have to lift a finger to do anything. The purpose of cruising is to relax and enjoy the surroundings. A cruise to Alaska is no different. Some believe that a cruise is the best way to see the state of Alaska and all it has to offer.

There are many facets to the state of Alaska. Tourists can travel along the Inside Passage to various ports of call. Also known as the “Panhandle”, visitors are treated to cities like Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Many may not know these names but each is a part of the beautiful landscape that is Alaska.

Many waterways in Alaska are visited by cruise ships. Other Alaska cruise vacation options include exploring Prince William Sound, the Bering Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska. For students of history, a piece of land used to connect our continent with the European continent and animals traversed the Bering land bridge. A variety of wildlife surrounds these waterways along with other interesting views.

Glaciers are the main attraction while on these waters. One of the most well known is Columbia Glacier. Glaciers are moving ice forms that can be as massive below the surface as they are above. Glaciers have formed over millions of years and are pieces of the past existing in the present for all to enjoy.

National parks are dominant in Alaska. Two that can be visited while on a relaxing Alaskan cruise are Glacier Bay National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park which features Hubbard Glacier. For the more adventurous among cruising tourists, you can actually land on a glacier and go for a walk! Helicopter rides can be secured during shore excursions and people can actually have the opportunity to see these ancient ice blocks up close and personal.

Alaskan cruises can be booked for a week at a time or for shorter time periods. Weeklong cruises include trips along the Inside Passage which includes the islands northward along Alaska’s coast stretching from British Columbia to Juneau and up to Skagway. Alaskan glaciers have the option of roundtrip cruises or one-way passages that usually originate in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia.

The shorter cruises offer day trips to various cities. One can visit Prince William Sound and Columbia Glacier. On the Gulf of Alaska, cruisers can see cities like Kodiak and Seward. We know Kodiak because of the bears that live there. Tourists have plenty of expedition and shore excursion options to see the native Alaska bears.

There is still much of Alaska that is untouched country. The land is still the way it was thousands and thousands of years ago. Visitors can see bears, sea lions, eagles, and other animals we rarely get to view unless we go to a zoo or animal park. Seeing these animals in their native habitat adds a new dimension to their character for us.

What do most people want to see when they visit Alaska? Yes, whales! Cruising to Alaska offers tourists the chance to partake in whale watching expeditions. Ready your camera for some awesome photographs.

Several cruise lines service Alaskan ports of call. All are similar but your personal tastes may make one more inviting than another. Holland America cruise lines provide a theme of Old World European style for their guests. Princess Cruise lines are more modern and appeal to a larger number of travelers because of their up-to-date amenities and comfort. Carnival Cruises are great for families traveling with children because there are many options for activities that suit everybody. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines also visit ports of call in Alaska.

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The article below is from a series of travel holiday articles and videos about Alaska …

Alaska is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re just passing through on a cruise ship port stop or flying direct. It seems that there is a natural human desire to seek out “the final frontier” and journey through the thriving towns that are dotted throughout this unique state. There are many nature reserves that give you that “I’m the only person in the world” feeling. The Alaska that you experience depends upon the choices you make along the way, so here are some tours and options that you can experience.

In Juneau, a classic Alaska tour is the “Four Glaciers By Helicopter & Dog Sled Adventure.” On this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you’ll soar over four real glaciers, which are the Taku, the Hole-in-the-Wall, Dead Branch and East Twin, while catching a bird’s eye view of moose, goats, bears and caribou. Then you will land on Norris Glacier where you’ll hook up with your Alaskan malamute and Alaskan husky dogsled team. Your tour guide will describe the 1,000-mile Iditarod Race that traverses from Anchorage to Nome. Your trek will include some hiking through crevasses and navigating streams for two hours of pure bliss. This journey is for the daring, the cold-resistant, the adventurous and the athletic.

Do you love the water but find the Alaskan cruise thing too out of reach? Hoping for a relaxing and unique wildlife-viewing experience? In Haines, Alaska, you might find the “Wildlife River Adventure” more suitable to your plans. First, you’ll take a bus through this quaint one-horse town, then you’ll visit the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll jet-boat through the narrow glacial channels of the Chilkat River, delving deep into the Alaska wilderness with eagle-nested trees and the playful sea otter’s mud-and-snow-hut dens. The journey finishes up with hot cocoa around a campfire or inside the heated pavilion.

As one of the later states to join the union, Alaska is a rich land of spectacular beauty, profitable oil and an abundance of wildlife. After summer solstice on June 21st, the days are long, with Ketchikan, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Barrow receiving 19.5 - 24 hours of sunlight per day. Summer temperatures are about 60 - 70 on the Inland Passage, where most cruise ships stay. You can find a seven-night Alaskan cruise for as little as $699, so what are you waiting for?

For more tips on great adventures, go here: Alaska Cruise

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Great cruise deals seem to jump out at you non stop these days and the days of hunting down those bargains seem well and truly behind us.

The internet has certainly played a major part in promotion of cruise deals yet it alone has not been responsible. Cruise lines have had to respond to consumer demand and they’ve done this by building more ships and at the same time, bigger and better vessels.

Filling these ships many times a year means maximum exposure which has been great news for you the holidaymaker. Finding the best cruise specials means simply logging onto your computer and visiting many of the sites dealing in cruise holidays. And there’s no shortage of them.

Using Travel Professionals

It really is not difficult anymore to find the best deals on cruises. The internet has added a complete new dimension to locating the best cruise deals and vacationers have been aware of this for sometime.

If you’re in the market for a great deal on a cruise then yes, you can commence your search on the internet but don’t do anything in the way of booking until you check with a real live travel professional as we’re about to explain.

Get The Best deals On Cruising

Your travel professional should always be your first port-of-call when looking for the best cruise specials. Why? For example, don’t settle on the first quote you’re given.

When hunting around for the best quote spend time on the phone with different agents and use what is called as comparison cruise shopping. This means make a list of potential travel professionals, up to ten is great and spend a little time speaking with each of them.

Get a list of the best quotes from the first one you talk to and then use this list as leverage to get better quotes from the remainder. If the first agent quoted you $1000 for a 7 day/7night cruise to the Western Caribbean then when you speak with the next travel consultant, simply ask the question - “can you beat this quote?”

Most times, this system will get you much more than $100 off the original quote. Never accept the original price for cruise trips which are not scheduled to depart for at least six months.

Getting the best cruise specials for vacations due to depart in 1-2 months will be difficult because these fares will already be discounted as the urgency to fill state rooms begins.

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If you’re a baby boomer and you’re looking for a wonderful %vacation% then you should go on a cruise. There are many benefits availble to baby boomers that you should consider. Plus, a cruise will have everything you’re wanting to do like activities, price, shows, food, and more.

Baby boomer cruising is one of the largest markets in the senior travel industry. This is because it provides for a complete vacation without having to worry about the little additional things on a vacation like entertainment, dining, and things to do. In addition, this type of a vacation gives a safe sense of security financially knowing their vacation is paid for and they don’t have to worry about meals, activities, and entertainment.

Baby boomer cruise have plenty of entertainment. You will have a number of shows that are Las Vegas style if you like. You can go dancing or enjoy live music. If you like to play at the casinos then there are plenty of cruise lines that allow you to gamble in the casinos. There are singles parties you can go to if you’re interested in meeting people. Cruises provide plenty of activities to do while you’re on vacation. This allows for you to be comfortable while you enjoy the nightlife instead of being in a strange city you don’t know if you’re alone.

Cruises are great for baby boomers because they provide fantastic dining also. You can enjoy a formal dinner if you want to get all dressed up and you can also dine from buffet style dining too. You will eat some of the finest seafood you have ever had and some of the freshest fruits too. The food on the cruise ships is fantastic and you don’t have to pay additional money for your meals when you take a cruise. All of your meals are included in the cruise package. The only thing you have to pay for that is extra is alcoholic beverages if you like to drink.

The cruises for baby boomers are also great because they have lots of activities you can join in. If you like to lead an active lifestyle then you should go on a cruise for your vacation. You will never get bored on a cruise. You can enjoy shuffleboard, water aerobics, dance classes, jogging, walking, and plenty of other activities. There are also singles activities if you want to meet people.

Cruises are perfect for baby boomers because they provide the perfect vacation without any worries. Most baby boomers are on a budget and it is difficult to budget for a vacation when they have to worry about a hotel, dining, entertainment, and activities. A cruise provides all of these things in one package

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Taking a discount cruise vacation today seems a strange thing to say. Why? Basically because the price of cruising has never been more affordable and the number of people cruising for the first time has jumped dramatically in recent years.

The truth is, if you cannot find a discount cruise holiday these days then you are not trying hard enough. In this article, we’ll concentrate on Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines and some of the discount cruises on offer from these two giants.

Carnival Cruise Lines

The Carnival cruise lines company is one that is committed to total guest satisfaction and which strives to ensure that each and every traveler is absolutely satisfied with their trip, from start to finish.

The emphasis on these cruises is round-the-clock fun, and they offer a ton of different activities, from Vegas-style revues to high energy discos and nightlife. Here are some real cruise bargains on offer.

For example, 3 day cruises have become extremely popular and you can grab a discount cruise vacation to the Bahamas for as low as $350 or Baja, Mexico for under $400. Five day cruises to the Western Caribbean will set you back just under $600 while Carnival has some excellent value in their Eastern Caribbean cruises and with a little due diligence, these can be found for under $900.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Another great discount cruises cruise line is Royal Caribbean International, they are most well known for the grand scale adventure that they offer on their cruises.

If you are looking for new experiences and choices for the whole family, then they are the ideal option for you. They offer discount cruises but they certainly do not skimp on quality, and offer all the possible amenities that you could imagine.

They offer discount cruises to a variety of destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Orient, Panama Canal, and South America. They offer everything you could possibly imagine, including golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming up to 200 feet over the ocean.

Meanwhile, last minute cruise deals through Royal Caribbean offer great value. Holidays for less than $500 to the Caribbean for under $500 are hard to beat while those with a little more adventure should consider Alaska cruises during the summer months starting at under $700.

With a little homework, finding a discount cruise vacation is not difficult at all particularly if you do a little extra investigative work by checking with a variety of travel agents. You’ll be amazed how much you can get an original quote down just by asking.

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