Got A Few Extra Pounds You Would Like To Get Rid Of?

Many people have that and a few extra on top of that. Anyone who has ever had a problem with their weight, especially the heavier of us, can look back at the many diet plans we tried over the years and how we felt when we found one that actually helped us lose weight. Whether it was low-carb, low-fat, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or a host of others, our clothes started fitting better, there was this feeling of. Wow, I'm actually doing this and it' feels good. Remember that feeling of re-gaining your self esteem - feeling more in control? But then after losing a few pounds and feeling cocky about it you gradually started re-introducing those very things that made you fat - and pretty soon, boom!, back to square one - or worse. This forum is about sustainable weight loss and how to achieve it. I want you to have that feeling of control and I want you to like yourself all the time. Don't accept that you are overweight and there is nothing you can do about it. Don't utter those awful words to yourself that kill any chance of a better life "well, I'm fat and that's what I am."

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. This is invaluable, especially for first time cruisers. There is no better referral than from those who have been there. You can rely on the agent to fill you in on all the small details that will mean the difference between a good cruise vacation and a memorable one - one that will keep you coming back year after year. 

You will find that today's mega-cruise ships are so grand that they resemble floating resorts, with all the amenities a world-class resort has to offer and much more. After experiencing several cruises you may find that you prefer a smaller ship, some offer unique destinations but are no less equipped than their big sisters. Chances are you will meet new friends who share the same interests as you and you can explore new places together. These ships are so large that it takes some time to orient yourself to where things are but it's an adventure to explore, find quiet and out of the way places, and there is always a friendly crew member to help you if you get turned around. 

The price of your cruise includes your accommodations on board, most activities, 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. Talk to your cruise experts about what is NOT included so that there are no surprises. Shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, some soft drinks and the occasional special show may require additional funds.

Alaskan cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow. If you decide to cruise Alaska you can see snowcapped 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.

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.

The Alaskan cruise season lasts from May through September.

Cruises to Alaska are seven to 12 days in length.

You can find the most affordable Alaskan cruise rates in May and September, the off-peak periods.

Nearly half of all passengers add a land tour to their Alaskan cruise. Denali National Park, the Yukon gold rush country and the Canadian Rockies are among options.

Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.

In addition to popular sightseeing tours via train and motorcoach, cruise lines have added more adventurous shore excursions to Alaskan itineraries, such as sea kayaking, mountain hiking and salmon fishing

A Cruise Vacation Is Perfect For Any Occasion

Each year another luxury ship or two leaves dry dock for the first time and to experience a maiden voyage is an experience never to be forgotten. 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!

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! On a cruise ship your choice of activities is almost unlimited. Why travel by air when you see the world via a cruise ship. No need to unpack or switch accommodations. With friendly, professional staff to serve you a cruise makes the perfect choice for a perfect cruise vacation!

10 days aboard Celebrity Cruise Line's Summit to Europe departing from Venice Italy

Get to know your ship.

Berth: A fancy word for where the ship parks/It's so cool to watch it maneuver in and out of the harbor from the top deck.
Bow/Stern: Front and rear of the ship, respectively/You want to visit both while at sea, porpoise frolicking off the bow and wake churning up luminescent plankton at night.
Gangway: The passageway where you board/Here is where the excitement really mounts after months of anticipation - you can feel the buzz in the air.
Stateroom: Your room onboard - just like your favorite hotel room, but floating/And so cozy!
Tender: A small vessel that transports people from ship to shore/Hard to leave the comfort of the ship but get out and absorb some of the culture, besides, the shopping is great!
Ship: A large, seaworthy… just kidding. You already knew that one

Good things to know about cruising.

Embark: To get on the ship. Getting off is called disembarking/You will want to book another cruise vacation immediately!
Excursion: Activities, tours or entertainment offered in each port/The ships staff will look after you to make sure you enjoy each port of call.
Knot: A unit of speed that equals one nautical mile an hour/Sometimes at sea it seems like you are flying but in reality you are cruising at a modest 15-20 knots.
Mustering: The safety drill conducted before every cruise/It's highly unlikely for anything to happen but it's a good idea to pay attention for the few minutes it takes.
Ports: The cities, towns and islands the ship (and you) will be visiting/Some so beautiful as seen from your ship that it's hard to believe that you are really there!
Cruisetour: A combination cruise vacation and land tour/These are great! You can spend as long as you want traveling to your favorite destinations either before or after your cruise.

Cruise Lingo 101 Courtesy of: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

It's true - For value, variety and satisfaction there is nothing like a Cruise Vacation! Every day more and more people discover the inclusive benefits of cruising. Singles, families, couples, honeymooners and groups of friends sail away on the vacation of their dreams. This year, over 12 million people will enjoy a cruise vacation. 

I keep washed and fresh celery in foil in the fridge to use as dipping scoops for this recipe or I use those terrific parmesan cheese wafers which satisfy the crunchy urge that seems to come over me frequently. This is a filling salad that can be inserted in a scooped-out tomato, set atop a bed of lettuce or eaten by itself.

Two large cans of Chicken of the Sea Albacore Tuna - drained

One can of Maria's quartered artichoke hearts - chopped

Five stalks of fresh celery - chopped or sliced to suit

Enough Mayo to suit your desired texture - remember Mayo is just about carb free and if you can stand the taste use low-fat Mayo

Salt & Pepper to taste

Dash of curry - less than quarter teaspoon

Teaspoon of Dill weed

Three hard boiled eggs - chopped

Finely shredded mozzarella cheese - about 1 cup

1/2 cup Macadamia nut pieces if desired

Mix all ingredients in a serving bowl that has a tight lid or a tupperware container so that you can munch on this later. If kept cold it will keep for 3-4 days without getting soggy or stale. If it has been sitting for a while stir with a fork to mix. Serving size is an ice cream scoop full containing less than 4 net carbs.