Princess includes a seven night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on every cruise-tour vacation package. You now need to decide how long you would like to spend exploring the natural beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

On a four night cruise-tour you can experience some of Alaska’s highlights featuring Denali, Anchorage and Fairbanks. You have the option of staying longer at your favorite destination.

Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean

Radisson Seven Seas is a luxury carrier in the small cruise line category. As such, a small number of passengers (only 198 to 700 based on individual ship capacity) are treated to personal service by a cruise line that has been selected by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure to be the “World’s Best Small Cruise Line”. Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the sophisticated traveler. Based upon service, quality dining, upscale accommodations, and service, Radisson Seven Seas has earned a six-star rating. The cruise line’s special accommodations include two 700 passenger all-balcony suites ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and one 490 passenger all-suites ship, Seven Seas Navigator. The Radisson Diamond is another unique ship due to its twin hull design. The Radisson Diamond carries 350 guests in luxury.

Crystal Cruises is another award-winning six-star cruise line. A reader’s poll by Travel + Leisure magazine named Crystal “World’s Best” in cruise line service. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has awarded Crystal “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” while Travel + Leisure called Crystal the “World’s Best Large - Ship Cruise Line”, both titles being given for the past nine years. Crystal Cruises boasts “extraordinary cuisine” coupled with impeccable service.

What To Expect on your first Cruise Experience

As this was our first cruise, we had been advised to choose an outside cabin which had natural light coming through the 2 portholes in our cabin. (See inside or outside). Once we boarded, we were escorted to our cabin by one of the many cabin stewards. Our luggage had not yet arrived so we decided to wander around the ship to get our bearings. This is always well worth doing as this also helps to get a feeling for the ship and its luxurious surroundings. We had also been advised that we would have to attend a lifeboat drill just after departure that was mandatory.

The ship had lots to offer with two swimming pools, a casino with Black Jack and Roulette, a card room, show lounge which also doubled up to give advice on forthcoming ports of call and the excursions available, plus a well stocked library.

Sun, sea, sand and relaxation are the very essence of Kos, an island that exudes typical Greek charm. Mountain villages, whitewashed houses and hillsides covered with lush Cypress groves are endless, as are the magnificent sandy beaches. The island’s capital, Kos Town, has a picturesque harbour and a good selection of tavernas, cafés and bars, coming to life at night with a buzzing pub/club scene.

A boat trip across the Aegean Sea to Nissyros is a must; this small island has a spectacular volcano where you can see the sulphur crystals forming. Don’t forget your camera! Kos can’t fail to please, as it really does have something for everyone.

Britons have been advised to stay safe when on the beach, as a recently-published report claims that the variable summer weather has led to more risk-taking from holidaymakers at sea.

Crystal Cruise Line has received numerous awards for excellence. For the last nine years, Conde Nast Traveler has named Crystal “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line”. Also for the last nine years, Travel + Leisure magazine has given Crystal the status of “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line”. And for service, a Travel + Leisure reader’s poll voted Crystal “World’s Best”. Crystal Cruise Line operates only three ships: Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. These ships carry approximately 1,000 passengers each and Crystal Cruise Line boasts the greatest passenger space per guest of any cruise line.

Radisson Seven Seas is a small luxury cruise line. Small here means that the ships carry a small number of passengers. Fewer than 700 fortunate passengers per cruise are pampered by attentive staff. Radisson Seven Seas has been named by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines to be the “World’s Best Small Cruise Line”. Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the sophisticated traveler.

From Ocean Cruises and Ocean Liners to Vacation Cruises and Cruise Ships

By the end of that century, and starting into the 20th century, ocean liners had established themselves as a status symbol for their companies and their countries on the ocean. A “battle” for ocean supremacy - Having the newest, largest most extravagant ocean liner afloat - had begun.

Cunard Lines had, in the early 1900’s two fantastic liners named Mauritania and Lusitania sailing the ocean. In order to boost the White Star Line’s (by this time owned by International Merchant Marine) ocean liner position to the top, director Bruce Ismay decided to build not two, but three fabulous liners. One of these monster liners became the most infamous ocean liner in the world. Titanic would enter the scene as the largest and most elegant ocean cruise liner. Her sister ship, the ocean liner Olympic actually entered service before Titanic. These two liners put White Star Line again on top of the ocean liner heap - albeit very short lived as we all know the fate of Titanic.

Ocean Liners to Cruise Liners

The story of one particular ocean liner perhaps sums up this change. In the early part of the 20th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. had an ocean crossing presence with a fleet of ocean liners. As late as the 1960’s, the company had liners built. The “Empress of Canada” joined the fleet of ocean liners after being christened by the wife of then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. She joined two other “Empress” liners - “Empress of England” and “Empress of Britain”.

The Empress of Canada quickly gained a very good reputation for ocean liners because of her stylish looks and amenities. She was a very modern ocean liner fitted with stabilizers and was air-conditioned throughout. During the summers, the liner made the transatlantic ocean run from Liverpool to Quebec and Montreal where she made her turn around. In the winter, the transatlantic ocean crossing was stopped. The ocean liners were either terminated at Saint John, or became cruise liners sailing from New York to the Caribbean.

Dramatic scenery, traditional villages, stylish towns and pretty coves make Sicily a refreshing holiday destination. Couples will love the choice of sophisticated bars and fantastic restaurants Sicily has to offer, and the pretty beaches make it a great choice for families too. Fabulous pasta and seafood dishes, and a vast choice of wines are on the menu in the abundance of restaurants.

Nightlife can be as lively or as relaxed as you wish, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities and historic sites in resort. As well as Mount Etna, visit Agrigento - the best preserved Greek temple outside of Greece.

Ever popular with British tourists, Corfu is a stunning island with plenty to offer. From idyllic beaches to sleepy villages and romantic landscapes studded with cypresses and olive groves; much of Corfu remains unspoilt.

Yet dotted around the coasts are many livelier resorts catering for those looking for fun-filled holidays. Watersports are a speciality and there are plenty of good schools with English speaking instructors for you to brush up your skills.

Buzzing nightlife can be found in cosmopolitan capital Corfu Town on the `strip’ of many bars, restaurants and clubs. Or visit laid back Kassiopi, a charming typically Greek resort built around a pretty harbour.

When you are tired of working long hours and feel as though your life has become dull and uninteresting, a cruise would be a great way to  liven things up, to say the least.  You will get to choose where you would like to go, when you would like to go, and the activities you want to participate in.  While some cruises are more for touring cities around the world, others allow you to just enjoy the sea itself.

Do you have a destination in mind for your cruise?  Do you have any activities in mind that you would like to do on your cruise?  If not, check out the multitude of choices available to you.  Ask a travel agent to help you, or, browse websites that offer cruises.  Check out your choices.  Most likely, you will find something that suits your needs.

The History of Water Sports

Snorkeling to view exotic fish and aquamarine life is a much-loved vacation adventure.  In ancient times snorkels were crafted from hollow reeds found in lakes and marshes.  Pliny the Elder, a first century A.D. Roman makes reference to the snorkel, so the activity holds rank as one of the oldest recorded water sports.  Loenardo da Vinci created a more modern snorkel when the Venetian senate summonsed him to do so.  Divers attached this hollow tube to leather helmetsThe present-day diver’s snorkel is typically a J-shaped tube that is open at the top and has a mouthpiece at the other end, usually no more than 2 ft (61 cm) long.

American West-coasters go wild riding the waves on a wooden plank known as a surfboard.  Originally, surfing developed in Hawaii in the nineteenth century.  It became popular in California in the 1920s, and became a hit youth sport in the 1960s.

Norwegian Cruise Line

A particular cruise feature that Norwegian Cruise Lines introduced is free-style dining. Historically, shipboard dining has been a structured affair, with meals served at preset hours, usually with assigned seating in the dining room and a dress code. Free-style dining changes all of that to match the contemporary American lifestyle. Passengers may choose from eight to a dozen dining areas on board and eat when they wish. Some dining areas serve cafeteria-style, with food already prepared and jean-clad passengers taking a tray and selecting their food items. The main dining areas serve menu-based meals with full service wait staff and where jeans and shorts are prohibited at the evening meal. All food in the dining rooms and cafeteria is included in the price of the cruise.

Basking in the eastern Mediterranean sun, Cyprus is a land where ancient history and modern comforts fuse in a succession of friendly resorts and fascinating towns. This proud island nation has been at the crossroads of European culture for centuries - remnants of past civilisations give the land its rich tapestry of historic sights, nestling against vineyards and villages, mountains and coast. The mighty Troodos Mountains, the island’s rugged backbone, offer stunning views across the island to the sea where, legend has it, Aphrodite rose from the waves.

The mountain slopes are planted with vineyards, apple and almond trees, gorgeous in spring, snow-covered in winter. Scan around, and your view will take in crusader fortresses, Greek and Roman theatres, Byzantine monasteries and whitewashed villages clinging to cliffs and coves. With four hundred miles of coastline, there are no shortage of Blue Flag beaches to stretch out on. Most package holidays to Cyprus take advantage of the island’s easy-going, modern towns along the south coast. This magnificent stretch is one long succession of shimmering, emerald coves, hidden grottoes and world-class resorts.

There was a time when cheap holidays to Cyprus were hard to find, but we’ve established a reputation with the island’s leading hotels, and can offer holidaymakers who appreciate timeless beauty and genuine hospitality a guaranteed good value island adventure. Your first Cypriot experience may be the port city of Larnaca. A thrilling modern city with an elegant, palm-lined promenade, a cluster of Byzantine ruins and a great beach, Larnaca is an excellent introduction to the many facets of this enchanted land. With its seafront bustling with bars and restaurants and, in Zenon Kitieos Street, a stretch of tempting craft shops and markets, Larnaca is hard to leave. But there are further delights along the coast.

The island’s ancient capital, captivating Paphos, is a town where history simply pours from the pavements. UNESCO preserved, and full of fascinating sights, this is still a modern resort, with a lively harbour, stunning beaches and a host of family-friendly facilities. The birthplace of Aphrodite, Paphos is a popular choice for last minute holidays to Cyprus - any time of year.

The Rise and Rise of Croatia For Sailing Holidays

Now fully restored, with its fine wooden ceilings and floors paved with marble in various colors or with ancient mosaics brought over from Kos and alabaster windows, its fine 16th century furniture, this castle will fascinate you and make you understand the great diversity of Greek history. Rhodos offers beautiful holiday resorts along an endless coastline, restaurants, tavernas etc. and a famous casino. Numerous excursions and sailing trips can be made to visit sights like Kamiros, regarded as the Pompeii of Rhodes, and Butterfly valley, the Castallia fountain and many more.

Airboats - The Right Boat For Many People

You have to ask yourself many questions when determining what airboat is best for you. Including topics such as the cost factor, whether to purchase a new or used airboat. Your stability needs to include the size of hull that you will require will help determine the size of engine. Also, what is the main purpose of the use of the airboat? In addition, you need to determine the performance expectancy meaning, what do you want your boat to be capable of?

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Picture yourself riding on a beautiful cruise ship, looking over the railing to see brilliant blue waters, idyllic sunsets, and dolphins playing in the white-capped waves.  Do you feel dreamy already?  This fantasy can be your reality if you choose a cruise for your next vacation.

With multiple poolside decks to lay out in the sunshine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean, along with reggae music and fruity island beverages, daytime on the cruise ship can be very relaxing.  If you prefer to be more active, most ships are fully equipped with activities.  Take a jog around the boat-top track, or spend the day in aerobics and yoga classes followed by a massage and facial at the spa.  If shopping is your one true love, you’ll be in heaven with all the shops on the ships, ranging from inexpensive trinkets to fancy wine and fine clothing.

Why Take a Cruise Vacation?

Do you commute to work every day, sitting in traffic for perhaps hours? Think about it, on a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for 7, 10, 14 days or more. Now, even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you haul your luggage or at least pack and unpack it at each stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or suite.

You unpack once, feeling at home for the duration of the cruise. The cruise staff will tell you when to place your bags outside your accommodations at the end of the cruise and, just a magically, your luggage will be waiting for you on shore at a designated pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from some of the hassles of traveling

Internationally famous The Bridge over the River Kwai was constructed by the Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and supervised by the Japanese army during WWII.

Roman town in Jordan

Visit this Greco-Roman town, also mentioned in the Bible, snugly located in a hillside of northern Jordan, and marvel at the sweeping view of Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights from atop this Decapolis.