Cruise Vacations

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May 14 2010

Cruise Vacations

Budgeting Help for Cruise Ship Vacations


Planning A Cruise Vacation For The Perfect Cruise Experience

Cruise vacations are one of the most exciting and fun vacations you and your family will ever have. Planning your cruise vacation is the key to making the most of the cruise experience.

Cruise ships are floating hotels that sail through ocean while you enjoy all the hotel's amenities provided. They have casinos, swimming pools, theaters, restaurants, shopping centers or boutiques, spas, gyms and more.

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.

Land excursions are a great way to explore different cultures and destinations when taking a cruise vacation. You can choose from many activities once you reach a port of call. You can go kayaking, scuba diving or go shopping in the markets of the ports of call.

Following these guidelines will give you some ideas on planning your cruise vacation properly. Proper planning will give you a more exciting cruise 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.

Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2011 Edition
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2011 Edition
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This most comprehensive guide on the cruise vacation and all its aspects lists the major ports of call, details on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and recreation, as well as guidelines on how to make the most of an eight-hour stay in port. The history of each vessel, vital statistics, physical details, evaluations in the form of stars, and price categories for over 280 ships are presented. Numerous photographs of ships, decks, and interiors are included, along with actual shipboard menus and daily activity programs.

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  • ISBN13: 9781589808591
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  • Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2009 Edition
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2009 Edition
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Whatever their destination, readers will find this to be the most detailed and user-friendly guide to the cruise vacation. This most comprehensive guide on the cruise vacation and all its aspects lists the major ports of call, details on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and recreation, as well as guidelines on how to make the most of an eighthour stay in port. The history of each vessel, vital statistics, physical details, evaluations in the form of stars, and price categories for nearly 430 ships from more than 50 cruise lines are presented. Numerous photographs of ships, decks, and interiors are included, along with actual shipboard menus and daily activity programs.

CruiseMinder Journal...Vacation Planner & Diary
CruiseMinder Journal...Vacation Planner & Diary
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The CruiseMinder Journal is ideal for anyone planning to take a cruise. First, it offers pre-departure suggestions such as what to take, tips for packing, a packing checklist, an agenda for planning daily activities, pages for emergency information, addresses for writing home, and much more. Once underway, the roomy daily diary pages are just the right size to chronicle up to 31 days' adventures at sea or ashore. There are also pages for noting details about the ship, the crew, and new friends, too! In the back of the book is a nautical glossary and reference maps of the world. Of course, there are pages to attach photos and also a vinyl pocket for additional photos, cards, receipts, etc. Once home, the CruiseMinder will be a lasting and priceless souvenir of any ocean-going experience! This delightful journal sports a deep purple & gold cover with a spiral binding for ease of writing. Nautical graphics on most pages make it extra fun to use...and a great gift, too!

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  • ISBN13: 9780963796851
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Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation
Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation
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Each year, over 11 million people take a cruise vacation. Cruising has become one of the fastest growing vacation alternatives in the 21st century. The experience of cruising is unlike any other. If you have never cruised before, imagine being pampered at a luxurious resort and waking up each morning to a brand new, stunning view of the world. But your first cruise can be a little confusing, and you may not know what to expect or what to do. You could spend much of your vacation just figuring out how the cruise vacation works. Do not waste a moment of your precious vacation time if you want to take the plunge and go on your first cruise. This new book will be your traveling companion and answer the myriad of questions that arise when planning a cruise. By reading this book, you will learn what to expect while on a cruise. You will learn how to choose a cruise line, ship, and cabin, how to choose a cruise vacation, how to pick a destination, how to avoid cruise scams, how to book online, how to cruise on a budget, how to watch for hidden costs, how to book excursions, how to pack, how to get to the cruise terminal, how to get married onboard, how to connect back to home, how tipping works, how to plan a reunion or family cruise, and how to get off the ship. You will become knowledgeable about cruising myths, planning timelines, cruise insurance, cruising terms, travel agents, air/sea packages, sailing ship and river cruises, pre and post-cruise travel, what clothing to bring, special needs passengers, singles on cruises, seniors on cruises, cruise costs, group cruises, last minute packages, passports and other critical documentation, travel rules and regulations, luggage, daily newsletters, room service, sports and exercise areas, seasickness, duty free port shopping, entertainment, libraries and game rooms, bars and lounges, private receptions, the spa, compulsory safety drills, life rafts, on board activities, the purser s desk, cruise cards, the dreaded norovirus, security, formal nights, pictures, your cell phone, walkie talkies, your final bill, and U.S. customs. In addition, we will answer the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask, such as: Why a cruise vacation? What is a guaranteed cabin? Which dining time is best? What should I expect? What will my cabin be like? Will I get wet when I go snorkeling? All this and more than you need to know for your first cruise will be covered in this new book.

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  • ISBN13: 9781601381514
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Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 (Dummies Travel)
Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 (Dummies Travel)
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Listen to a free companion podcast! On a cruise vacation, getting there is half the fun—or more. Even if you’re a land lubber, this guide will get you ready and eager to set sail. You’ll learn what to expect and how to enjoy every minute—on board or in port. As the authors write, “The captain does the driving, the chef does the cooking, the bartenders do the pouring, and the stewards make your bed.” You unpack once and then relax and enjoy. Discover how to pick the cruise for you and choose great things to do, with: Reviews of the best cruise lines and specifics such as the best ships for families, best romantic cruises, best party cruises, best small ship cruises, and more Overviews of popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and New England and Eastern Canada Special icons that point out Bargain Alerts, Heads Ups (warnings about tourists traps, unsafe neighborhoods, etc.), and Kid-Friendly options Info on onboard entertainment and activities, food, spa offerings, shopping, gambling, and children’s activities Recommendations on the top attractions and best shore excursions at popular ports Details on everything from passport requirements to packing tips, and from embarkation day to clearing customs Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 helps you make the most of your vacation. It includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice Info on the best ships for every budget Tips on sightseeing at ports of call Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages Whether you’re looking for adventure on the high seas or laid-back fun in the sun, get your sea legs and get set for smooth sailing with this friendly guide.

Everything Family Guide To Cruise Vacations: A Complete Guide to the Best Cruise Lines, Destinations, And Excursions (Everything: Travel and History)
Everything Family Guide To Cruise Vacations: A Complete Guide to the Best Cruise Lines, Destinations, And Excursions (Everything: Travel and History)
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100 Best Cruise Vacations, 4th (100 Best Series)
100 Best Cruise Vacations, 4th (100 Best Series)
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Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers
Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers
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If you're one of the over five million people who will go on a cruise vacation this year, you may be wondering how you to choose between the many cruise lines, ships, and destinations that are available today. You may be looking for a cruise geared towards adults, one where both you and the grandkids can have fun, or a cruise on which singles are catered to as much as couples. The key to a great vacation is knowing what you want and where to find it, and author Kerry Smith has put all the information you need in one convenient place. Looking for an Alaskan cruise in an intimate, old world-style ship, or a huge ocean liner that can keep all ages happy during a Caribbean family reunion? Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers helps you, the traveler, determine what kind of cruise experience fits your personality and then tells you how to find it, describing every cruise line and detailing its fleet, ship by ship, so you can choose the perfect vacation! The book also includes tips on budgeting your trip, all the options for booking through travel agents, directly with the company, or online, and even helps you choose the best time to travel and the most comfortable cabins. A cruise vacation is an adventure. Make the most of it with Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers! AUTHORBIO: KERRY SMITH is the author of Walt Disney World for Mature Travelers. He is a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, and the editor of Florida Retirement Lifestyles.

A Complete Guide to Cruise Vacation Packages - How to Take the Cruise of a Lifetime
A Complete Guide to Cruise Vacation Packages - How to Take the Cruise of a Lifetime
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What Cruise Is Right For You?Taking a cruise is a wonderful way to have an all-inclusive vacation. When you are planning your cruise, there are a few things that you want to consider before you make your final selection.1. OccasionIs this a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or an anniversary, or just a vacation? If this is a romantic getaway, you might want to choose a cruise that is more suited to adults rather than children.2. GroupWho is in your group? Are you going with all adults, or will there be some children as well? Depending on the group, you'll want to make sure that there are activities for children onboard ship so that they will have a good time too. You will also want to look into childcare facilities.3. InterestsWhat kinds of things do you like to do? Do you like to shop, explore, or swim? Do you like to watch shows, or would you rather be left to your own devices? That will also help you to decide what type of cruise that you want to go on.4. DestinationWhere would you like to go? Do you have someplace tropical in mind, or would you like to go to Alaska and go whale watching? Do you want to spend time scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing? Or do you want to take a dog sled ride?These are all questions to think about when you are planning a cruise. Once you know the answers, you will have the perfect destination in mind. This

How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation
How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation
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80 Pages describing how to have an unforgettable cruise vacation.

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