Posts Tagged ‘Cruise Line’

« Older Entries

Cruise Lines

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Cruise Lines There are many huch different cruise lines to consider when planning a cruise. Cruise travel with the Disney characters have never been more fun and enjoyable. Cruise with us to share your special day with family and friends, no matter what the age. Cruise Tours feature unique sightseeing options, guest lecturers, and cultural performances. Cruise Lines For detailed information about any cruise line, click the cruise line name below. Cruise lines often feature their newest and largest ships on the Alaska trips. Cruise lines all promise that extra mile, only Crystal can say they have delivered on all the accounts. Although cruise lines do not typically offer programs for children with special needs, your niece is welcome to take part in Royal Caribbean’s Adventure.
visit http://www.articlecityss.com for more informations about cruise lines and cruise vacation

you can republish this article on your site or blog as long as you have the following details and link on. You can not change the article.
web design cumbria

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

Planning your Cruise for Maximum Enjoyment

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

There are many people who would love to take a cruise vacation but think that they cannot afford to do so. One thing to keep in mind is not to base a cruise vacation on price alone. Remember, you are going on vacation for relaxation and fun.

The first thing you need to do is make a plan for your dream cruise destination. For example, most cruise line provide services, facilities and amenties such as your cabin, most meals and day and night entertainment.

To assist you in planning your cruise, here are some tips to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your cruise:

- The first thing you need to consider is the destination of your cruise. For your ultimate enjoyment you will want to pick a cruise destination that meets your budget and your needs. The most popular destinations at the time of this writing are: the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mexico Channel.

- The next thing you need to decide on is who is going with you. If you’re looking for a romantic vacation with your significant other, you won’t want to be aboard a ship that is family oriented with a bunch of kids aboard.

- You want to choose the best cruise line and ship that will fit your needs. Basing your cruise trip on price alone is not a wise decision. Select the best cruise that you can afford because you get what you pay for. There are many cruise ships available for any type of budget.

- The length of your cruise is also an important factor when deciding on a cruise. Some go from three to five days, others from seven to ten days and then there are others that can go for a month long or more. For a really grand excursion, book a cruise around the world that lasts around four months.

- Activities are also an important part of a fun cruise vacation. The ship should offer a variety of activities. Depending on the cruise ship you select, you can experience rock climbing, ice skating, discoes, scuba diving and much more. It varies between cruise lines. So be sure to choose a ship that will meet your needs.

- Book your cruise early. By booking your cruise early, you’ll getter better rates and ensure you get the cruise destination you desire. Visit the cruise lines website and check their schedule. Most cruise lines offer large discounts when booking several months in advance.

- If you want to enjoy shore excursions, make your reservation in advance. This will save you from disappointment and frustration. Not only will you learn about the cultures in different countries, it is where you will find the best bargain shopping.

These are just a few of many tips for you when planning a cruise. Do your research by checking out the cruise lines website that you’re interested in and educate yourself. Visit their forums and learn from other’s experiences.

Have fun.

Christian Baligad

Christian Baligad brings you cruise vacation insider secrets that the travel agents don’t want you to know about: Cruise Travel Insights
Logo Design

Tags: , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

5 Things to Consider When Planning your Cruise

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

A cruise vacation is one of the most exciting activities for adventurous people. They prefer to explore different regions of the world rather than spending their time at home doing boring hobbies.

Going on a cruise vacation is more than a lifetime experience for them. Every time they go they get that satisfying feeling of experiencing different parts of the world.

Going on a cruise vacation will take your breath away! It is both a fascinating and engaging event for vacationers.

There is a lot of competition amongst the cruise ships. You will hear many things about what services they will offer to you. Because of this competition, the cruise ships have to present you with the best possible amenities.

Before going on your cruise vacation there are many things you need to consider. The primary things you need to figure out are the expenses, the cruise destination and the packaging.

As long as everything goes smoothly a cruise will always bring you enjoyment. You should have a plan. Planning out everything in advance will save you from all the hassles. Besides, a cruise it meant to be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Planning is very important. Here are some things to help you out to ensure that your cruise will be a satisfying experience:

- Find a package that will meet your needs – There are packages for single travelers as well as group travelers. Depending on the package, rates will vary.

If you are interested in a group package, be sure and make some inquiries into what’s available. Depending on your preference, many of the cruise lines offer several discounts.

- Length of the cruise – This is a very important thing to include in your planning. Decide on how long your cruise vacation will be. Will it be for just a couple days or a couple weeks?

For a more thorough experience, look for a cruise that lasts a month or longer.

- Itineraries – A cruise vacation is more exciting if you get to visit your most favored places in the world. Whether you want to spend your time alone or with your family, be sure to decide on which destination will fulfill your desires.

If you want to take your children along, choose a cruise destination that will enchant and excite them. Also, be sure to choose a cruise line that accommodates children.

Then again, if you have been going on cruises for several years, choose a destination that you have not visited before.

- Cruise line – To learn about the amazing services that a particular cruise line offers, do your research and find out more. The easiest way to go about doing this is by surfing the net and visiting the websites of the different cruise lines.

What you need to be looking for in a cruise line is the fare (if it’s affordable) and the services and amenities it offers.

- Ports – Make sure you plan your budget depending on which ports you plan to visit. To avoiding spending extra amounts of money make sure that the ports are accessible.

By getting yourself organized and planning your cruise vacation in advance your trip will be a much more rewarding experience. Cruising requires careful planning so that you can do everything you want to do without the headache when you it comes time to book your cruise.

If a cruise vacation is in your yearly plans, don’t visit the same destinations year after year. For instance, take your next cruise by visiting one of the more unconventional destinations.

Have an open mind.

Do not limit yourself by booking the same package every year. When going on yearly cruises, one of your goals should be to experience different cultures and destinations.

Your cruise vacation can be a remarkable one. Proper planning will ensure that your cruise will be an unforgettable journey for you and your family as well as those who may come along with you.

Have fun,

Christian Baligad

Christian Baligad shows you how to save money on your next cruise:Cruise Travel Insights
Business Logo Design

Tags: , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

What you Will Find Aboard a Cruise Ship

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Going on a cruise is one of the most popular vacations today. Because of the wide variety of cruise ships and destinations, you are sure to find one that will meet and fulfill your needs.

In one centralized location you will find almost every amenity that you would find at a world class resort. There are many different types of packages available that cruise to different destinations with various services and amenities.

For a fun family vacation, a cruise might be just what you’re looking for. You’ll find plenty of activities for both children and adults so neither of you will get bored. Want to go on a romantic trip to an exotic location with your significant other? Relax and pamper yourselves while the cruise takes you to your tropical paradise.

There are cruises for singles and seniors too.

Cruises varies from cruise line to cruise line. There a many different ports of call and different types of cruise ships. For example, most cruise ships have pools but others do not. Therefore, you need to know what kind of cruise you want to take and what type of ship you want to sail on.

A cruise ship is more than just a big white passenger ship. But, each cruise ship has different services and amenities it offers and the ships come in different sizes.

For example, there are cruise ships that cater to couples for a very romantic vacation. Then there are cruise ships that appeal to families that have facilities and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. They provide services for adults, teens and even toddlers.

Some cruise ships provide gyms that would rival those that you could find in your local city. These gyms provide all the necessary equipment for you to get a vigorous workout.

For a little pampering on your vacation, visit one of the spas for a relaxing massage and beauty treatment.

Most cruise ships are in competition with one another so the facilities and the amenities you will experience will vary. On some ships, you can do some recreational rock climbing and surfing in their wave pool. You can also find water slides and skeet shooting while onboard.

For entertainment aboard a ship, you can go to the theater to catch the latest flick, see “Broadway” type stage shows, see concerts and might even be able to participate in game shows. For those that want to get married while on a ship, look for a cruise line that offers that type of service.

Most cruise ships nowadays have casinos on board for you to try your luck. Just like in Las Vegas, you can try the slot machines, play craps and even roulette. Who knows? You may even win some of the money back that you spent for your cruise vacation.

There is rooms available for those on almost any budget. For those on a budget enjoy your sdtay in an inside cabin or a smaller stateroom to save money. For truly first-class service enjoy your stay in a room with a private balcony and butler services.

For those who are traveling with children, there is entertainment and services that will cater to their needs. You will find activities like facepainting, arcades, video games and lounges just for children. No adults allowed.

Remember to not only base your vacation on price when selecting a cruise ship and cruise line. You are going on a vacation to relax and be pampered. A cruise vacation is a unique experience. So, kick back, relax and enjoy your stay aboard a cruise ship.

Have fun,

Christian Baligad

Christian Baligad shows you how to save money on your next cruise:Cruise Travel Insights
Business Logo Design

Tags: , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

Cruise Deals – How To Get The Best Cruise Deal And Save Money Too!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Going on a cruise was once an easy thing to arrange. All you had to do was go to your travel agent and look at a few brochures. But as the industry has grown it has become an overwhelming mix of itineraries, cruise packages, choices add-ons and prices. So how do you look through and search for all the available information to find the best cruise deal? The following tips will help you find the best cruise and save you money.
1. The busiest season has always been January through March. This is when the cruise industry books the most cruises. Cruise lines usually make about 38 percent of their yearly sales at this time. This is the best time to find many hot or last minute deals because they offer a lot of incentives.
2. Make sure to start well ahead of your vacation or holiday time if you can unless you want a last minute cruise deal. First of all you should call the cruise line you are most interested in and ask for the cruise line rep about any of their cruises and the staterooms. You can ask about handicapped-equipped staterooms then if this is a special need. You can always do this later after you do some research too.
Find out what specials they have running and make sure to tell them how old you are and what state you live in or if you’re traveling with a group of people or another couple or have cruised with their cruise line in the past. Does it include your airfare? Do you need a family deal? This is because your specific situation may entitle you for big discounts. Take whatever the quote given to you by the cruise line rep as your starting price point.
3. Next check out the Sunday newspaper ads in the travel section and look for cruise bargains. The bigger city newspapers and the newspapers located in or near cruise embarkation cities are great for finding good or cheap cruise deals. You can go to your local library to view the ads if they carry those news papers. Some daily newspapers even have there travel ads online.
4. Take a look at the cruise booking Web sites. There are cruise discount agencies that may have the cheapest cruise rates to be found anywhere, whether you want a luxury cruise or budget cruise. Huge travel Web sites such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity usually have great deals too. You can also find last-minute cruise deals too. The cruise Web sites’ prices are usually fairly similar. And the travel sites are usually similar but somewhat higher. Make sure to ask about any additional, secret or hidden fees, such as cancellation penalties. These can cost between $40 and $85.
5. Make sure to check with your cruise travel agent. Some people prefer to work with a travel agent or are not savvy about researching online. Find out if they charge a consulting fee before you meet. Some fees are usually refundable if they book your cruise. When you get together with the travel agent, say exactly what you want and that you’re comparing prices. Your local travel agent can be very helpful if you have disabilities, health problems, special needs or need visas or other documents.
6. Think about placing a “cruise wanted” ad on Craigslist online. Be specific and detailed about what you want. Then sit back and wait for replies.
7. Once you have a number of cruise line or cruise package quotes compare them and try to negotiate a lower price, extra discounts or some onboard extras.
Note that if you’re getting the same quote from your travel agent that you’re getting from the cruise line then you need to continue shopping for the best quote – your travel agent isn’t saving you any money. The best cruise deal is out there that is just right for you and will save you money on your vacation too regardless if you’re going to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Bermuda. You just need to do a little research and don’t take the first deal you see.

For more tips on getting the <a href="http://www.GetTheBestDealOnline.com” rel=”nofollow”>best cruise deals go to http://www.GetTheBestDealOnline.com for all types of deals – electronics, laptops, credit, HDTV, airfare, etc. and for tips on the best discounts, hot deals, low cost, wholesale deals and best deals online or offline. Online shopping tips, fraud and security tips.
Business Logo Design

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

Should I let the Cruise Line Make My Airline Reservation For My Cruise Vacation?

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.

If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship’s departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.

Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:

You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here’s a cruise tip, for a small additional “air deviation” fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.

If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today’s world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.

You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.

When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta’s airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.

The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.

Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.

It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.

An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.

Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.

When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.

When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won’t disappear without your knowledge.

Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.

It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.

The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author
About the Author
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing
spanish mortgage brokers

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

A Cruise Review To Envision The Cruise Ship Experience

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

There are many vacation choices but for one with great options why not consider cruise travel. Read this cruise review to envision the cruise ship experience.

Body:
If you want to go on a vacation with great options, you might consider taking a cruise. If you have never been a cruise ship before and you are not sure whether it would be perfect for you, read on. The cruise ship experience will be much clearer after you read this cruise review.

This article will not be endorsing or promoting a particular cruise line, but will just give you some glimpses of what cruise lines are offering to cruise passengers. This includes cruise destinations, various ranges of prices and amenities available.

In some cases cruise lines will proved an option of a pre or post-cruise stay at a hotel in the town where you embark or disembark. This is especially beneficial when you travel great distances to board your cruise ship. By using this option it actually affords you the ability to add on an extra port to explore before your cruise ship experience is over.

For instance, if your departure point is at Los Angeles, and you choose this option you will have time to visit famous places there such as Hollywood (the famous walk of stars) or Venice Beach (a funky hip beach town).

On the day of the cruise departure, you will be brought to the pier where your cruise ship is waiting for you. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to check in your luggage, get your boarding pass and board the ship. Your room steward will meet you and this is when you should tell the steward if you have any special needs or requests. For instance, I like two bath towels and a bucket of ice each afternoon. They want to make you happy so don’t be shy.

It may take a couple of hours for your luggage to arrive so grab some lunch and then tour your cruise ship. Make any beauty and spa appointments now, on some days, like formal nights appointments sell out. Consider making these appointments on port days, especially if you have been to that port before. The salon/spa offer discounts if you book on those days. Roam around the first afternoon to see what delights are in store for you during your cruise ship experience.

You can enjoy several relaxing moments in the spa. Celebrity has what they call a Thalassotherapy pool, Princess has a swim against the current pool and Carnival has the giant slide into the outside pool. If you feel that you want to burn up some calories after all the wonderful meals, go to the fitness center which is equipped with modern state of the art equipment. Or you may feel like strolling around the promenade in that fresh salt air.

There are swimming pools aboard, both for adults and kids. Deck chairs and benches are also provided if you just want to watch your children enjoying the water in the pool.

Entertainment is also present in your cruising vacation. A state-of-the-art theater is provided for on-board entertainment. There will be Broadway like productions and children-oriented programs that are new and different everyday..

In case you are looking for a different entertainment, you can go to several theme bars or disco with live music open until the wee hours of the morning.

If you want to try your luck during your cruise travel, then there is an on-board casino where it features different games similar to what you see in Las Vegas.

There is a shopping center where you can find personal items and other things that you need while you are on-board. Here’s one cruise tip, try to pack things like Rolaids, bandages and toothpaste from home; they are expensive on the cruise ship

Library and recreation centers are also found on the cruise ship. Almost all cruise ships have a lending library and most have a room for playing bridge.

Food is one of the vital services offered by cruise lines. The best chefs from around the world are hired to prepare and cook excellent meals to ensure that your on-board dining experience will be truly memorable.

There are formal dining areas, which have a formal dress code on certain nights.
If you are looking for more informal style of dining, there are snack bars, cafeteria, and a pizza parlor on-board, which generally are opened for meals on extended hours. Many times the cruise lines close down one half of their Lido café (this is where they have the buffet lunch and dinner) to offer a casual place to dine but they still use a menu and servers. All of the food, no matter which style you choose are covered in the cruise prices.

Cruise itineraries generally include stops at different ports each or every other day, depending on the schedule of the cruise ship you chose. You have the option of either staying aboard the ship or you may disembark to join other passengers on a guided tour. You are also free to explore on your own at each stop, but make sure you know the departure time of the ship.

Booking a cruise is simple. To get the best advice on cruise ships use the services of a travel agency. Read cruise reviews that you can find online to familiarize yourself on what each cruise line offers. Or, if you are already savvy to cruising, log on to the official site of a particular cruise line to check on itineraries and prices.

You will be provided information about destinations and cruise packages that are affordable. Discounts and special offers are also available for passengers.

Hopefully, this cruise review will give you some insight into what delights you will find during your cruise ship experience.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida which allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Gardening, Cruising and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseGold.com, and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com
sioux falls internet marketing

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

Top 10 Reasons to Cruise

Friday, November 6th, 2009

10)The Cuisine… Cruise lines offer a variety of food from exotic foods to fresh seafood to pizza and ice cream for the kids. They also offer a mixture of settings from a casual restaurant to cocktail lounges to traditional ballrooms.

9)Pampering… Regardless of who you are or what your budget, cruise lines cater to their guests with first class service 24 hours a day.

8)Activites… You would be shocked but there are actually an endless array of things to do on a cruise ship. From relaxing by the pool to cultural lectures to casinos to dance clubs and even a little star gazing.

7)Variety… With so many different cruise lines to choose from and each having their own very unique ships and around 1700 or 1800 ports of call and such a multitude of places to see and things to do anyone can find a cruise that suits their needs.

6)Satisfaction… Cruises verses any other vacation experience have a higher rateof people who are satisfied with their trip.

5)Over all value… One price includes almost everything, your cabin, food, and entertainment. It just doesn’t include all of those quarters that you put into the slot machines.

4)New Places… Pack your bags one time and end up in a combination of different places. Leave out of Mobile Alabama and wake up in Cozmel Mexico.

3)Simplicity… Once your aboard a cruise ship you have almost everything you could need and with the majority of expenses already paid for, how much more trouble free could it get.

2)Romance… Have a dinner for two over looking the endless ocean, lay on a secluded beach and as the waves crash against the sand nothing else on earth matters except that moment or enhoy one of the many different spa treatments with the one you love.

And the #1 reason to take a cruise is:

Family… Cruise ships love families and families love to cruise. With childrens menus different types of youth programs and tours to keep the kids happy, it will also give you some time to yourself.

For more information visit www.slapyourtravelagent.com or http://slapyourtravelagent.blogspot.com/

Kyle Combs is an Independent Certified Travel Professional specializing in showing others
how to travel at half price. He has been exposing the closely guarded secrets of the
travel industry for a number of years. You can find out the hidden secrets of the travel
industry and save thousands at www.slapyourtravelagent.com
hotfix rhinestones

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations

Friday, November 6th, 2009

An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship’s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.
What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?
The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.
If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?
No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.
Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?
Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.
Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?
Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.
Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?
No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.
Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?
Here again, use the air deviation plan.
How do I get from the Airport to the ship’s pier?
If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.
Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you’ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don’t book your flight through the Cruise Line?
If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you
use your transfer.
How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?
They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.
How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?
You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.
What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?
If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.
There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.
The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.
There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don’t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you’d pick for yourself.
You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you’ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.
The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn’t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you’ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.
Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor’s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.
When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don’t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
instrumental beats

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

How to Plan a Cruise Vacation

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

As great as taking a vacation on cruise ships may seem, you still need to know how to plan a cruise ship vacation properly so you have the perfect cruise experience. You need to know about the different types of packages the cruise lines offer.

When planning a cruise ship vacation you need to know how to choose one that will meet your expectation or tailor to your needs. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to plan your cruise travel and enjoy the perfect cruise experience:

Think of who you want to take with you on your cruise vacation. There are many different packages offered by cruise lines. There are packages for the whole family and there are packages for single travelers.

Will you be taking the cruise vacation with children? Maybe you will take your significant other for a romantic getaway. There are cruise ships that are tailored for children and there are cruise lines that cater to single cruisers and honeymooners. There are even some ships that offer wedding services. What could be better than to get married on the ship and have your honeymoon built in?

Decide how long you want to cruise. If you just want to try it out, opt for a three day cruise. Normally, cruises start at three nights and can go anywhere from seven to fourteen days. But there are also world cruises that can last as long as three months. My advice is if you are going to cruise in Europe you should pick a fourteen day cruise because of the expense and long plane rides to get to your port of embarkation. If you live near a port and you just want to take a long weekend choose of three or four day cruise. Decide what cruise travel is best for you.

Choose the perfect destination for you and your family. Alaska is beautiful but can only be cruised in the summer months. If you live in the colder climes you may want to take a mid winter cruise to the Caribbean or even South America. If you want your cruise travel to be in the Caribbean and you want to spend two weeks on your cruise vacation, choose a line that alternates between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. This cruise vacation takes you to many different islands.

The cruise lines have a variety of destinations to choose from. Visit your cruise travel agent to go over the different itineraries or check out the individual websites of the cruise lines.

Consider the port of departure. Since 9/11 cruises have been emphasizing home port cruising. Now there are many cruises that depart from Bayonne, New Jersey, Galveston, Texas, or Seattle, Washington, not just Miami and Fort Lauderdale.. Depart from the one closest to you and you will save money on expensive airfare.

Speak to a knowledgeable cruise travel agent. Make sure they have personally sailed on many different cruise ships so they can give you an honest opinion on what each cruise line has to offer and which would give you the perfect cruise experience.

A cruise travel agent will also be able to supply you with cruise tips. Scour the cruise reviews for additional cruise tips.

Large cruise lines have a variety of activities and facilities that you can use on the ship. If you like to gamble then choosing a cruise ship with casinos is probably right for you. Or if you are taking your kids with you, a cruise ship that offers activities and facilities for children would be the best choice for your cruise travel. For instance, Disney is, of course, geared toward children but they do not have casinos. So if you are taking the family but you want to gamble steer away from Disney and choose one of the other major cruise lines. Almost all of them have children’s programs. If you don’t want to be on a ship with children sail on one of the fancier lines that don’t cater to children. Here, again, it pays to read as many cruise reviews as you can to pick up additional cruise tips.

Cruise vacations do not necessarily mean that you have to spend all your vacation time onboard. All the cruise ships offer land and shore excursions. The cruise lines offer pre and post cruise land vacations usually for two or three days.

seo consultant

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in 3 Day Cruises | No Comments »

« Older Entries