Archive for January, 2008

It's an established fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers over any other vacation experience and it's no wonder that more people are taking cruise vacations than ever before. And once they get a taste for cruising they will come back again and again.

Ask your CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) member travel agent about cruising. They can recommend a cruise vacation from personal experience and will offer their perspective on a particular destination or ship. The information you can get from a veteran cruiser will help you plan your cruise and is especially valuable to first- time cruisers.

When contemplating a major remodel for your home, a referral from a neighbor who was pleased with the job their contractor did is worth it's weight in gold. Same thing with a cruise. A referral for a cruise vacation by a cruise expert who has been on the cruise you are considering will save you time, money and headaches, especially for the first-time cruiser.  You can rely on the cruise agent to arm you with all the small details that can mean the difference between a good cruise vacation and a memorable one – a cruise vacation that will have you wanting to cruise again and again.

Cruise Vacations Rule!

You will find that today's mega-cruise ships are so grand in scope and construction that they resemble floating resorts, offering all the amenities a world-class resort does but with a bonus -  the "grounds" of this particular type of resort are hard to beat, the ocean itself! Right outside your stateroom window!

After experiencing several cruises you may find that you prefer one style of ship over another. Maybe your preference is a smaller ship, cruising in a more intimate setting and able to go where the big ships can't. The smaller cruise ships offer unique destinations but are no less equipped than their big sisters.

You may decide that you enjoy the more festive, carnival-like atmosphere and the amenities that the bigger ships offer, things such as a glitzy casino or an immense ballroom with Las Vegas style reviews. Your chances of making new friends are better on a big ship, people that share the same interests as you and with whom you will want to socialize with during your cruise or accompany on a shore excursion.

The style of cruise ship that you choose and the destinations available today can confuse even the most seasoned traveler. Consult a CLIA Cruise Specialist today!

Cruise Packages

All-inclusive cruises offer cruise packages where the price of your cruise vacation includes your accommodations on board, most activities, port charges, parties and entertainment; most meals and snacks; and of course, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally enriching places in the world.

Cruise travel deals or packages offer the convenience of unpacking once, and where your floating resort takes you where you want to go.

Talk to your CLIA approved cruise agent about the kinds of things that may NOT be included with your cruise vacation package so that there are no surprises on your bill when you leave the ship. Things such as shore excursions, airfares, some shipboard activities, alcoholic beverages,  soft drinks, daycare and the occasional special show may require additional funds.

Alaska – America's Last Frontier

Alaska cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow.

When, not if, you decide to cruise Alaska you will some awesome sights, including, but not limited to, snow-capped peaks, mighty glaciers, steep fjords and such wildlife as whales, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters and seals. You'll also find historic gold rush towns, Native American art and culture, Russian heritage and plenty of outdoor adventure. Because of this region's popularity and short season, the per-diem prices for Alaskan cruises are among the highest in the cruise industry.

Inside Passage Or Gulf Of Alaska Cruise?

Alaskan cruises are generally divided into two types, Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Airfare for a Gulf of Alaska cruise is generally more expensive because Anchorage is so far north. (more…)

A Cruise Vacation Is Perfect For Any Occasion

Each year another luxury ship or two leaves dry dock for the first time and to be aboard  a cruise ship on it's that is a maiden voyage is an experience of a lifetime! Each new cruise ship to hit the waves proclaims itself as, Bigger! More technologically enhanced!, safer!, equipped with all the newest state- of- the- art navigation systems and stabilizing designs for your comfort and safety on the high seas. All of the latest amenities, themed attractions and on-board activities of the current crop of new cruise ships, both for adults and children, will astound you!

Go On A Cooking Cruise With Wolfgang Puck!

Truly there is a cruise now for just about any destination, theme or passenger capacity. From Hawaii to the Caribbean, to the canals of Venice, Italy and Rhine River in Germany. Take an intimate barge cruise through the Lorraine Valley of France or take a scenic fall cruise through the Northeastern United States as the leaves change color. Watch calving glaciers as you cruise the Inside Passage of Alaska or take a cooking cruise with Wolfgang Puck!

The beauty of being on a cruise ship (besides only unpacking once), your choice of activities is almost unlimited. Why travel by air when you see the world via a cruise ship. No need to rush around from terminal to terminal, packing and unpacking, switching hotels every two days.  With friendly, professional staff to serve your every need, a cruise makes the perfect choice for your next vacation or holiday.