Reader’s Question:

I’m trying to find a cruise. Can you tell me on how to pick a very good cruise?

Mark

Tampa , FL

If you are planning to go on a cruise, there are many cruises that you can choose from, such as Carnival, Canard, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America , and Royal Caribbean.

Here are some factors to help you decide:

1. Cruise lines carry on building bigger vessels with better amenities. If you are the person that likes to undertake out the most recent ship, it will constrict your choices significantly.
2. Cruise lines have secret islands that others do not travel to. Some travel to parts of the world that others do not go to. Check out the itineraries of all the cruise lines and evaluate the diverse locations that they visit. You can also want to consider taking a cruise where a cruise ship relocates from one part of the world to another.
3. This can save you an air fare if there is a port close to where you live. Cruise lines go from place to place, so this can help narrow your search if you want to save on air fare.
4. By the Time of Year this can get rid of some choices, since some cruise lines may not sail at definite ports of call during your time frame.
5. Check with your travel agent on the average age of the customers on your cruise. Singular ports and different itineraries favor a younger or older crowd.
6. There is in fact a large variety of cruise prices. Some provide to high end clientele, others to main stream cruisers, where you may be able to find a good deal.

Tags: Caribbean cruises, cruise line, cruises, Disney cruises, Mediterranean cruises

Reader’s Question:

It’s my first time on a cruise so I would like to know all the things to do and not to do on a Bahamas Cruise?

Mel

Gateway, CA

First thing you have to do when you get aboard the ship is to visit right away the excursion office and request for the daily excursions of each of the port itineraries. Choose the best one of course of your attention. Do not just sit on the boat once it stops, check with the concierge and your travel information about shore activities at the various stops. Have a discussion to the crew about the best things to do on and off the boat.

You sleep only in your cabin. Explore every area of the ship you can access and ask about seeing areas you can’t. Do not try to save money, nobody ever looked back on a vacation with fond memories for the money they saved by not doing something. Worry about finances when you get back. The only thing that you need to do is to enjoy, relax, and have fun!

Tags: cruise line, cruises, Disney cruises

Reader’s Question:

What are the activities that the Disney cruise offer for kids?

WILL

Hollywood, CA

Disney Cruise is best for kids, not just for kids but for anybody, any age, and any size family!

The Disney Cruise offers kids club, where they match your kids by age. While the older kids do not have to stay with their younger siblings, and so they are provided with certain activities that are appropriate for their age. The older kids will have access to computers and other gadgets to play with. There are also trained counselors to help out kids from 3 years to 12 years old to join in hands-on activities. Teens from ages 13 years to 17 years old are provided with an exclusive area just for them. Moreover adults can keep busy, or just take it easy, all day and night. So come now and join us in our Disney cruise and bring your family along to experience an exciting, relaxing and fun tour good for individuals like you and your families as well. Each activity we provide will satisfy your yearning for a relaxing holiday. So come along and create lifelong memories with us!

You may notice that there are times that you will find that there are people who find Disney cruises outstanding. The catch is, if you are not a fan of Disney characters like Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey Mouse, or Minnie Mouse the experience may not be at all enjoyable and thrilling. However, if you are looking for a family reunion or a family-fun gathering, a nice combination of family time together, Disney cruise is a way to experience this exceptional holiday!

Tags: cruise, cruise line, Disney cruises

Reader’s Question:

I would like to go on a cruise with my husband next May. What cruise would you suggest for young couples like us?

Amanda

San Francisco, CA

To go someplace that would have honeymooners onboard, you definitely would have to decide the right cruise line. For you I will suggest that you go onboard the Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. All these cruise lines show the vibrant and active lifestyles that you are looking for. Besides, the point and time of year when choosing a cruise really matters if you are looking for a younger crowd. The summer months are the best point in time that will have the major surge of younger couples and families. This is because the school term would control the vacationing months. Throughout the summer season, I would definitely recommend the Mediterranean and Hawaii but not the Baltic. You have to avoid Alaska, as these itineraries attract more “mature” couples. A much closer Southern Caribbean is also a nice place to visit. Yes, the Southern Caribbean is still part of the Caribbean. You and your husband can start cruising out of San Juan and you will be able to visit the more exotic ports such as Barbados, Sta. Lucia, Curacao, Aruba, and more. These places are usually not included in some normal Caribbean cruises.

At this point, there are several wonderful cruise vessels that are available and these would definitely suit young couples for the summer. These are the Pride of America (NCL/Hawaii), Brilliance of the Seas (Royal/Mediterranean), Adventure of the Seas (Royal/ Southern Caribbean), Emerald Princess (Princess/Mediterranean), and Carnival Splendor (Mediterranean). I hope I was able to help you.

Tags: Caribbean cruises, cruise line, cruises, Mediterranean cruises

Reader’s Question

Can you enlighten me about the Caribbean and its island adventures?

Martha

Saint Paul, MN

If you are seeking for a tropical getaway, the Caribbean cruise would be wonderful for you. That’s because cruises in the present times are not just reserved to staying on board the ship and glaring across the sea. So, instead of just capturing the vacation experience through a camera, line cruises allow passengers to physically experience and explore exotic islands, cultures, and wildlife .You must inquire which cruise lines have incorporated their itineraries and diversified their travel excursions, trips, and tours for adventure seekers.

There are limitless island adventures within reach depending on your cruise line’s packages, highlights and areas of interest. Some classic adventures include:

Grand Cayman :diving and snorkeling with stingrays

Bahamas: swim with sharks /compete in yacht racing

Bermuda: enjoy the beach

Puerto Rico : trek or go mountain biking in El Unique Rain Forest

Jamaica: climb Dunn’s River Falls

Curacao: explore the Hate Caves and Christoffel National Park

Turks & Caicos: spot the whales

Aruba: go sailing and catch a wave

St. John: go Eco-Tenting

Trinidad: set on a Safari

Barbados: go surfing

Bonaire: enjoy diving

Dominica: dive and explore an underwater peak

St. Thomas: enjoy Magens Bay Beach

St. Kitts: hike with the monkeys

Aside from swimming, you can do horseback riding on the beach, have dolphin encounter, discover marine inhabitants through glass-bottomed boat and also explore ancient civilizations as you climb mysterious Mayan pyramids. You can just stroll, go shopping, play golf or go parasailing high above it all. Or you can just relax; take pleasure by being surrounded with white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the exotic Caribbean islands.

Tags: Activities, bahamas, bahamas cruise, Caribbean Cruise, cruise, cruise ship, Mediterranean cruise, tips

Reader’s Question

Our wedding anniversary is approaching and I want to treat my wife to a cruise. But to save some money, do you think it is advisable to book for last minute cruises?

Alfred

Lincoln, NE

If you are opting to spend just a fraction of the usual cost, then booking for last minute cruises can be an alternative. Nowadays, shopping around to gain better deals can be insightful. Nonetheless, there are some important matters to reconsider before you hop in a cruise ship.

First of all, you should have a destination in mind that interests you the most and a second option as well. Then you need to pick out a departure city and preferred schedule or travel dates. This way, it will be easier for you to go online and search for “last minute cruise deals” .Or inquire from travel agencies as both avenues can offer you the best packages and accommodations.

When you take advantage of the last-minute inventory offers you see on an internet advertisement, check the offerings and always be sure to read the small print on the last minute booking form as you do not want any nasty surprises before you click in your reservation.

But before that, it would be better if you prepare your travel papers in advance because if the cruise ship is going out of U.S. territorial waters, then you’ll need a valid and up-to-date passport. You also ought to organize your luggage so that if you can grab a good arrangement and travel date, you are already packed and ready to go.

So, if you want to chase better deals and intending to leave in a short span of time is not an issue, then plunge in for last minute cruises.

Tags: Alaska, Alaskan Cruise, Alaskan cruise activities, Alaskan family cruise, bahamas, bahamas cruise, Caribbean Cruise, cruise, cruise ship, Disney, Disney Cruise, Mediterranean cruise, tips, Last minute Cruises

Reader’s Question:

Can you tell me more about Disney Cruise Lines and its destinations?

Mary Kay

Des Moines, IA

If you are planning on a Caribbean or a Bahamian getaway, then you might consider taking the Disney Cruise Lines. It is an American cruise which operates two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder and is owned by The Walt Disney Company .That is the reason why the ships are Mickey Mouse’s colors: red, yellow and dark blue. Both ships are virtually identical in their design, with a few variations in restaurants and entertainment venues. They contain areas designed exclusively with Disney characters for various age groups.

The home port is Port Canaveral, Florida and the ships’ registry is The Bahamas. The Disney Wonder navigates to Nassau in the Bahamas. You can choose from various packages that include either a 3 or 4 day stay at the Walt Disney World Resort before your voyage. The Disney Magic also offers wide-ranging itineraries. You can choose from the Eastern Caribbean, the Western Caribbean and special cruises or you can sail to the Mexican Riviera on the much anticipated West Coast itinerary. All Caribbean cruises include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. This 1000-acre playground in the Bahamas has a mile-long white sand beach, plenty of water sports and even island trails.

The good thing about the Disney Cruise Line is that almost everything is inclusive onboard: meals, entertainment, most snacks and room service. There is a special show offered for your entertainment every evening at the Walt Disney Theatre. Some voyages may treat you a new blockbuster Disney movie or a variety show. There are different amenities and even themed decked parties. Your favorite Disney characters will make appearances throughout the entire cruise and even the ship’s horn is Disney inspired.

Tags: bahamas, bahamas cruise, Caribbean Cruise, cruise, cruise ship, Disney, Disney Cruise, Mediterranean cruise

Reader’s Question:

Can you provide me some tips for an Alaskan family cruise?

Shelly

Baltimore, MD

It is very ideal to make your family trip memorable and worry free. So, in order to achieve that goal, here are some guidelines for a family cruise to Alaska:

Pay attention to itineraries-if you are travelling with kids, take note of the shipboard amenities, children’s program details, and the variety of shore excursions because this is the highlight and cruise extensions offered. Some ships may even have all-weather facilities, such as pools with retractable roofs because the weather can be erratic. Pick out the best option depending on your family’s specific needs and interests.

Choose your cabin wisely- always pick the right cabin for and your family. Survey the different types of cabins and check which locations are the most desirable or which ones to avoid. Also consider indulging for a balcony cabin. The Alaskan scenery is so spectacular that there’s nothing compared to just sitting on your verandah and enjoying the view. Aside from that, a balcony can be a brilliant haven when the kids are taking naps. Some of the cruise lines’ ships offer a wide variety

Safety first- make sure you know the cruise line’s policy on child safety and is readily available. You may inquire about their daycare employees, the activity counselors and the children’s guides. Even if a cruise can feel very safe because of an enclosed environment, parent’s supervision is still very crucial.

Be organized- sort out your kids’ clothes due to the cold climate, toys if you are bringing some and other personal stuffs like travel papers and make sure everyone is insured. It’s good to have a system so that things are not in disarray.

Enjoy- there is no better tip in taking an Alaskan cruise than to benefit from the wonderful time you are spending with the family while appreciating the beauty of Alaska’s wildlife, glaciers and snow capped mountains.

Tags: Alaska, Alaskan Cruise, Alaskan family cruise, cruise, cruise ship, tips

My girlfriend is of Greek origin and I want to surprise her with a Mediterranean Cruise. Can you tell me more about Mediterranean cruises?

Armand

Indianapolis, IN

There are a lot of Mediterranean cruises to choose from. Mediterranean Cruises are often portrayed as a haven for exotic traditions and is filled with enchantment. Probably because dating back centuries ago, this area of the world is delightfully mysterious and diverse.

However, since you mentioned that your girlfriend’s family originates from Greece, then it would be better and suitable to take a Greek cruise. The prime Greece cruise season lasts from May through November and generally ranges from 7 to 14 days. Greek cruise may take you to some of the most beautiful and fascinating ports in the world that includes Corfu, Santorin, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Olympia and more. You’ll find picturesque beaches, white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches on every Greece cruise, plus the magnificent antiquities and ruins of ancient civilizations.

Don’t miss Athens which is surrounded by four majestic mountains that offers truly stunning nature scenery. Home too many architectural wonders, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, Athens display the intelligence and advancement of the Greek people with amazing exhibits. If food is what you crave, you’ll find exceptional cuisines by local chefs that will leave you craving for more. As a port city overflowing with people, sites, shopping, restaurants and museums, this is a popular hub during Mediterranean cruises. Most shoppers also love Greece cruises because the country’s low cost-of-living eventually translates into rock-bottom prices. You will be fascinated with thousands of years of documented history and this will certainly make Greece a suitable travel destination.

Tags: cruise, cruise ship, Mediterranean cruise

Reader’s Question:

My husband and I have been planning to go on a cruise for years now but couldn’t get the right timing. What is the most reasonable time to go to Alaska? When is the shoulder and peak season?

Veronica

Detroit, MI

The best time to cruise to Alaska depends on your interest or motivation. If you want to save some money, then the shoulder seasons are the most reasonable for you. Since the demand is lower, probably because of the cold temperature, you can take advantage of special pricing and promotions. The shoulder season includes cruises in May, the first week of June, the last week of August and all of September.

The peak season is most of June, July and August. It tends to cost higher because the weather is better and this is when more people can take their family vacation. Well, since the demand higher, so are the prices. If you travel with your kids, this would be a good time though because spring is a great time to see the wildflowers in full bloom, ablaze with fall foliage and be awed at Alaska’s natural wonders.

The warmest and literally the longest days in Alaska are June and July and will definitely offer you plenty of opportunities to enjoy active, calving glaciers. You should plan your Alaskan cruise wisely to avail of the special cruise offer so that you will experience the wildlife, wilderness, mountains and glaciers. However, whenever your schedule and budget convene, anytime would always be a great time to go on a cruise and delight in Alaska’s natural beauty.

Tags: cruise, cruise ship, Alaska, Alaskan Cruise