Tourist Information
Archive for June, 2010
Book a Last Minute Cruise and Save Money
0Many cruise lines, travel agents, guidebook writers, and “cruise tip” websites will try to convince you that booking a cruise as early as possible will result in the best discount cruise deal. Not true — you’ll often save more money when you book a last minute cruise.
Passengers who book a last minute cruise may save hundreds — or even thousands of dollars — more than passengers who book their cruise many months in advance.
That’s because the hottest deals and deepest discounts in cruising are usually available within two to three months of sailing, or less. That’s when cruise lines offer a discount cruise deal on the cabins they’re afraid will go empty unless they cut their rates drastically.
It’s not uncommon to see a “last minute” discount cruise deal as high as 60 percent, 70 percent, or even 80 percent off the brochure rate.
Choosing to book a last minute cruise is not for everyone. You need a fair amount of flexibility in your travel plans to take advantage of this tactic.
If you have to sail on specific dates, or over a busy holiday or vacation period, or if you have to have a certain type of cabin or are traveling with a large group, then booking your cruise early will better assure you of getting your top choices.
But if your main goal is to snag a bargain and you aren’t too particular about where and when you sail, or on which ship, then patience can not only be a virtue but can help you land a great discount cruise deal.
The best last minute cruise deals are usually offered by big travel agencies — especially Internet mega-discounters — that have special relationships with the cruise lines.
The cruise lines make their best deals available to the mega-discounters, and the agencies pass much of those savings on to you. Sometimes the big mega-discounters will buy up large blocks of cabins from the cruise lines and then re-sell them to their clients at big discounts, making their profits from bulk sales.
Passengers may really benefit if these cabins don’t completely sell out. Rather than risk getting nothing for their investment, the agencies are likely to offer them for sale at bargain-basement rates.
The result for you is the same — you’re likely to pick up a great deal when you choose to book a last minute cruise!
Clark Norton is the publisher of SmarterCruising. com. You can read more of his tips on how to book a last minute cruise by visiting Smarter Cruising.
The Cruise Outlet – Norwegian Cruise Lines
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TheCruisOutlet. com, a Norwegian Cruise Lines preferred Agency, provides you with the very best in cruise experiences. They are the cruise experts and can find you the ideal cruise.
Tropical Cruises: The Ultimate Way to Unwind
0So what’s the big deal about tropical cruises?
If you’re looking for a vacation that will help you unwind, why not head for the cool, crisp air of the mountains? Well, besides the fact that it’ll be chilly, there will be insects bothering you, and you’ll have to do some hiking on rough terrain.
What about the All-American road trip? The lure of the open road sounds fun – except for the perpetual gas stops, questionable hotel selection, and all that mind-numbing driving through the middle of nowhere.
Well, if you like tropical weather, why not just head for the beach? Maybe because of the traffic, crowds of clueless tourists, and lack of public facilities?
Yeah. You get it now.
That’s why there’s no substitute for the tried-and-true tropical cruise if you want to relax, chill out, and let your troubles melt away. If you’ve never been on a tropical cruise, here are some of the things you can look forward to.
Pools — Lots of Them
Rarely does a cruise ship offer only a single swimming pool. These oases run the gamut from heated pools, infinity pools, and wave pools to waterparks and hot tubs. And all of them have plenty of chairs and deck space if you want to work on your tan or just lounge lazily while the cruise staff fetches you as many fruity drinks as you want.
Entertaining Diversions
Many cruises offer live music, dancers, or entertainers right on the deck to amuse you while you enjoy the tropical air. When you need a break from the sun, you can move inside and take in a Broadway-style show, movie, or interactive event at one of the ship’s entertainment venues.
Adventures at Every Port
Part of the allure of tropical cruises is the sights and activities available at every port of call. You may want to try your hand at parasailing, fishing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, or riding personal watercraft on or near the tropical shores you will visit. Or you may prefer leisurely strolls along beaches, cultural demonstrations, or wandering through outdoor shopping districts.
Aaaahhhh…. Spas
Think of it as the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience that travels with you. Most cruise ships offer full spa services including manicures and pedicures, massages, and facial and skin treatments. You may even be able to enjoy these luxuries on an outdoor balcony or on the deck itself.
Time to Party
When the sun goes down, you can move to one of the ship’s bars or clubs and embrace your inner party animal! Enjoy the tropical nighttime experience with the music, beverage, and atmosphere of your choice. Many of these establishments are open-air so you can party under the moonlight to your heart’s content.
Never Going Hungry
Whether it’s genuine tropical fruit or a full-course meal fit for a king, tropical cruises are known for providing sumptuous selections to suit any appetite. Most cruise ships employ chefs who could be found at renowned restaurants everywhere. And most (if not all) of your food is included in the price of your cabin!
Ready to pack your bags? Here are some popular destination packages from some of the world’s most widely-recognized cruise lines.
Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Company: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Destiny
Length: 5 days
Ports of call: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Half Moon Bay, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas
Company: Princess Cruises
Ship: Caribbean Princess
Length: 9 days
Ports of call: Hamilton, Bermuda; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U. S. Virgin Islands; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Company: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
Length: 9 days
Ports of call: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U. S. Virgin Islands; Samana, Dominican Republic; Labadi, Haiti
Western Caribbean Cruises
Company: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Imagination
Length: 4 days
Ports of call: Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico
Company: Princess Cruises
Ship: Emerald Princess
Length: 7 days
Ports of call: Princess Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico
Company: Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Length: 7 days
Ports of call: George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras
Southern Caribbean Cruises
Company: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Victory
Length: 7 days
Ports of call: St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands; Dominica, Dominica; Barbados; St. Lucia; St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis; Philipsburg/St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Company: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Serenade of the Seas
Length: 7 days
Ports of call: Willemstad/Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; Oranjestad, Aruba; Roseau, Dominica; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U. S. Virgin Islands
With all of the stress and strain you deal with every day, you’ve definitely earned a relaxing vacation. And what better way to recharge your batteries than by immersing yourself in the fun and tranquility of a tropical cruise?
There’s a reason why tropical cruises never go out of style. It’s because no other type of getaway can match its ability to refresh your mind, pamper your body, and heal your soul.
Courtney Allen is a freelance writer who writes about several topics including discount cruises
Great Cruises Freedom of the Seas
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Samantha sits in on a tequila lessons and learns about all the spirits.
Photography Workshop: Galapagos
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Take a photographic voyage with Photo Quest Adventures and pro photographer, Tom Bol, to the Galapagos Islands where evolution literally takes place before your eyes! Isolated from the mainland of Ecuador for millions of years, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unusual species and diverse landscapes in the world. This is the chance of a lifetime to be within a few feet of nature capturing rare and amazing images of the islands varied geology and astounding wildlife including: giant tortoises, 5-foot long marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and the worlds only equatorial penguin! Please join us December 9-18, 2009. Spaces are limited! www. photoquestadventures. com
TV Junkie: HBO Begins Ruling Sundays
0TV Junkie: HBO Begins Ruling Sundays
The boys are back – “Entourage” season premiere on Sunday at 10pm on HBO Weekend Edition Sure, this weekend is all about the World Cup (USA vs. Ghana tomorrow at 11am!) but Sunday is all about HBO. With its premieres of both “Hung” and “Entourage” , HBO pretty much seals the deal as the Sunday night TV destination from now until the end of July when “Mad Men” premieres on AMC. Thomas Jane …
Read more on LAist
Cruise Ships Out; Yachts In
0Cruise Ships Out; Yachts In
Sometimes less is more—or at least some cruise passengers seem to think so. GiGi Malinchak has done the usual cruise thing.
Read more on Cruise Addicts
Easy ways at Finding a Great Cheap Cruise – Low Cost Cruising
0Cruising is no longer for just the rich. In fact it is one of the most economical vacations you can choose. There are a wide variety of cruises available and are tailored to almost all pocket books. So the next time you are considering a vacation, why not make cruising an option.
Find the Best: Affordable Discount Cruise
There are numerous ways to select which cruise is right for you. The best way to begin your search is online. . There are numerous cruise sites, both regular price and discount. It is well worth your while to spend time comparing the different offers available. When looking at the sites make sure you read the offers carefully to see what they include. You want to make sure your air fair is included if the port is not close to where you live. Also see if all transfers are included as well as the hotel room if necessary.
Get a: Cheap Cruises
If you do not feel comfortable with the internet you may want to call the individual cruise lines to see what kind of specials they have. Don’t be shy about asking for a bargain. Many times they have special offers for residents of certain states, they may also offer a senior discount, a military discount, or a past traveler discount. If you don’t fit into one of those categories ask if there is some type of deal you can take advantage of. . The cruise companies want your business and will try to offer you a great price.
Each week the travel section of your local paper usually offers many cruise deals. You may want to start looking in your Sunday Travel section for a great deal. The deals are even better during the slower off peak time when mot as many people travel, so keep your eyes open.
Another way to secure a great price for a cruise is to get in contact with one of the many travel agents that specialize in cruises. They are very knowledgeable and can recommend the best cruise for you and your family. If you are a first time cruiser this good be a good way to go. It will eliminate some of the apprehension you may have as a first time cruiser. Also sometimes agents who book many cruisers are offered special deals from the cruise lines for their clients.
So when the times grows near for your next vacation I suggest you put cruising on the top of your list. You will be very surprised what a good deal a cruise can be for you and your family.
Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Travel.
Galapagos : The Islands That Changed The World part 1
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All fixed. (I hope) HMS Beagle visited the Islands on their journey in 1831-1836. With the boat came a long a young man, who eagerly studied the landscapes and bizarre life forms of the islands, which inspired him to write one of the most famous books in history, one that would revolutionize the view on our world; The Origin of Species. This man, was Charles Darwin. Get to know the wonderful Galapagos trough his eyes and discover the wonder. (A little too dramatic description, is it?)
