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Cruising Tips

Cruising The Western Caribbean

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Cruising The Western Caribbean

HOW TO SAVE, HOW TO ENJOY
SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE
Finding Cruise Values
Those inexpensive Western Caribbean cruise promotions may sound like a terrific bargain, but you really need to know more. Ships have become fancier and offer more amenities, so trying to figure out the actual cost of your trip can be complicated. There is no one simple answer.
Historically, the only extra fees were crew tipping, beverages, ship-to-shore phone calls, gambling, excursions and gift shop purchases. Today, cruise lines are adding all sorts of interesting features, available for an extra cost. Extras may include exercise classes, Internet access with per minute charges ranging from $ .35 to .25 and alternative dining options with a and up charge per person.
If many of these “extras” are important to you, consider upgrading your cruise line. Luxury lines tend to be more all inclusive and you can get more of your needs included in the cost of your cruise.
In any event, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your vacation cruise budget.
Look for Sales
The Internet is the best source for seeking out sales. Virtual travel agencies, particularly those geared to the do-it-yourself traveler, make it possible for you to act as your own agent. You can book your own cruise and even select your own cabin.
The Internet has a handful of high profile travel agencies with great reputations for accuracy, customer service and excellent pricing. They generally offer lots of extras along with recent consumer reviews.
The prices on a cruise line’s brochure should be considered sample pricing. Unless a particular itinerary is very special and demand is higher than supply, you should never have to pay the brochure price.
Be Flexible
Pricing a cruise is a lot like looking for airline tickets. Fares constantly go up and down. Travelers who have the flexibility to wait until close to departure dates (three to six weeks before departure for cruises) may find the best rock bottom pricing. You may not be able to choose an outside room, but the pricing can be very attractive.
Another option may be to advance plan your cruise. Many cruise lines offer excellent fares and throw in otherwise expensive upgrades to people who book six months in advance and pay a deposit. The most valuable upgrade would be a “balcony stateroom for the price of an outside cabin”.
The official season for hurricanes is from June 1st through November 30th. This can be an excellent cruise time for bargain hunters.
On-Board Savings
The bar bill can often drive your on-board costs up. Look for discount packages such as “wine and dine” deals. Cruise lines will also offer a drink of the day special or a bucket of beer, five beers for the price of four. You can also save money by getting an all-you-can-drink soda card, which used to be limited to children.
Communicating back home from onboard can be very costly. You can expect to pay .95 to .95 per minute for ship-to-shore calling. One thing you can do is find a cyber center in a port and send emails from there at a fraction of the cost.
Using the spa on the ship can be very pricey, as much as for a 50-minute massage. One tip to help you save if you want to use the spa: book your time when the ship is in port. The price is often 10% to 20% lower at that time.
SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOURSELF
Some Facts
The Western Caribbean ranks as one of the world’s great vacation destinations by combining some of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultures along with natural wonders on land and sea. If offers the rich historical treasures of the Mayan Empire, a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise as well as an archaeological treasure trove.
The sheer volume of Western Caribbean cruises attests to the fact it truly is a year round destination. Temperatures seldom vary from highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s, with humidity at the 70 percent level all year long.
Things to See and Do
Traditional ports in a Western Caribbean cruise often include: Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Key West, Florida; Montego Bay and/or Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Progresso, Mexico. Here are some shore adventures you should take in these ports.
Belize City
Belize’s 185-mile barrier reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the scuba diving is world class. Cruise ships offer supervised excursions for snorkelers at all levels. One of the most popular snorkeling spots along the reef is Shark/Ray Alley, where you share the water with southern stingrays and nurse sharks.
Cozumel
You should definitely see the great walled city of Tulum. The sixty-acre site features stone carvings, archways and architecture with “sundials” that light up during the solstices. Tulum’s main castle sits on a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean.
George Town
Take a stroll among the casuarinas trees along the white sands of Seven Mile Beach. But then take a boat trip to the famous “Stingray City Sandbar.” As you snorkel in the shallow waters, you will be able to feed the huge stingrays with chopped up squid provided by the tour operators. The rays will eat from your hand and are quite polite.
Save some time for a quick run to the Tortuga Rum Factory on South Church Street. The factory’s rum cakes are famous with flavors such as coffee and key lime. You can even purchase mini sized cakes for about and they make great gifts.
Key West
The southernmost point of land in the United States, the “Conch Republic” of Key West has a history as one of the favorite haunts of artists, celebrities, presidents and literary giants. Be sure to visit the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum and “The Little White House” where Harry Truman relaxed. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum houses millions of dollars worth of treasure salvaged from a Spanish Galleon.
You must also stroll down Duval Street, home to many shops and restaurants including Sloppy Joe’s Tavern where Ernest Hemmingway spent time writing and entertaining. Do not miss an opportunity to have some Key Lime Pie here.
Montego Bay
Take an excursion to the 6,000-acre Rose Hall plantation. The plantation’s Great House, built in 1760, is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former mistress, Annie Palmer.
Ocho Rios
Dunn’s Rivers Falls is the place to see here. Climb a 600 foot high staircase surrounded by lush foliage as you watch the falls crashing down on a white sandy beach.
Many cruises offer excursions that focus on the arts, including visits to museums, galleries such as Harmony Hall and tours of Noel Coward’s beautiful retreat, Firefly.
Progresso
The Mayan city of Chitzen Itza is a short two hours from Progresso. With its intricate temples, the famous pyramid of Kulkulcan, a sacred ball court and astronomical observatory, it is certainly worth the trip. Another important Mayan ceremonial center, Dzibilchaltun, is but fifteen minutes away.
If the ruins intrigue you, look for the face of the living Maya. The descendants of the Maya still thrive here, having preserved their language and many of their ancient ways.
These are but a few of the many adventures and sights you can visit and experience during your Western Caribbean cruise. There will be many more excursions offered by your cruise line, so investigate and take advantage of the beauty and culture of the Western Caribbean.
A visit to Luggage Pros website will play an important role in helping you meet all of your travel luggage and accessories needs.

Find your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Cruising For Travel Values?

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Cruising For Travel Values?

For people looking for a particular travel value, taking a cruise just might be the answer.

It seems several cruise lines have beefed up their fleets and the additional ships need filling. Among purveyors in the travel industry, cruise bookings seem to be a particular value at this time. And if cruising still seems expensive, remember that it includes your travel, hotel and meals. Plus you will avoid costly add-ons like entertainment, car rentals, car insurance and parking, airport transfers and, to some extent, tipping. Cruises are all included way to travel and relax. Try a Cruise.

Cruises in the Caribbean are very popular now because of the amazing values offered on most kinds of trip including high-end luxury. With more ships in the market, greater opportunities are available to travelers. Just now, it seems that the traveler can get huge value for his or her cruising dollar. Since cruises are all-inclusive packages, for one set price you are getting the experience of a cruise and different ports, accommodations, at least three meals a day plus snacks, a range of shipboard activities, nightly entertainment, and fitness facilities. It’s hard to beat the value in that. Programs vary by ship and cruise line, so consult a travel agent or the Internet to find the best fit for your needs and budget. There are many cruise purveyors on the internet who advertise discount cruises, some up too 70 and 75%.

These unbelievable savings stem from the practice that cruises are booked far in advance and the cruise lines know months ahead of sailing which ships are under booked. Ships are not like airplanes, they are not government subsidized or bailed out of financial difficulties. They are independently own and there are few last minute bookings for people who have to travel. Cruises are a luxury item and unsold vacancies cut deeply into profits.

There is also a website that will compare similar cruises from up to 120 different offers to find the cheapest priced cruise to your intended destination. But price isn’t value and just getting a good price is not equivalent to value. How do you know if you have booked a great deal or a floating motel 6?

Of course you must research cruise lines before you book or travel. Do listen to the travel tips of friends and acquaintances but do more. Go to “chat” lines and ask what kind of experiences people have had with “abc” cruise lines. Ask what cruises people have enjoyed and what cruise lines really delivered on their promises. People love to recount their travel tales and, if you listen to enough, you will have a fair idea of which cruise line to seek out and which should be avoided at all cost.

Finally, once you have chosen a cruise see if the travel to the ship’s departure site is included. Usually these costs are included and outlined in the cruise line brochure, but when it is extra, travel to the port can rival the cost of the cruise itself. If you have chosen a cruise to the Caribbean that leaves from Miami, Florida and you live in Oregon, the travel cost to Florida can be a major addition that turns your budget cruise into a travel budget breaker.

Find your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Been There, Done That – Cruising Tips From Seasoned Travelers

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Been There, Done That – Cruising Tips From Seasoned Travelers

If you are cruising for the first time – congratulations! You are in for a unique, worthwhile experience. As a newbie, though, you probably have questions about some of the do’s and don’ts of traveling aboard a cruise ship. Luckily, there are many die-hard cruisers who are happy to share some tips to make your first time more rewarding.

Before You Leave Home:

Have a friend or neighbour take in your mail daily. Accumulating mail is a big sign to thieves and other troublemakers that no one is home. You could also have your mail held at the post office until you return.

Set your lights on timers so that it appears someone is home to deter troublemakers. Tell your neighborhood community patrol to make a few extra passes by your home while you are away.

Preprint labels and stamps if you plan to mail postcards out while you are on your cruise. This saves some time and you won’t have to lug around an awkward address book.

Money Matters:

Stock up on traveler’s checks since they are replaceable if lost or stolen. To expedite the replacements should your traveler’s checks be lost or stolen, write down the serial numbers and put them in a safe and separate place. That way, it makes the bank’s job a little easier and speed up the process for your replacements.

Keep a handy supply of small denominational bills, usually one’s and five’s. Tipping is appreciated for porters and stewards at both the airport and docking pier of the ship. This is especially important in foreign countries. Horror stories abound about stolen or “lost” bags that never make it to the ship. Sometimes, you have got to grease their palms with cash. It’s a small price to pay for having your clothing and toiletries aboard for your cruise.

To avoid long lines at the end of your cruise, check out your ending invoice on your account. Check for any errors and resolve them as soon as possible. There is no sense adding the stress of standing in line to pay your final tab after you just had a relaxing vacation.

Take a few rubber bands with you to wrap around your wallet. The rubber will “grab” onto your clothing. This makes it very difficult for a pickpocket to part with your wallet without you feeling it.

Kid Stuff:

If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, paper throwaway bibs are perfect for protecting your child from stains and messes at meal times, thus prolonging the wear of their clothing.

Bring a collapsible stroller for your young child. The cruise ship is a happening place and before long you will hear the strains of “I’m tired! Carry me!” This is exhausting to parents. With a stroller, you can just pop your kid inside and roll on.

Pack a few portable, self contained snacks for your child like peanut butter or cheese crackers. These will come in handy and are much cheaper than buying some once you are cruising or at port.

Odds and Ends:

Throw inside your suitcase a few of those annoying plastic shopping bags that you usually get from the grocery store. These are handy for storing dirty clothing.

If you have an inside cabin, take a nightlight with you. Darkness is not fun when you are in a strange room. No sense running into walls or stubbing your toe if you can avoid it. Little maglight keychain flash lights are handy too.

Bring a little first aid kits for those minor emergencies. Wet wipes are handy too for those instance were a sink isn’t handy.

There are literally hundreds of cruise tips that can save the sanity of newbie travelers. Think of those little shortcuts or ideas that you use at home. Decide if they are adaptable to the cruise ship. The less you have to worry about, the more relaxed you will be after your cruise.

Find your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Family Cruising Enjoys Wave Of Popularity

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Family Cruising Enjoys Wave Of Popularity

Family cruising is enjoying a wave of popularity. There’s good reason. Cruise lines now feature a cornucopia of family fun, including sports, art activities, planetarium shows, disco parties, pizza fests, ice skating, youth Olympics, rock climbing, scavenger hunts, wildlife exploration and much more.

Family travel is on an upsurge, according to the Travel Industry Association, with one in four household trips-or more than 170.1 million- including children under 18.

The experts at Travelers Advantage offer these tips and trips for the ultimate family cruise:

Family Cruise Tips:

• Be sure the kids’ programs are operating on the dates of your trip.

• Check the size and location of the cabin, and the guardrails on the bunks.

• Some ships have cabins that can sleep five; some have adjoining cabins; some give special rates for a second cabin for teens.

• Check required documentation for your children (ID, etc.).

• You never know when illness might hit your household and change your plans, so check cancellation fees and fees for changing dates. Trip-cancellation insurance may be worth the price.

Family Cruise Trips:

• Royal Caribbean International

There are a number of fun and educational complimentary programs including Adventure Ocean, a program for ages 3 to 12 and teens from 13 to 17 with special meals and play areas. The program has supervised activities for day and night. It includes educational entertainment programs and special menus.

• Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival will host 525,000 kids this year on its “Fun Ships.” These vessels offer parties, special performances by entertainers, ship tours for kids and teen shore excursions, face painting, scavenger hunts, talent shows, photography workshops, art classes and waterslides.

• Disney Cruise Line

As you’d expect, families will find special facilities and activities with Disney Cruise Line, all beautifully executed. There’s an entire deck for kids, with a large staff, age-specific programs, and hands-on activities.

Other family-friendly cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Find your dream cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising Tips

Cruising – Five Quick Tips Before Taking A Cruise Ship Vacation

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Cruising – Five Quick Tips Before Taking A Cruise Ship Vacation

Cruising is a wonderful and relaxed way to see several countries while enjoying the sun. Today, cruise trips are extremely popular due to their low cost and luxury travel experience.

However, like all travelling, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start to plan your cruise ship vacation.

Here are some cruise tips to help guide you on your journey.

1.All inclusive cruises are not available

Most all cruise lines do not offer an all inclusive cruise package. Alcohols, soft drinks and even water all needs to be paid for when on cruise ships. The only things included are the cruise itself, your cabin and generally at least 1-2 meals a day.

2.Shop around and consult different cruise travel agents

Cruise travel agents are like travel agents, but are experts in cruising. Be prepared to tell the cruise agent exactly what you are looking for. You could visit 5 different agencies and receive 5 different quotes for the same cruise. In addition, look for deals in off weeks. A fare may be 00 one week and 0 the following week.

3.Be aware of added charges

If you are planning to cruise alone and don’t want to share your cabin, you can anticipate a single’s supplement charge of 10% to 100% of a per person’s rate (depending on cruise line). In addition, a lot of cruises require you to pay extra for any cruise shore excursions, or any special activities that are offered on board. Be prepared to spend an additional 30% of the cost to take part in any of these activities.

4.Knowing when the best time to cruise is

Cruising is usually a little cheaper during the spring or fall. Weather can be uncertain, especially in the fall given many Caribbean destinations could have hurricane seasons during this time. This is something to watch out for. The dry season for Caribbean cruises is during the summer where as the rainy season is during the winter. Other cruise lines have short cruising seasons, such as Alaska cruises which normally run from May to September.

5.Have fun!

One of the most important tips that I can give to you on your cruise ship vacation is to have a great time. Relax! After all it’s your vacation and you deserve to make the most out of it. There are many things for you to do, fancy dinners and dressing up, meeting new friends, visiting exotic locations, being on deck in the sun, doing cruise shore excursions, and much more! It’s important to have fun, so when you come back you feel better about yourself and that you got the most out of your time and money.

Remember, cruising is an absolutely exceptional way to spend your vacation. They are very relaxing and a very enjoyable way to spend some time away. However, like all vacations, you need to know what is required before purchasing your dream cruise ship vacation. Keep this in mind and I have no doubt your cruise trip will be a complete success!

Book your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.