Guides to Fred Olsen cruise lines by Jez Rourke

Fred Olsen cruises are a family run cruise line that have been running for 40 years now. The Fred Olsen name was started up by the Grandson of Fredrik Olsen, setting up one of the most important Norwegian shipping lines. This was under the company name A/S Bonheur, and since then most of the ships have been named using the theme of beginning with a ‘B’.

In 1926, the Brabant became the first noteworthy Fred Olsen passenger ship. 1951 saw the Blenheim take her maiden crossing to Newcastle from Oslo and two years later followed the Braemar. The ships were very eye-catching in those days. Compared to the larger ships operated by Fred Olsen these days, they were much smaller ships.

Today the British based Fred Olsen cruises have a reputation for comfortable well maintained ships offering a classic cruise experiences to the mainly over fifties at reasonable prices. The cruise line sails to the Amazon, Canary Islands and West Africa, Caribbean, Iberia, Iceland, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, UK and Ireland and USA and Canada. Fred Olsen also operate mini cruises and around the world voyages.

The Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Blackwatch have a golf packages including competitions, social events and mini excursions with rounds of golf. This is available on certain cruises to the Canary Islands, Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean.

Fred Olsen cruises provide a children’s program for school holidays during Easter, July, August, Christmas and the New Year, with activities and entertainment. The Arts Club is a special interest program available on selected cruises. Interesting lectures on all sorts, including music, dance, wildlife, wine tasting, painting and many more.

They publish an online newsletter and a past passengers club allows members who have sailed before to receive benefits each time they book. Discounts are also available to those who book online. This company is quick to pass savings on to its customers and due to oil prices falling; they have decided to remove fuel charges until such time that oil prices increase again.

Fred Olsen have a number of different choices in cabin types and an array of facilities, for example a superior outside cabin, with interactive TV and bathroom with a bath and shower. You will also 24-hour cabin service, telephone and individually controlled air conditioning. Fitness and spa facilities are available to all passengers to keep you looking your best.

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directline-cruises provides you with the latest cruises, including fred olsen cruise and Mediterranean cruises, as well as essential informaton on cruise lines, cruise ships, ships cabins and full cruise itineraries from every major cruise line including Cunard, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, RoyalCaribbean, Princess, Fred Olsen and P&O cruises.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Guides-to-Fred-Olsen-cruise-lines/574907

Santa Cruise $29.07 Mystery maven Mary Higgins Clark joins forces with her daughter Carol to tell a Christmas caper set aboard the cruise ship the Royal Mermaid. Onboard are 400 "Do-Gooders of the Year" and also two notoriously bad seeds, the escaped convicts Bull`s-Eye Tony Pinto and Barron Highbridge who are trying to get out of the country. Now it`s up to the Oklahoma Readers and Writers Group and the philanthropist Alvirah Meehan to foil the nefarious schemes of the criminal duo.

Disney Tangled Featuring Rapunzel Boat Ride Playset $16.95 Mattel Disney Tangled – Rapunzel Boat Ride PlaysetThe Disney Tangled Featuring Rapunzel Boat Ride was inspired by Disney’s animated feature film Tangled. Girls will want to relive the romantic movie moment when Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder fall in love and enjoy a magical gondola boat ride to see the lanterns, just like in the movie. When girls push the wheeled boat, the waves on the side move up and …

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Cruise Ship Amenities: What to Expect by Cruise12

Cruise ships offer so much more than just a way to go from one place to another. Although cruise ships do shuttle travelers to numerous resort destinations from the Caribbean and Mexico to far off corners of the world like Asia and South America, there’s so much more to a cruise vacation. Cruise ship amenities are some of the most lavish and opulent of all vacation options. These floating resorts not only get you where you’re going, but they get you there in high style as well. That’s because today’s cruise ships are packed with every imaginable amenity. And the best part is that these elegant appointments are becoming increasingly budget-friendly. So sit back, relax and take a look at just a few amenities cruise ships have to offer.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Century is all about entertainment. This cruise ship puts you right on center stage with both the Cinema for first running movies and two-story Celebrity Theatre with its full production shows. But the show doesn’t stop there, Celebrity Century also features the Rendez-Vous Square with Cabaret Acts and Comedians and the fabulously elegant Crystal Room. Here you can spend your evenings dancing while enjoying live music and entertainment. Go out on the town without even stepping off the ship with a host of nightlife options like the Hemisphere Lounge and its panoramic views and piano music by day and disco party at night. For those that like a little more high-stakes entertainment the Celebrity Century also features the Fortunes Casino with blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean Stud Poker and slot machines.
But the Celebrity Cruise ship doesn’t stop there. This floating resort also offers visitors the chance to swim in the Whirlpools or enjoy the full service treatments at the spa and sauna. And what better way to spend the day after being pampered than with a trip to The Boulevard. Here you can enjoy a full assortment of specialty boutiques with the bonus of duty-free shopping. For those that like more active entertainment this ship features deck sports like a golf simulator, shuffleboard and a jogging track.
The Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Spirit Highlights has a full spectrum of amenities that are sure to keep you busy and loving every minute of your stay. The glamorous Maharajah’s Casino will make you feel like a VIP in its opulent setting, while the Karaoke Bar and Celebrity Disco will give you the chance to let your hair down and play rock star for a night. After a night of partying, this cruise ship serves up plenty of relaxing amenities like the Roman Spa & Fitness Center.
Let’s not forget about one of the best parts of taking a cruise: the dining! The Norwegian Spirit for instance allows guests to sample a global cuisine all in one place, with eight restaurants to choose from including French bistros and Italian trattorias. There’s also Japanese sushi and a Spanish tapas bar along with freestyle dining options that let you choose when and where to dine. But that’s not all. Expect lavish full-course dinners on most cruise ships. The Norwegian Spirit for instance boasts Windows, where you can enjoy both a five-course feast and awe-inspiring vistas or the Garden Room Restaurant with its intimate seating options.
Now cruise ships have been known for their decadent meals for many years now, so those amenities might not come as a surprise. However, today’s cruise ships have raised the bar, with unexpected amenities that you should definitely consider when booking a cruise. If you are looking to learn something new or step out of your comfort zone a bit, Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess might just have the option for you. Their ScholarShip@Sea lets visitors try out a new hobby or learn something new with a variety of hands-on “edu-tainment” courses, like Italian cooking, ceramics or digital travel photography. With 20 courses offered for each voyage you’ll never get bored. On the other hand, if extreme sports are more your speed, climb aboard the Voyager Mariner of the Seas for some high adventure. Here you’ll enjoy the ShipShape Fitness Center, an aerobics area, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and complete golf environment, including a simulator, driving cage and Voyager Dunes putting greens.
And kids won’t feel left out as cruise ships have designed amenities specifically for the young traveler. Princess Cruises for example stocks the latest video games and movies for techies, while offering arts and crafts and entertainment like foosball, board games and jukeboxes. Each night is made special for little ones with kids’ karaoke nights, pizza parties and pajama nights. There are also amenities for each age group, like teen dinners, kids’ ice cream parties and more.
Before you book your next cruise vacation, be sure to research what each cruise ship has to offer. The majority will include extravagant dinners and relaxing pools and spas, however there are many cruise amenities that differ by ship. After a little investigating you’re sure to find a ship that provides you with just the right amenities and so much more!

Jackie Rupp is a freelance writer who writes about several topics including vacations and cruise deals.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Cruise-Ship-Amenities–What-to-Expect/726144

Dennis the Menace – Cruise Control (DVD) $13.99 Dennis Mitchell continues to menace his neighbors such as Mr. Wilson in this animated comedy. The action moves from Dennis` suburban neighborhood to the high seas where Dennis and his family are aboard a cruise ship. As they sail across the ocean blue, Dennis and his friends stumble across a princess who is being hypnotized by two criminals. When Dennis learns that these ruffians are after the princess` jewels, he unleashes his brand of revenge using some of his most devilish tricks.

The Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Womens Costume $35.96 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

Adult the Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Costume $39.97 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

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An Alaskan Adventure Cruise Aboard the Island Princess by John Shallo

On one late summer’s day, my journey took me from Valdez to Seaward, Alaska. While traveling I could see the fire weed, bright red and in full bloom along the highway’s edge. According to the locals, winter would be coming soon, ending the short summer Alaska enjoys. My morning had begun in the Port of Valdez and I was preparing to meet Princess Cruise Line’s brand new ship, Island Princess.

As the Princess coach pulled into the Port of Seaward I could see the Island Princess standing tall and sleek. I couldn’t help but think about how incredible this ultra-modern cruise ship is. She is powered by a gas turbine and has a passenger capacity of 1,970. This ship stands tall at 204 feet and is 964 feet in length. She is the new sister of Princess Cruise Lines’ Coral Princess. This 92,000-ton sister is no follower as she has many traits of her very own. I would be onboard for a southbound cruise from Seward to Vancouver, B.C.

As I boarded the ship and began to explore, I was overwhelmed with this ship’s space and layout. In what’s been described as a “design twist”, the Island Princess features two full decks of public spaces, versus the traditional single Promenade Deck. I found the ship’s four-storey atrium to be alive with sophisticated colors and lighting. One visit you’d find a string quartet playing “Yesterday” by the Beatles, and next you’d be entertained by piano music coming from the Crooners Lounge.

If the space in the ship’s public spaces were not large enough, my cabin was in a class of its own as well. I had a mini-suite with a private balcony. This was a treat like none other. The mini-suites with private balcony come with twin beds that convert into a queen sized bed. The private balcony was so large you wanted to invite everyone from home over. It also has two TV’s incase you wanted to watch both the baseball and football game while cruising Glacier Bay. Let us not forget the refrigerator, bath with tub and shower, all wrapped up in 323 square feet including balcony. To say this was wonderful would be a huge understatement.

Our ship was scheduled to depart from the Port of Seward at 10 pm, much later than I had done before. However, I was getting used to the very long days of sunlight Alaska’s summer provided. While in Fairbanks days before, the sun would set around 11:30 pm and rise around 3:30 am. Now as we were farther south in Seward it would be dark for sailing, but still a much longer day than I was used to on the West coast of Florida.

It was dinnertime onboard and we had chosen Traditional Dining for our weeklong cruise. One thing I learned was Princess Cruises views dining as a form of entertainment. Food preparation and presentation is taken very serious. You will find only the best quality food items. Furthermore, the men and women who oversee the ballet of buffets, afternoon teas and formal dining, direct it like a Broadway show.

We chose Traditional Dining but Princess Cruises has what they call Personal Choice Dining. Only Princess offers this innovative approach to dining, enabling guests to dine how, when and with whom they want. Passengers may choose either a restaurant style option that allows them the same flexibility found in shore side establishments, or the traditional cruise dining experience with an assigned dining time, tablemates and wait staff no other cruise line offers both of these options.

Personal Choice dining also means it is your choice to eat anytime you’d like. This means you have the option to eat in a 24-hour restaurant. This is no “Denny’s of the Sea”, this is great food choices cooked “A la’ Minuet” to provide only the freshest food to its guests onboard. You will also find freshly made pizza served by the slice served poolside at Princess Pizza pizzeria. Many cruise lines have added specialty restaurants onboard. Princess, keeping with their food-loving philosophy, offers more options than any other cruise line. The Island Princess offers two such specialty restaurants. The first being the Bayou Cafe’ where passengers can enjoy traditional Cajun and Creole influenced food and live jazz in the first New Orleans-themed restaurant at sea, with a look and feel straight out of the French Quarter. You’ll find a menu with dining choices such as peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs, gumbos and jambalaya, not to mention the obligatory bevy of exotic cocktails. Cover charge ($8) includes complimentary Hurricane Cocktail. Next, you’ll find Sabatini’s, offering Italian dining and featuring seafood specialties and other traditional favorites served with flair in an authentic trattoria-like setting. Some cruisers feel that the specialty restaurants are not worth the additional fee, or do not want to pay anything “extra” while on a cruise. It’s been my experience that the price is well worth it and most of the fee goes directly to the staff in tips. So please do not pass up on these specialty restaurants, as they are indeed special.

As my first sea day came up, I was really impressed with all the activities to be experienced onboard. The Lotus Spa offered a vast array of treatments and massages at some great rates. The spa was very beautifully decorated, and had a caring staff. My companion, who has cruised many times said the staff was first class and the treatment wonderful. As I further explored the ship I found that the internet caf, which is located off the atrium, was great. They even had a table setup with coffee and cream for you to enjoy nearby. I really enjoyed this touch very much. The caf has wonderful leather chairs, and flat panel monitors that made reading email or surfing the net enjoyable. The only downside is connections do go down from time to time due to being in Alaska.

One program I found onboard that was most surprising was Princess’ new Scholarship@Sea enrichment programs. The program was started in early 2003 and the Island Princess is only the second ship to offer the program. She follows her sister ship Coral Princess in offering classes in its state-the-art, multi-purpose Universe Lounge. During my cruise I went to a cooking demonstration given by the cruise line’s corporate executive chef Alfredo Marzi. It was just like watching ‘Emeril Live’ or other great cooking shows. This included smell-a-vision since you’re right there in the audience to smell the fresh garlic, wine and spices. I really enjoyed it and have never seen a cooking demonstration like it before. It was both educational and entertaining with a state-of- the- art presentation. Everyone had a perfect view, due to large screen TV’s and the great layout of the Universe Lounge. Later in the week I had the pleasure of attending a lecture given by Princess Cruise Lines’ Fleet Commodore Moulin (ret). I was able to learn about his life at sea, from how it began until his retirement. It was fascinating and I quickly was convinced that I really preferred these types of programs on a cruise. I’ve not been a big gambler, so did not attend Bingo or even the art auction onboard. So having these offerings is wonderful. I was even more surprised when I found out how much more was available. You can choose from approximately 20 courses per voyage (six per sea day) from four core subject areas Culinary Arts, Visual/Creative Arts, Photography, and Computer Technology. Italian cooking, hand-built pottery, digital travel photography, web page design, estate planning and water color techniques are just a few of the courses offered. All courses are free of charge and passengers can enjoy as many as they wish. If you want to continue your onboard education you can take smaller classes onboard for a $10 fee.

As you may have guessed with all of this entertainment, enrichment and food onboard you might not want to get off the ship. Being onboard the Island Princess was like staying at a luxurious resort. I know many other cruise lines are striving for this but Princess cruises offers it today in the Island Princess. Your days are filled with food, entertainment, ports of call and personal choices.

As the Island Princess ship pulled into Vancouver and under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, I looked back and knew I had experienced something special. Since I had never been to Alaska, this trip was a journey like no other. I found Alaska to truly be a “Wilderness Wonderland” and having a ship like the Island Princess as your platform for discovery is a must do for this cruise addict.

Explore, Dream, Discover

John Shallo is the editor and web publisher of Cruise Addicts.

Click here for SLIDESHOW of photo’s from this voyage:
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/photogallery/main.php?g2_view=slideshow.Slideshow&g2_itemId=1535

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/An-Alaskan-Adventure-Cruise-Aboard-the-Island-Princess/3300

Coral Princess Hotel and Resort $353.34 Coral Princess Hotel and Resort is located on the beach in Cozumel, close to Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, La Plaza Cozumel, and Palacio Municipal. Another point of interest is Isla de Pasion. Hotel Features. Coral Princess Hotel and Resort features a restaurant, a poolside bar, a bar/lounge, and a swim up bar. Room service is available. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. Spa amenities include spa services and massage/treatment rooms. This 3.0 star property offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Cozumel property has event space consisting of banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. Wedding services, concierge services, and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include an arcade/game room, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. There are 142 guestrooms at Coral Princess Hotel and Resort. Guestrooms have balconies. At the 3.0 star property, accommodations include kitchenettes with microwaves, coffee/tea makers, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms feature makeup/shaving mirrors, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. In addition to desks and in room safes, guestrooms offer direct dial phones. Televisions have cable channels. Air conditioned rooms also include blackout drapes/curtains and electronic/magnetic keys. Guests may request refrigerators and wake up calls. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Cribs (infant beds) and rollaway beds are available on request. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:The following mandatory hotel imposed fees are charged and collected by the hotel either at check in or check out. Cleaning fee: US$ 4.5 per room, per night for housekeeping The above list may not be comprehensive. Mandatory hotel imposed fees may not include tax and are subject to change. Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out.

Coral Princess Hotel $186.67 Located in central San Juan, Coral Princess Hotel is near the airport and close to Condado Beach, Puerto Rico Convention Center, and Alcaldia. Additional points of interest near this boutique hotel include San Juan Cathedral and La Fortaleza Palacio de Santa Catalina. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a spa tub. This 2.5 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers small meeting rooms and limo/town car service. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This San Juan property has 3 meeting rooms. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest parking is complimentary. Wedding services, concierge services, and tour assistance are available. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. There are 25 guestrooms at Coral Princess Hotel. Guestrooms have city, pool, or garden views. Rooms are individually decorated and furnished. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, down comforters, and premium bedding. Refrigerators and minibars are offered. Bathrooms feature bathtubs, jetted bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wired high speed Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks and complimentary newspapers, guestrooms offer cordless phones. LCD televisions have premium cable channels. Air conditioned rooms also include washers/dryers, blackout drapes/curtains, welcome amenities, and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is available daily. Cribs (infant beds) and rollaway beds are available on request. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking: US$ 13 per night (in/out privileges)Late check out: US$ 75Rollaway bed: US$ 25 per nightCrib (infant bed): US$ 25 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Cruise Ship Tycoon $6 Get ready to rule the seven seas with Cruise Ship Tycoon, the management simulation game that lets you build, staff, promote and command your very own luxury cruise ship as you set sail for exotic destinations all over the world.

Hotel Cruise $436.24 Located in Lucino, Hotel Cruise is near the airport and close to Castello Baradello, Volta Temple, and Villa Olmo. Nearby points of interest also include Cathedral of Como and Basilica of Sant’Abbondio. Hotel Features. Hotel Cruise features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This 4.0 star property offers small meeting rooms, secretarial services, and limo/town car service. Wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). This Lucino property has 945 square meters of event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit space. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. There are 218 guestrooms at Hotel Cruise. Bathrooms feature handheld showerheads and rainfall showerheads. They also offer bidets, designer toiletries, and slippers. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer direct dial phones. 26 inch flat panel televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. Air conditioned rooms also include minibars, blackout drapes/curtains, and electronic/magnetic keys. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake up calls. Cribs (infant beds) and rollaway beds are available on request. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Fee for high speed Internet (wired) in all public areas: EUR 10 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Fee for wireless Internet in all public areas: EUR 10 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Fee for in room high speed Internet (wired): EUR 10 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Crib (infant bed): EUR 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise $43.25 Cruise into the World Famous Key West Sunset in comfort aboard the FURY Glass Bottom Boat and leave your worries behind! Explore dramatic underwater vistas generally reserved for scuba divers before the sun sets. Experience North America?s only living coral reef

Dennis the Menace – Cruise Control (DVD) $13.99 Dennis Mitchell continues to menace his neighbors such as Mr. Wilson in this animated comedy. The action moves from Dennis` suburban neighborhood to the high seas where Dennis and his family are aboard a cruise ship. As they sail across the ocean blue, Dennis and his friends stumble across a princess who is being hypnotized by two criminals. When Dennis learns that these ruffians are after the princess` jewels, he unleashes his brand of revenge using some of his most devilish tricks.

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Dancing Crew Member

Fear Not! You Can Book Your Own Cruise Of A Lifetime! by Jacqueline Michaels

Many people are simply overwhelmed when it comes time to book the cruise vacation of their dreams. There are so many options, so many cruise lines, so many destinations, and so many considerations. The list just continues on and on until one feels like they will never be able to sort through the jumble to find the perfect vacation package. But you can book the cruise vacation that you’ve always dreamed of. And while you can use a travel agent to do it, you can do it just as easily on your own if you know how.

The first step to booking your cruise vacation is to research and gather all of the cruise information you can find. Doing a keyword search online is a great place to start. You can also visit your local travel agent for brochures and catalogues printed by Princess Cruise Lines and various other cruise lines. Compare prices, destinations, and overall service of each vacation package offered to get a basic idea of what type of package you would like to purchase.

Next you will need to choose your destination. Again, the internet is a great tool. Online you will find tourist information, pictures, and testimonials for all of the top cruise destinations in the world. Your local travel agent may also be able to give you some insight into which ports are most popular among which types of travelers. Another great source of information are friends and acquaintances that have traveled with a cruise line. They can give you a unique perspective and advice on which destinations to avoid and which ones to include in your itinerary.

Before you visit your travel agent or book online, you should have a good idea of how much money you can spend and how long of a cruise you would like to take. Keep in mind that the time of year that you book your cruise can have a huge impact on the price you will pay. This means that you may be able to book a longer cruise with more ports of call for the same price of a shorter cruise if you book during the off season.

Once you have gathered and researched all of the information, you can begin booking your cruise. You can do this through a respected and well-known travel agent of your choosing or you can book your cruise yourself online or directly through the cruise line itself. No matter which method you choose, you will have to make several decisions about your vacation at this point in the planning process. Here are just a few:

1. Choose your point of departure and the travel method that you will use to get there.

2. Decide on ports of call and any extra activities that you may wish to take advantage of.

3. Choose your stateroom. Keep in mind that staterooms vary in price, amenities, size, and services available.

4. Become familiar with cancellation policies and restrictions.

5. Find out if you will be required to put down a deposit and how much it will be. Some cruise lines will require you to pay the full amount due up front.

Travel Agent or Book Yourself?

While finding a cheap price used to be the motivation that kept people glued to their computer well into the night looking for the perfect deal on a cruise, the popularity of cruises has led to the equalization of cruise prices all across the board. This means that you will probably pay the same price for a cruise that you book yourself as you would for one that you book through a travel agency. So which method should you choose? Take a quick look at the following advantages of each before you make your decision.

Booking with a travel agent has many advantages over booking online, and since the cruise line pays the agent a commission for booking the trip with its line, there is virtually no cost to you when you use an agent. Here are just a few of the advantages of booking your vacation through an agent:

1. An agent is quite familiar with all of the cruise lines available and the packages that they offer. This helps them to quickly narrow in on a package of your choice without having to do a lot of unnecessary research.

2. Since agents are familiar with popular cruise lines but are not employed by them, they can give you unbiased advice concerning your vacation and which cruise line you should travel with.

3. Most travel agents are certified or licensed through the Cruise Line International Association and the Travel Institute.

4. A travel agent will look for reduced pricing for your trip even after it has been booked and rebook your sea voyage for you at a lower price if and when it becomes available.

5. In the unfortunate even that something goes awry during your trip, your travel agent will act as a mediatory between you and the offending cruise line.

Booking online also has many advantages. Although a rare occurrence, searching for last minute deals online can still yield results. But even if you can’t find a last minute cruise bargain, you may choose to book online for one of the following reasons:

1. Online cruise websites contain most of the information that is available to travel agents. This puts the control of your vacation directly into your hands. You may also be able to browse inside information that would not have come up during a normal meeting with your travel agent.

2. You can access online travel agencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows for a lot of convenience and flexibility, which is perfect for people who have a hard time keeping and making appointments.

3. When it comes to researching your vacation, there is no better place to do it than online. Here you will find numerous research tools as well as photos, diagrams, reviews, schedules, and videos just to name a few.

4. Using an online calendar, you can search for the most inexpensive package available through the cruise line of your choosing. Sometimes you can save a few hundred dollars by leaving a week earlier or later than your scheduled time frame.

5. Since your travel agent narrows in on certain lines, ships, and destinations according to your wants and needs, you may not be able to browse all of the options available. Booking online will allow you to do this and more.

As you can see, there are many advantages of each, so it may be hard to make a decision. If you’re finding this to be true, you may want to book your vacation through an agent and perform additional research online yourself. Whatever your decision, once you have looked at all the details, go for it!

Visit http://www.cruiselinestips.com or search Princess Cruise Lines for more details on your dream cruise!

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Fear-Not–You-Can-Book-Your-Own-Cruise-Of-A-Lifetime-/107725

Faydra – Cruises the Canadian West Coast (DVD) $44.1 A video voyage aboard the 38-ft. sailing vessel Faydra along the Pacific Northwest including a portion of S.E. Alaska.

Highlights of Alaska $2349 In North America, you cant get much further off the gridboth mentally and physicallythan Alaska. Perched at the top of the continent, its practically its own planet; an otherworldly land of massive glaciers, towering peaks and rare wildlife. Our adventure up here is suitably out-of-this-world, dropping you deep into the heart of northern nature with glacier cruises, kayak-borne fjord excursions and the raw natural beauty of Denali National Park. Its a huge place, but dont worry; your savvy local CEO will help you tame this vast, sprawling, flat-out gorgeous land.

Spirit Dinner Cruises $103 Spirit Dinner Cruises

Frommer`s Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call 2012 (Paperback) $31.28 Frommer`s Complete Guides – IN FULL COLORAmerica`s #1 bestselling travel seriesMore full-color guides than ever beforeFoldout maps in annual guidesOutspoken opinions, exact prices, and insider tips

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Hello from San Diego A waterfront stroll & a tour of the historic Sofia Hotel by arther

Today was our relocation day: we moved from our vacation apartment in Solana Beach in San Diego to the chic Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego. On another brilliant day we arrived at the hotel at about 10 am, but our room was not ready yet, so we decided to embark on some brief local explorations.

While my husband was off shopping for some souvenirs, I headed straight south to San Diego’s waterfront. My first destination was Seaport Village, a shopping and dining complex located right next to San Diego Bay that is comprised of more than 70 retail stores, galleries and restaurants. Opened in 1980, Seaport Village was built on landfill over Punta de los Muertos (Point of the Dead), the burial ground for victims of scurvy who had been part of the 1782 Spanish expedition.

Seaport Village’s Victorian, Mexican and East Coast style architecture and its four miles of meandering cobble-stoned walkways create an inviting waterfront environment for shopping and dining. The assortment of merchandise includes souvenirs, clothing, kites, wind chimes and unique gift ideas. Galleries and art retailers round out the offering, and live music is offered frequently throughout the year. An original 1895 carousel with hand carved animals enchants adults and children. Culinary options include four fine dining restaurants and thirteen casual eateries.

An outdoor exhibit of oversized globes currently adds extra interest to Seaport Village. â€Cool Globes †Hot ideas for a cooler planet†features 40 inspiring globes that depict simple solutions to global warming. The globes were designed by local, national and international artists and have been traveling on the road in places such as Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco and will be on display in Los Angeles and London in 2009.

Further north of Seaport Village is the Embarcadero which features the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that was in operation between 1945 and 1992. It was donated as a museum ship and has been moored on San Diego’s Navy Pier since 2004. Visitors can tour the ship’s flight deck, mess hall, bridge, flight control area, officers’ quarters, sickbay and portions of the engine room. Evening events are frequently held on this massive ship and a caf adorns the rear of the ship. A portion of the ship overlooking San Diego Harbor can be accessed free of charge while admission to the rest of the ship is $17.00.

San Diego has long been a centre for the US Navy and the area around the USS Midway features many reminders of military history including the Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial, dedicated to a historic naval battle in 1944. The Bob Hope Tribute, also called the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military, is an impressive collection of larger than life-size bronze figures that commemorate Bob Hope’s five decades of support in entertaining soldiers, airmen and sailors, starting in 1943.

The National Salute consists of 16 figures on a circular plaza that surround a sculpture of Bob Hope, entertaining the crowd in front of a microphone. The surrounding figures are authentic depictions of military personnel from different eras including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War era and the first Persian Gulf War.

Among the many pieces of public art along this waterfront walk, one of the most stunning is â€Unconditional Surrenderâ€, a 25-foot sculpture of a sailor kissing a young nurse. The sculpture commemorates the moment when World War II was finally over, and joy and euphoria swept the world. Inspired by a famous photo of the V-J Day Celebrations on Times Square, this sculpture by Seward J. Johnson is on loan to the San Diego port until the end of February of 2009.

Further north along the waterfront is the Cruise Terminal, located at the B Street Pier along North Harbour Drive. San Diego is a port of call for many major cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Carribean and Princess Cruises. Almost 620,000 cruise passengers arrived in San Diego in 2006. Local harbour cruises can also be accessed in this area, and a central office of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau is located right across the street from the cruise terminal.

Now it was time to head back into the head hotel and finally check in. Within less than ten minutes I had arrived at the Sofia Hotel. The front office staff was very friendly, and our suitcases had already been brought up to Suite 602, a Deluxe Studio Suite. Our sleek modern bedroom was enhanced by a sitting room with a second flat screen television and an ergonomic desk. Our bathroom featured a full bath with a luxurious shower head, and a vanity area complete with fresh orchids in the bedroom area.

Always driven by my curiosity, I managed to convince two of the hotel’s employees to give me a tour of the entire hotel a few minutes later. Brian Wells from the front desk and Danny Miranda, a bellboy, graciously agreed and started by explaining the history of the Hotel Sofia to me. Two of the hotel’s towers were built in 1926 and opened a year later as the Pickwick Hotel. The property was part of the Pickwick Corporation, a company that provided 22 stage coach routes in California. The design was Neo Gothic and in 1928 two additional hotel towers were added.

From 1928 to 1944 the hotel even became the location of a broadcasting station called KGB (no association with the former Russian secret service agency). In 1929 Pickwick Stages merged with the Greyhound Corporation. During the 1940s and 1950s the Pickwick Hotel remained a popular tourist and entertainment location, and locals and guests alike enjoyed the Piccadilly Lounge. During the 1950s city council required the decorative architectural elements to be removed from the faade, to prevent potential injuries during an earthquake.

From the mid 1950s to the mid 1980s downtown San Diego experienced a protracted decline and lost its luster as a retail and entertainment destination. Now under new ownership, the Pickwick Hotel started to show its age as well.

New owners Ken Winslow and Harki Parekh purchased the property in 1986 and systematically started to repair the hotel over the next 20 years. With the opening of the immensely successful Horton Plaza retail mall, the rejuvenation of the historic Gaslamp District and the construction of Petco Park, downtown San Diego became a desirable destination again. The location of this hotel was absolutely ideal for us in our discoveries of downtown San Diego.

After this brief introduction of the hotel’s history, we stepped outside the hotel, which is located at the intersection of West Broadway and First Avenue. The statue of the businessman outside the entrance was dedicated to the Center City Development Corporation and City Council as a way of thanking the city for revitalizing this entire district. Brian pointed out that Horton Plaza and the Gaslamp District are literally just a 10 minute walk away. The Sofia is also just seven blocks from the waterfront and the Port area.

Talking about history, the Sofia Hotel became a member of the Historic Hotels of America last year and is the only historic hotel in downtown San Diego. A photo in the entrance area shows the radio towers that used to adorn the hotel in 1934 where 50,000 Watts of airwaves were beamed out all over San Diego.

In a hallway to the left of the lobby we stopped to admire some pictures of the renovation. Brass pictures of the designer, the architects and the owners adorn the wall. One of the pictures shows the renovation, and the unique thing about the entire remodeling process was that the owners kept 12 housekeepers as well as Brian and Danny on staff to help with the demolition. The team removed carpets, ceiling fans, sinks and toilets from 242 hotel rooms, and 720 old doors were ripped out. Danny and Brian said it was great to keep their jobs during the renovation phase and to participate in the transformation of this hotel. Their sense of ownership and pride of the newly restored and glamorous Sofia Hotel was obvious.

Less than three weeks away from Christmas, the lobby was aglow with holiday decorations. Brian added that the hotel currently features a total of 14 Christmas trees, all decorated by the owners. Real orchids adorn the common areas as well as all the hotel rooms. At the back of the lobby facing the entrance is a painting of a young girl on the beaches of Coronado. This girl, Ken Winslow’s granddaughter, is named Sofia and was the inspiration for the new name of the completely remodeled hotel. A cozy sitting area invites guests to sit down and relax by the fireplace.

To the left of the lobby is the business centre which features three brand-new desktop computers, high-speed fibre-optic Internet, colour and black & white printers and fax capabilities. This business centre is available to the guests 24 hours a day.

Strolling back out into the lobby we turned right into â€Currantâ€, the sleek modern 120-seat restaurant on the- main floor of the Hotel Sofia. Established in 2007, Currant offers upscale American-French cuisine and is open every day for hotel guests and the public. High ceilings, graphic tiles, elaborate chandeliers, uniquely-styled furniture and a private room secluded with sheer curtains, offer a sophisticated ambience.

Heading upstairs now we were on the mezzanine level where several of the Sofia’s awards are proudly on display. Within less than two years since its reopening, the Sofia Hotel has won two Best of Citysearch awards as well as an Expedia Insider’s Select Award. This distinction is only granted to the top 1% of hotels. The restaurant has also won some awards, and the Sofia has also garnered an ASID Design Excellence Award.

Around the corner Brian and Danny took me to two state-of-the-art conference rooms that are equipped for video conferencing and projection. The larger boardroom holds 32 people while the smaller 20-seat boardroom is anchored by a massive antique wooden table. Down the corridor we stepped into the Yoga and Fitness Centre, an amenity that is open 24 hours a day. The hotel even has its own yoga trainer and offers guests TVs, DVD players, fresh towels, bottled water, and infused orange water. The Sofia Hotel has even produced its own yoga DVD!

After the common facilities Brian and Danny took me to room 633, a corner room. A standard room with a queen bed, this room offers an excellent view towards the Port of San Diego. A smaller-size but well-designed room, it features high-quality beds, therapeutic queen pillow tops and luxurious down comforters. A flat-panel TV, digital safe, ironing board and iron, and blow dryer add to the amenities. A coffee maker and a microwave allow guests to look after their most basic needs. Ice machines on different floors provide the necessary cooling power for a private evening retreat with champagne.

The hallways are decorated in a sophisticated sage green colour scheme and the carpet is of upscale quality. After the renovation, the number of rooms was reduced to 211 guest rooms, down from the original 242 rooms. The extra space was taken up by the conference rooms and the yoga / fitness studio.

Steps away in suite 601, Brian illustrated the conveniences of a private bedroom featuring a queen size bed and a sofa pullout bed in the sitting room. A queen-size suite can therefore accommodate up to four people. High-tech reading lights can be angled in any direction, and the alarm clock radio comes with an Ipod / MP3 docking station. Flat panel TVs are available in the bedroom and the sitting room. All the vanity areas feature attractive dark wood cabinets, all adorned with real orchids. Upscale soaps and toiletries pamper the guests, and bottled water is complimentary.

To conclude the tour, Brian and Danny gave me a few tips for exploring San Diego: Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, Old Town, Seaport Village and Coronado are among the most popular local tourist attractions. The upscale area of La Jolla and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography are a little further afield. I was already looking forward to joining tomorrow morning’s tour through the Gaslamp District, offered free by the Sofia Hotel. A visit to Balboa Park would round out our adventures in San Diego.

Not only had we found a great central location in San Diego; by staying at the Sofia Hotel we had also connected with local history and discovered a unique place that has tastefully preserved a 1920s property and brought it into the new millennium with top-notch modern amenities.

Susanne Pacher is a Travel Journalist specializing in Unconventional Travel you can get tons of great unconventional and unique travel information and tips if you Click Here

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Hello-from-San-Diego-A-waterfront-stroll—a-tour-of-the-historic-Sofia-Hotel/941584

Spirit Dinner Cruises $103 Spirit Dinner Cruises

Circle Line Cruises – The Beast $24 Circle line sightseeing cruises the beast!

Famous Cruises Through Customs $6 Famous Cruises Through Customs – Ben Benjamin

Burt Wolf:Great River Cruises $36.75 Burt Wolf:Great River Cruises

Bhaya Cruises $307.42 Bhaya Cruises is located in the Bai Chay neighborhood of Halong. Hotel Features.This Halong property has a private beach. Dining options at Bhaya Cruises include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. A complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast is served daily. Recreational amenities include a waterpark. Also located on site is a spa tub. Spa amenities include spa services, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and body treatments. This 4.0 star property offers small meeting rooms, technology support staff, and limo/town car service. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. For a surcharge, shuttle services include an area shuttle which runs to destinations within 102 mi and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Wedding services and tour/ticket assistance are available. Other property amenities at this Art Deco property include a coffee shop/caf?, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. This is a smoke free property. A total renovation of this property was completed in September 2009. Guestrooms. There are 60 guestrooms at Bhaya Cruises. Guestrooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Guestrooms have sea views. Rooms are individually decorated and furnished. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses and premium bedding. Bathrooms feature showers with handheld showerheads. They also offer makeup/shaving mirrors, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Guestrooms offer phones and desks. Air conditioned rooms also include ceiling fans, blackout drapes/curtains, and welcome amenities. Guests may request irons/ironing boards and hair dryers. A nightly turndown service and housekeeping are available. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications:Under Vietnamese law, a guest who is not a Vietnamese citizen cannot share a room with a Vietnamese citizen without proof of marriage to each other. Otherwise, a second room must be booked.Guests must transfer to the property via required shuttle and must arrange the transfers by contacting the property before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There are no room charges for children 5 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. No onsite parking is available. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property.

Princess $6 Princess

Cruise control: Vietnam veteran Alan Buckelew has worked his way up the chain of command to take the helm of Princess Cruises.(PEOPLE)(Interview): An article from: Los Angeles Business Journal $9.95 This digital document is an article from Los Angeles Business Journal, published by CBJ, L.P. on November 8, 2010. The length of the article is 2536 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation DetailsTitle: Cruise control: Vietnam veteran Al…

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Carnival cruise lines fun ships by jakey

Traveling means seeking for fun and relaxation. And it can be best achieve by riding a first-class cruise line whose primary services about bringing fun to its customers. Ride The Fun Ship with an atmosphere of all-day fun and party.

Carnival Cruise Lines define the word fun. They are built to cater fun and excitement among younger passengers. Their pride is about creating memorable vacations for the guests and offering a wide array of quality cruises that present outstanding value for the money. This is the home for many entertainers and other cruise ship jobs that can give every passengers the delight that they wanted.
Brief History

CCL has a large number of cruise ships that travels to different parts of the world. The founder is Ted Arison, who started everything in 1972, with just one ship bought for only $1. Carnival was on its worst but Ted came up with a good idea of combining fun and travel. In 1989 its first acquisition was made with the premium operator Holland America Line (this included Windstar Cruises and Holland America Tours) and its second in 1992, of the operator Seabourn Cruise Line. Following this acquisition is the changing of the name from Carnival Cruise Line to Carnival Corporation. Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess Cruises plc. merged on 17 April 2003 creating one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies: at the time P&O Princess Cruises was renamed Carnival plc.
Ships, Capacity, Destinations and Services

Carnival cruise line is one of the world’s richest. Their specialty is to create shorter and less expensive ships. The ships are known for their Las Vegas-style decorations and entertainment. They are called â€The Fun Ships†obviously because they provide fun to passengers. With the wide range of activities on board, people will surely find their stay worthwhile. The cruise line is focused more on fun services, wanting to make every people’s travel like a carnival visit wherein spectators came mainly for enjoyment. Carnival ships are recognized through a funnel with the colors of the American Flag. They’ve got a mascot named â€Fun Ship Freddyâ€, a character in the shape of the ship’s distinctive funnel.

Since 1972, Carnival Cruise Line has produced about 24 ships, with two more under construction. They have names with the word Carnival on it. Ships travel along the coasts of North and South America, Europe and other 60 countries all over the world finding the bests destinations. Travel starts on close-to-home ports found on the cities of Florida.

If you are undecided where to go, you can choose their tour called â€Cruise to Nowhereâ€. A couple of days exploring the sea will make you witness the best of the world. Cruises to nowhere is a fantastic opportunity to taste the superb of services that includes delicious dining options, luxurious spas, exciting entertainment like the seaside theater and shopping friendly-casinos. There are no other cruise line that will bring you nowhere this fun and exciting.

Each day that you will wake up in a Carnival Cruise ship is another day of fun. Party with over 3,500 people along with the crews and staffs. Everyone in the ship will make sure that you will go back home with a smile. Look for a vacation packed with good times and laughter. So come and enjoy that Carnival difference on the The Fun Ship, experience a tour draped with amusement and joy. Ride a cruise ship where fun comes in waves.

Cruise ship jobs are one of the best jobs that one can have as they are paid to see the world. Know more about cruise ship jobs and how you can successfully land on one and get more details about cruise employment and cruise ship jobs.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Carnival-cruise-lines-fun-ships/607442

Zephyr Seaport Liberty Cruise $27 Zephyr Seaport Liberty Cruise

Downtown Cruise (60-min) Gateway to America $18 Sightseeing cruises of New York on Gray Line’s CitySightseeing Cruises. Cruise by the Statue of Liberty, The Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC Skyline.

World Yacht Dinner Cruise $174 NYC Dinner cruise from World Yacht for premier cuisine and beautiful views of the city.

Circle Line Harbor Cruises – 75 Min $27 75min Harbor boat Cruise of NYC by Circle Line.

Midtown Cruise (90-min) $28 NYC Cruises of the harbours and skyline on Gray Line’s CitySightseeing Cruises.

Night On the Town Tour $89 New York Bus tours at Night with entrance to Top of the Rock obeservatory, Dinner at Grotta Azzura, Highline Park Walking tour and a NY Water Taxi Cruise.

For Jobs and Freedom $94.26 Whether as slaves or freedmen, the political and social status of African Americans has always been tied to their ability to participate in the nation`s economy. Freedom in the post-Civil War years did not guarantee equality, and African Americans from emancipation to the present have faced the seemingly insurmountable task of erasing pervasive public belief in the inferiority of their race.      For Jobs and Freedom: Race and Labor in America since 1865 describes the African American struggle to obtain equal rights in the workplace and organized labor`s response to their demands. Award-winning historian Robert H. Zieger asserts that the promise of jobs was similar to the forty-acres-and-a-mule restitution pledged to African Americans during the Reconstruction era. The inconsistencies between rhetoric and action encouraged workers, both men and women, to organize themselves into unions to fight against unfair hiring practices and workplace discrimination.  Though the path proved difficult, unions gradually obtained rights for African American workers with prominent leaders at their fore. In 1925, A. Philip Randolph formed the first black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, to fight against injustices committed by the Pullman Company, an employer of significant numbers of African Americans. The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) emerged in 1935, and its population quickly swelled to include over 500,000 African American workers. The most dramatic success came in the 1960s with the establishment of affirmative action programs, passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII enforcement measures prohibiting employer discrimination

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Dennis the Menace – Cruise Control (DVD) $13.99 Dennis Mitchell continues to menace his neighbors such as Mr. Wilson in this animated comedy. The action moves from Dennis` suburban neighborhood to the high seas where Dennis and his family are aboard a cruise ship. As they sail across the ocean blue, Dennis and his friends stumble across a princess who is being hypnotized by two criminals. When Dennis learns that these ruffians are after the princess` jewels, he unleashes his brand of revenge using some of his most devilish tricks.

The Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Womens Costume $35.96 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

Adult the Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Costume $39.97 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

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Knoxville Opera: Otello Tickets $245 Buy Knoxville Opera: Otello, tickets. Tickets for 04/29/2012 at Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN are available. Ticketliquidator.com gets you in!

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Are You Saying You Can’t Afford A Cruise? Think Again! by Jacqueline Michaels

Gee, How Much Does A Cruise Cost?

Okay, let’s say that you’ve decided to take the family on a cruise, or just you and your significant other, and now you need to figure out how much it’s going to cost. Your first glimpse at typical fares offered online has left you more than a little skeptical about the affordability of taking your vacation to the seas. But before you nix the whole cruise idea and book a stay at a dude ranch, why not take a more thorough look at cruise pricing? You may just find that you are getting a great deal and that cruises are actually cheaper than your typical run-of-the-mill vacation.

The problem with cruise pricing is that cruise lines hit you right up front with the numbers, (WHAM!) and that can be a little hard to swallow. But if you can get past your initial shock and not click off your browser, you will find that most cruises are all inclusive, meaning that the entire cost of your vacation is included in the fare price.

Far from just providing you with accommodations, your cruise fare will cover the following: meals and snacks, admission to lounges and nightclubs aboard ship, and tickets to view live bands, productions, and comedy shows. In most cruise lines, the cost of meals alone accounts for up to $75 per day of your fare. Once you subtract this amount and the amount that it would cost for daily entertainment while on a land-based vacation, you could very well be getting your accommodations aboard the ship for free. Sounds like a bargain, huh?

The price for taking a cruise varies greatly and depends on several factors. In some cases, you can book a fare for well under $1,000 per person. Others can cost up to $6,000 per person. It really just depends on your preferences and also how you go about booking your trip. Following is a list of several factors that can affect the cost of your cruise:

1. Time of year – The time of year that you plan to take your cruise will greatly affect the cost of your fare. As with most vacation destinations, the cost of a cruise fare is lower during the off season and higher during the peak season

2. Length – Obviously the length of the cruise will affect the price. If you’re looking for a cruise vacation at a great price, you may want to choose a shorter, 3-day cruise instead of a cruise that lasts 10 days or more.

3. Destination – The cruise destination will also affect the price of your ticket. Generally, the most popular cruise destinations cost more and are harder to book.

4. Type – Many cruise lines offer themed cruises or ones designed for a special group of people. These normally cost more than cruises open to the general public.

5. The cruise line – Different cruise lines have different pricing tables. If you have a favorite line that you wish to travel with, you might be limited when it comes to finding a lower fare. But if you are flexible, you might be able to find a cheaper deal to the same destination simply by choosing a different cruise line.

6. The type of ship Cruise lines have different types of ships with different pricing tables for each. A smaller ship will likely have fewer amenities than a larger ship and will therefore be less expensive to book a passage on.

7. Accommodations The size of your room, the view from your cabin, and how many people are staying in it will affect pricing a great deal. To save money, many people opt for an inside stateroom rather than a room that faces outward and has a terrace. The deck that your room is located on will also affect the cost.

8. Package options Many cruise lines offer extras or upgrades that can be purchased along with your fare.

9. Promotions If you book a cruise as part of a promotion or special offer, you can save a lot of money on your fare. You can also save money by booking in advance and paying for your fare quickly.

Other cost considerations that you will need to make when calculating the cost of your vacation include any traveling costs to get you to the location where your cruise takes off and a little bit of spending money for souvenirs and purchases made while docked.

Other than that, normally what you see is what you get in cruise pricing. But I do want to say to be sure you ask about any thing that is not included so you don’t get surprised. Ask about any additional taxes, charges, surcharges and even take a look at tipping and also figure out of pocket expenses on shore excursion or the purchase of any items or services on the ship that might not be included. Some offered tours on some of the shore excursions might have their own price. If your not sure ask your travel agent, or someone you know that has been on a cruise, or look for what you think is a good cruise forum on the web and maybe post a question or two, or even write/email the cruise line itself and then you’ll have something in writing. This way the budget for your cruise will be more accurate and you’ll feel more confident and relaxed. And getting away to relax is the point, right?

Yes, you may pay a little more up front, but all the things already included in the costs makes a cruise vacation quite a bargain over many other types of vacations. Plus, during a cruise you can visit numerous exotic locations instead of being stuck in one place for the whole duration of your trip and you don’t have to do any of the driving. And that’s the real attraction of taking a cruise, it becomes many little exotic adventures…

See? You can afford that dream vacation! Maybe one on Princess Cruise Lines. Jacqueline Michaels writes at http://www.cruiselinestips.com

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Are-You-Saying-You-Can-t-Afford-A-Cruise–Think-Again-/105152

Dennis the Menace – Cruise Control (DVD) $13.99 Dennis Mitchell continues to menace his neighbors such as Mr. Wilson in this animated comedy. The action moves from Dennis` suburban neighborhood to the high seas where Dennis and his family are aboard a cruise ship. As they sail across the ocean blue, Dennis and his friends stumble across a princess who is being hypnotized by two criminals. When Dennis learns that these ruffians are after the princess` jewels, he unleashes his brand of revenge using some of his most devilish tricks.

The Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Womens Costume $35.96 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

Adult the Love Boat Julie Mccoy Cruise Director Costume $39.97 Features a jacket, skirt and top. **GO AS A COUPLE – EACH COSTUME SOLD SEPARATELY** Julie McCoy of was the adorable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess on the 70′s TV Show, The Love Boat. She cou…

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The Alaska Cruise Handbook $33.25 Enjoy every minute of your Alaska vacation! Withthis comprehensive guide to the sights and stops on Alaska and Northwest Passage cruises, you can plan your trip and choose the ports and excursions that you find most appealing. With the author`s own wonderful Alaska stories and information on wildlife, native culture, landmarks, historical sites, shopping, and more, you won`t miss a thing. Upton`s HANDBOOK traces the route used by most Alaska cruises, with maps and text keyed to a route numbering/navagational system that is frequently announced onboard, allowing the passenger to easily follow his ship`s progress from Mile One. The wonderful illustrated maps and color photography throughout keep you informed throughout your journey, making a wonderful souvenier when it ends.

Alaska by Cruise Ship (Paperback) $35.91 Description not available.

The Alaska Cruise Handbook (Paperback) $36.16 Description not available.

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Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Cruise Ship Charm $60.99 This enchanting charm sparkles with beautiful diamond accents. This jewelry piece is made of sterling silver and features a highly polished finish. White Diamonds Diamonds: 20Diamond cut: RoundTotal diamond weight: 1/10 caratColor: H-IClarity: I1-I2Setting: Prong Metal information and dimensions Metal: Sterling silver Finish: High polishStyle: Cruise ShipClasp: Clip-onDimensions: 6 mm wide x 22 mm longAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. *T.W. (total weight) is approximate. 1/10 carat T.W. may be 0.08 to 0.12 carats. Treatment code N (diamond). See Gemstone Treatments for further information.

14k Gold Over Silver Diamond Accent Cruise Ship Charm $62.99 This enchanting charm sparkles with beautiful diamond accents. This jewelry piece is made of sterling silver and features a highly polished 14-karat gold finish. White Diamonds Diamonds: 20Diamond cut: RoundTotal diamond weight: 1/10* caratColor: H-IClarity: I1-I2Setting: Prong Metal information and dimensions Metal: Sterling silver and 14k gold Finish: High polishStyle: Cruise ShipClasp: Clip-onDimensions: 6 mm wide x 22 mm longAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. *T.W. (total weight) is approximate. 1/10 carat T.W. may be 0.08 to 0.12 carats. Treatment code N (diamond). See Gemstone Treatments for further information.

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