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Cruising Tips

Fantastic Cruise Deals Abound at the Last Minute

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Fantastic Cruise Deals Abound at the Last Minute

Being a spur of the moment person has its advantages. It means you can “seize the day” and run with it, enjoying an opportunity when it comes your way. So the next time you’ve lined up your vacation time and decided you’re just going to drive to the nearest lake or maybe visit some relatives, keep an open mind and check in on the great online cruise deals that show up as you get closer to your vacation dates.
You may discover that as your vacation rolls around the deals are getting better and better, and you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to take advantage of the great offers out there. At first glance you may tell yourself that even with the reduced cost of a cruise you’re still paying more to go on a cruise than you are to drive to a popular lake resort of beachfront rental property, but the discounts on last minute cruises are great bargains because they’re all inclusive!
All-inclusive Means Savings on Entertainment and Meals
A cruise includes your entire trip, the accommodations, all of your meals (and the meals onboard ship are fantastic!), and all of the ship’s entertainment, from dancing to Vegas style shows. Compare that to your vacation and you’ll discover that by the time you add up your room, transportation, meals and entertainment expenses, the cruise deals that are available at the last minute just don’t compare to your routine vacation plans – the cruises are much better!
Think about the total relaxation factor – no trying to find a good restaurant or wondering if there’s anything decent in the way of entertainment. On a cruise vacation, everything’s right there, every night. Your vacation is filled with every kind of entertainment, relaxation and fine dining imaginable even before you get to your ports of call!
Some of the amenities found on the typical cruise ship – and available with last-minute cruise deals – include:
Fine & casual dining
24-hour room service
Swimming pool
Fitness centers & spa facilities
Day spa and beauty salon
A variety of lounges and stages with world-class entertainment
Casinos
Duty-free gift shops
Is there a vacation anywhere that provides all of this in one location, all within walking distance, with gorgeous vistas of water and moonlight thrown in?
Finding Sizzling Hot Cruise Deals is Easy
How do you find fantastic cruise deals? The best way is to be flexible – keep in mind that there are several reasons that last minute berths open up on cruise ships. Most commonly, cruise ships simply don’t fill every one of their rooms on most cruises, and they understand that it makes more sense to offer these spaces at a discount than it does to leave these rooms empty. The level of service and amenities are exactly the same as that for passengers paying full price!
There are also sometimes last minute cancellations for whatever reason, and the cruise company will try to fill these rooms as well. After all, they had anticipated having these sales and when a cancellation comes through at the last minute, they will want to fill that spot.
Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deals
You can compound your cruise savings by booking last minute deals during off-season times when the rates are lower to begin with or cruising to destinations that you find intriguing but have unusual departure dates. A few general guidelines for finding great last minute cruise deals are:
Start watching about two months before your vacation, and check back often – special discounts are snapped up quickly.
Be flexible – if you can shift your travel dates by a few days one way or the other you may be able to save even more.
Be adventurous – if you see a fabulous deal on an exotic cruise to someplace you’ve never thought of but that sounds intriguing – go for it! This is the time to use the savings to invest in broadening your horizons.
Online is the best and quickest way to stay informed – the Internet constantly updates information on cruise deals as cruise lines post available openings.
Know what you’re looking for – there are so many kinds of cruises now available with different themes that it can be confusing. If you and your husband are going, don’t bother looking at singles cruises – the savings isn’t worth being surrounded by singles. But a cruise geared toward honeymooners might put a bit of spark back in your marriage, especially if you’re looking for an anniversary getaway!
Theme Cruises are the New Trend in Packaged Cruise Deals
You can find some great savings on theme cruises, a new trend for people with special interests or hobbies. Because these cruises cater to very specific tastes, the price of open spots can drop more quickly when they are discounted because they realize the chances of filling the spots may not be as high as for a general cruise.
So if you’re interested in a last minute cruise and also happen to be a food and wine connoisseur, you may be able to find a drastically discounted price on a Wine Tasting or Chef’s Taste of Cultures cruise, combining two interests and saving money at the same time.
There are also cruises that correspond with times of the year, such as foliage cruises or whale watching cruises that may offer special savings if they have cancellations since these are only offered during small windows in time. If you happen to hit one of these, you can expect some really amazing discounts on unique, once-in-a-lifetime cruise opportunities.
Trade Up to a Cruise for a Lifetime of Memories
So when that staid vacation is planned and you’ve already blocked out your vacation days at the office, don’t be afraid to periodically check out the last minute cruise deals that can be found at rock bottom prices if you book just a few weeks in advance. Throw caution to the winds and pass on the lakeside fishing trip in favor of an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas – with last minute bargains and fabulous all-inclusive packages you can turn that ho-hum trip into truly memorable one!

Find your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Great Reasons To Start Boating This Spring!

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Great Reasons To Start Boating This Spring!

(NC)-Thinking about pursuing a new, exciting family activity this year? Consider boating – it has so much to offer.
Boating, in its various forms, is a recreational activity for the entire family.
Recreational boats are used today for a variety of activities, including sailing, fishing and water skiing, in which all members of your family can participate. It’s a great way to share experiences with children and generate memories that will last forever.
Canada has some of the world’s most beautiful boating waters.
From May to September, travelers come from all over the world to explore the miles and miles of Canadian coastline. Why not familiarize yourself with the diverse geography of the different regions of the country by boat? Avoid traffic congestion from cars by using a boat instead. Get up-close and personal with the country we call our own.
Boating is the best bargain in recreation.
Buying a boat is one of the best investments you can make in family recreation. Surveys indicate most people who don’t own boats believe prices are 30% or higher than they actually are. But you’ll be surprised to know it costs less to buy and operate a boat than you’d think. For example, a spirited catamaran sailboat costs between ,700 and ,400. Looking for Canada’ s most popular boat – a 17-19-foot outboard-powered family runabout? It will only cost between ,900 and ,700, on average.
Your family will never get bored with boating.
Because boating incorporates many skills, from reading charts to angling, you’ll constantly be faced with new challenges! Continual learning will mean you’ll never get bored. By boat, you’ll see the extraordinary beauty of nature – things you’ d never see on land. Discover wildlife, beaches and wilderness. You’ll be amazed!
Last summer was fantastic.
Boaters had a great time last summer, fishing, skiing, sailing and cruising. Don’t miss out on the family fun this year. It’s easy to become part of Canada’s growing boater community.
For more information about boating and to order a free CD-ROM with exciting boating information and tips, visit Discover Boating at www.DiscoverBoating.ca.

Book your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Amazing Travel Tips Just For You

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Amazing Travel Tips Just For You

Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. This article will give you some tips for making the most of your cruise.

When traveling with young children, keep them entertained during the journey. Even children who are excited about the destination may become restless during a long plane, train, or car ride. Keep them and other travelers happy by providing them with activities. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money–coloring books and a small box of crayons may be enough to make the ride fly by!

Only prepay for packages if you know that there is no way that you will have to shift dates. If you do prepay, make sure that you look into the cancellation policies so you do not lose out on the money that you have prepaid onto it if you should have to cancel.

When traveling to a foreign country, try to learn at least a few words of the language. Knowing how to say simple phrases like “how are you”, “may I have the check”, or “where is the bathroom” can help tremendously as you navigate throughout your destination. It also helps the locals to see that you are making an effort, which may make them friendlier toward you.

Camping is a great way to see the country, or even the world, on a budget. Instead of springing for expensive hotels, look for camping sites along the way of your trip. Many of them have amenities like plumbed bathrooms and showers. You can even avoid having to cook by continuing to eat out, as you would if staying in a hotel.

Before one is about to travel they should consider how they are going to pack. When packing one should always think about leaving one bag, suitcase, or other luggage partially empty. By leaving extra space there will always be room for more things that one may pick up while traveling such as souvenirs.

If you travel often, invest in small reusable plastic bottles. You can find reusable bottles at most large supermarkets. Putting your regular shampoos and conditioners in these small, reusable bottles is more cost efficient in the long run. Travel sized toiletries are often very overpriced for the small amount of product inside them.

Avoid costly roaming fees while traveling! Investigate the roaming policies for your cell phone company. Each company has different rules about how they handle long distance charges, and it can get very expensive if you are not prepared. To be completely safe from fees, you can ask your phone company to prevent all calls while roaming. Some cell phones also have special indicators to let you know you are roaming, so learn what the different symbols on your phone mean!

As was stated in the beginning of this article, a great way to explore many different locations while you travel is to go on a cruise. Cruise ships offer plenty to do on-board, with the option of exploring off the ship when you dock. Apply the tips from this article to make the most of your next cruise.

Find your dream cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Last Minute Cruises

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Last Minute Cruises

Your “get up and go” has got up and gone, and you need a vacation. Right now. The best thing about taking a last-minute vacation, is cashing in on the last-minute vacation deals.

Travel agents will tell you that making your cruise ship reservation early can net you big discounts. Most cruise lines offer this incentive to fill the ships with reliable vacationers, and determine if they have enough passengers. On the other hand, last minute cruising can also offer a bunch of discounts.

Last minute cruises can be risky. It’s possible that early bird cruisers can fill the ship and leave no space for those hoping for last minute tickets. If you are able to book a last minute deal and you live far away from the airport and seaport, your transportation fares can be very costly. Typically, airline tickets booked last minute tend to be much more expensive than those purchased in advance.

There are other potential problems involved with last minute cruises. You need to be prudent in your research and compare all cruise companies to find the best deals. Some companies offer better departure time deals, intended for cruisers who have no other choice but to book at the last minute. For example, the cruise company can offer increased last minute discounts in order to reach the designated passenger count for each cruise.

If you are thinking about last minute cruises, consider getting a middleman to take care of all the details. Or to save even more money, use the online cruise booking system. Most cruise lines offer this trouble-free booking option that allows you to save time and effort by planning your trip from the comfort of your home or office.

Keep yourself open to flexible cruise plans. It’s good to know what you want to do and where you want to go, but don’t thumb your nose at one cruise if it doesn’t exactly meet your plans. If you find a great deal, grab the opportunity right away. Sometimes the shining stars are hidden inside dark clouds, and it’s up to you to find them.

Finding deals on last minute cruises can take solid legwork. But as they say, destiny helps those who help themselves.

Here are some basic tips and strategies to help in your search for last minute cruises:

* Outline places that you’d love to visit. Whenever possible, meet with travel agencies for background knowledge regarding different cruises. Ask around to see if friends, coworkers and associates have any cruise lines they can recommend. You might discover possibilities you’d never even considered, such as an Alaskan cruise.

* Collect cruise brochures and flyers from the travel agencies. Read the material, research each company and compare cruise features. Check out the various ships online, to get background information on atmosphere, amenities, accommodations, on board events and recreation, fares, fees and destinations.

* Determine your budget. Knowing how much money you’re willing to spend will help determine what type of cruise you’ll be looking for. Cruises can offer a variety of accommodations including cheap, moderate, deluxe and extra-deluxe. Compare all types of cruises so that you’ll know what to expect. You’ll know which ones you’ll find most comfortable, and which will fit your budget.

* Decide how many days you have available for your cruise. Then, find out the duration of the cruises being offered. Travel agencies can usually tell you how long each cruise is. Most trips last five to eighteen days, but some companies offer longer cruises with more things to see and do.

* Last minute cruises are all about fast turnaround time. Use the services of a travel agent to your advantage. Tell the agent about your budget requirements and your personal preferences. Get that person working for you while you take the time to scan brochures and look online to see which cruises are best for you.

* Decide where you’ll be departing from, and book your departure points. You’ll have clear details and you’ll know exactly how much the transportation costs will be.

Last minute cruises can be just the ticket when you need to relax and unwind. Great deals are possible if you’re willing to search them out. Do your homework, be a little flexible and it’ll be smooth sailing for you.

Book your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Onboard Cruise Ship Expenses – How To Keep Them Under Control Part 2

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Onboard Cruise Ship Expenses – How To Keep Them Under Control Part 2

Onboard expenses can quickly mount up when you’re at sea. So unless you want a nasty surprise before you disembark at the end of your cruise, here’s how to reduce your costs without reducing the quality of your vacation.

Food

If you want to go a la carte, it’s possible to spend vast amounts of money dining at the alternative onboard restaurants. But with a dining room and various buffets as part of your fare, you can eat virtually round the clock at no extra expense. If you want to experience the delights of alternative dining, why not treat yourself to it every three or four days instead of daily.

Likewise, it’s possible to spend a small fortune in select cafes and coffee bars. But most ships provide complimentary tea and coffee 24 hours a day.

Gratuities

Onboard tipping is rather a thorny issue. A number of cruise lines include tips and gratuities as part of the fare. Other companies don’t include tips, but strongly advise that you reward good service. And on many ships, the management suggest a daily gratuity level which may or may not be automatically added to your onboard account. If you don’t agree with this, take the matter up at the Purser’s Office.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. But I will say one thing; the staff on most cruise ships are low paid. Most of them rely on tips to supplement their income. If passengers don’t provide tips, many of the staff may leave and seek work elsewhere. And in many cases that will lead to a drop in the quality of service, or a rise in ticket prices (if the cruise lines have to pay higher wages to attract workers).

Internet

Internet access from ship to shore is normally expensive. It’s not unusual to see charges of up to per minute. So if you have to use the internet make sure that you keep your eye on the clock. Alternatively, some ships provide each person with a set amount of minutes online as part of your overall fare.

If you want to keep in touch with people while at sea, email is cheaper then telephone, but the connection speed on some ships can be rather slow. So if possible, wait until you arrive in port. Either the price of the onboard connection will be cheaper or you can use one of the onshore internet cafes which are much faster and much cheaper.

Oh, and one final word on email. Most ships will provide you with an onboard email address. Don’t use this as it will be slow and expensive. Before you leave, set up a free web based email account. There are plenty to choose from, such as Yahoo, or Google’s Gmail, and they’re all free. They can be accessed from anywhere in the world and are generally much faster that your onboard email account.

Laundry

Most laundry services will be charged per item, at rates commonly applied in land based hotels, so your costs can rise quickly. However certain cruise ships provide a complimentary laundry service in the top rooms. But I guess if you can afford those rooms you won’t be too worried about a few onboard expenses.

So if you think you’ll need to do laundry while onboard, look for a cruise line that provides a low cost self service laundry facility. Alternatively, pack a bottle of washing liquid and hand wash essential items in your bathroom.

Medical Expenses

Injury or illness can happen to anyone at anytime, so it’s best to prepare for all possible eventualities. First check out the position from the point of view of your home country. For citizens of the US, medicare does not apply when they’re out of the country. Next, look at the medical insurance position. If you already have medical insurance, make sure it will cover you when at sea. If not, consider buying medical travel insurance to provide you with adequate cover. Even the cost of a simple visit to the ship doctor will account for the whole cost of a simple travel insurance policy.

Photos

Most ships will have a photographer who is willing to take a portrait photo of you and your travelling companions…for a price. So save money by taking your own camera and asking one of your fellow passengers to take a few photos.

Shopping

Onboard ships stock many exquisite items that will remind you of your days at sea forever. Everything from jewelry and ornaments to cigarettes and alcohol is available, but it will cost you dearly. So try to limit yourself to things that are necessary. And if you forget to pack anything, it can often be cheaper buying them at the next port of call rather than paying the inflated prices at the shops onboard.

Book your dream cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.