Start early to get a morning view of the waterfowl and other tundra life.  You will find the scenery is conquered by the rugged and majestic Brooks Range, the domain of traveling packs of wolves, Dall sheep, lone wolverines, arctic hare, lemmings, and other wilderness-dependent species.  The affluent procession of wildlife found within this region includes more than 160 bird species, 36 kinds of land mammals, nine marine mammal species, and 36 types of fish.

By crossing over the Arctic Circle, some tour companies will give you an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate.  Have a picnic at the mighty Yukon River.  Be in awe of the beauty of the northland’s most famous waterway and learn of the rivers storied past.  Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post situated in the rural community of Joy, Alaska.

Beautiful Tropical Beaches.
Harbour Island is only half a mile wide and three miles long yet has some of the nicest sand beaches with an unbelievable laid back atmosphere. The island has less than 2,000 locals and only a few tourists making it a special choice for a relaxing getaway. This tiny island was once the home of the capital city of the Bahamas, Dunmore Town. Enjoy the Georgian Architecture, stroll through the tiny shops on quaint streets. And of course, lap up the sun on the beautiful pink sand beaches.

Cond Nast Traveler have named this gorgeous white sand beach as one of the 12 best beaches in the world. And unlike many of the Caribbean islands, this Aruba and her beaches are geared up for the entertainment of families and kids. At Kibama Miniature Village and Park, kids can explore mini Aruban-style buildings. Adventure Golf in Aruba is billed as the world’s largest mini-golf course. Swimmers, sailors, fishermen ? and kids will all find Palm Beach, Aruba as an idyllic family vacation retreat.

Luxury Cruise Line Vacations

This type of luxury cruise line includes such companies as Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Vacations with these cruise lines are truly an unforgettable romantic and luxurious experience.

You might think that the staff on the luxury cruise lines’ ships are telepathic. The crews are trained to anticipate your needs and desires and react with courteous service. Expect friendly service from a staff that will know you by name and remember your favorite drinks, remember your breakfast preferences and all the “little”, but very important items that you may wish.

Mexico

One area where you can save money is in your food bill. Shopping at the local supermarket will cost you much more than if you follow your neighbor to the local markets to buy your food. Many of the local farmers sell their produce in stands at far cheaper prices than the supermarket, which has a huge overhead.

You can get a huge steak dinner, with all the trimmings, and drink for less than $6.00 USD each. Though we see many Mexicans in restaurants, we do know some who never eat out. But, I would have to say it is a cheap form of entertainment and a custom worth adopting.

It’s not a dream. This can really happen to you. A wine-tasting tour on a luxury yacht is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities any true wine connoisseur surely wouldn’t want to pass up.

Your yacht captain and crew will be fully trained in specialty tours like this one, and they’ll be on hand to cater to your every whim, allowing you to sample wines from all over the world, testing your taste buds to the limit. You’ll also learn how different varietals are made, processed, and stored until they reach their best-aged perfection. The delicacy of wine-making will be an education from start to finish, usually complete with a tour through the yacht’s wine cellar.

Exploring New Englands Shore

Whether you make your home there or decide to take in the sea air during your next vacation, you’ll never encounter a lack of ways to enjoy the water while sailing these unique waters.

For exceptional sailing opportunities, you can always find a “sailboat race” or regatta going on, and you can either join in the competition or get a good seat for a perfect view from land.

Affordable Weekend Getaways

Cruising has long been associated with romance.  There’s nothing quite like being on the water, watching as the world passes you by in tranquility.  It does not matter whether that water is from a river, a lake, or a sea ? romance and cruising go hand in hand.

Extend your cruising pleasure with a river cruise for a day or two perhaps along the St. Lawrence River or down the Mississippi.  Small boat charters are also available for those who choose to cruise by themselves.  A houseboat rental cruising a lake or river near you can be an adventure filled romantic experience that you will not soon forget.

Celebrity Alaska Cruises

Celebrity takes cruising to the next level and their Alaska cruises are no different.  Consistently being rated at the top in service by such experts as Conde’ Nast Traveler should give the most discerning cruise passenger a comfortable feeling about cruising with Celebrity.

The Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Mercury is the newest of their Century-class of ships.  Visually appealing with world class amenities and service make Alaskan cruising aboard this Celebrity a special treat.

The third Celebrity ship cruising to Alaska this year is the Summit.  Alaska cruises aboard Summit will have cruise passengers feeling that they have reached the pinnacle of cruise experience with Celebrity.

Unlike other ocean yachts, a crewed charter yacht vacation allows you to be more independent and make more choices about your trip. For example, you’ll set your own pace by choosing your itinerary and the activities you prefer, instead of going along with the crowd; you can even decide to go “off chart” and head in a new direction.

You can be alone, or you can mingle with the crew. It’s all up to you ? it’s your own private yachting trip, whether you choose crewed yacht charters on a sailboat, motorboat, or a yacht.

Get a Job on a Yacht

A few yacht crew jobs include the following:

Chef/Cook

Diesel Mechanic

Flotilla Skipper

Host/Hostess

Sailing Instructor

There are several yacht crew-finder services for vessel owners and employers around the world. Remember, this is a global industry, and though you’ll have full decision-making authority on things like what kind of vessel you’d like to sail on and when you’re available to crew, things like salaries or whether you will work a working holiday yacht cruise or as a voluntary crew member are largely non-negotiable, particularly for entry-level jobs.

High-School Reunion? Host It on a Yacht.

If you or someone you know is in charge of coordinating your reunion for the “Class of  - -,” you’ll definitely get better results from the get-go if you decide to plan the reunion aboard a luxury yacht, offering your former classmates a real chance to unwind while they reminisce about the “old days” with you and your friends.

Make sure, also, that the yacht is fully licensed to provide a complete beverage service, including host bar capabilities. Other attractions to look for are a good-sized pool (of course.)  table linens (in your choice of colors), a good ballroom or dance floor, floral and other decorating arrangements, billiard rooms, adjustable lighting, and even a fireplace. The idea is to make everyone feel both “at home” and “on vacation” at the same time ? something that can only be accomplished in few places, such as an ocean yacht.

Going on a cruise can be both fun and healthy. You can eat, drink and be merry without packing on the pounds by following our ten simple steps for fun and fat free cruising.

Many of us even go on a diet before sailing so that we look our best as we lounge by the pools but there really is no need to put on a lot of weight while we are at sea  only having to shed it all once we get back home.

Get into the gym and get on a treadmill ? even if it’s only for 15 minutes (although 30 minutes is better.). It will speed up your metabolism and help burn off unwanted calories. The first full day at sea the gym is normally packed with people with good intentions. You may even have to wait to get on an exercise machine. The second day the lines are not so long and after a couple of days you can usually take your pick of machines. Exercising after breakfast is a great idea as it allows you to burn off those eggs, bacon and pancakes with the bonus that your elevated metabolic rate will continue to burn off additional calories for another two or thee hours as you bask in the sun.

Alaska Cruise Ship

Cruising in Alaska is mostly seasonal, with the primary months running from May through September.  The prices in May and September are generally a bit cheaper since these months are at the edges of acceptable climate conditions.

Misty Fjords is another great destination for Alaska cruises.  The majestic tree covered mountains, trickling waterfalls and unique climactic conditions make this a must see destination.  In addition to seeing the beautiful fjords from the cruise ship, excursions include the ability to take a float plane to a remote wilderness lake to truly appreciate the remote Alaskan wilderness.

European Cruise Travel

One of the best ways to travel Europe to see and experience the magnificent and historic sites are the river cruises aboard the luxurious cruise boats.  Fly to your departure destination and board the boat.  Unpack once, then relax and enjoy.

Many of the cruise itineraries have special cruises available depending on the time of year.  Art and music cruises are available.  Wine tasting cruises are available taking you to some of the vineyards and wineries in Europe’s wine country.  See the fall colours or watch as spring “bursts forth”.  Many of the “shore excursions” provided by the river cruise lines are included in your ticket price.

Online Cruise Deals

When shopping for vacation packages or cruise and travel vacations, many people are reluctant to deal with online merchants or even offer their email address for price quotes.

 You have received your quote for the cruise or vacation of choice.  Again, let’s look at the worst case scenario.  You still do not want to deal online (although why, I can’t imagine).  You can then go to your “brick and mortar” cruise or travel agency armed with information and a very tight budget (remember, you already have a quote for your cruise vacation).  This places you in an excellent bargaining position.  You have received a couple of quotes online, and know what the best deal online is.  Now you can “work over” the “brick and mortar” cruise agent.  If you don’t get a better or equal quotation for your cruise or vacation you still have the opportunity to purchase online.

Family cruise vacations are growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. Not only are cruises a great way to expose kids to different cultures in an affordable way, but cruises are also very safe. Because of that, we see the number of families taking to the seas growing. As a matter of fact, of all areas within the cruise industry, family cruises is the fastest growing.

If you think about it, families run at 100 miles per hour in today’s society. Between work, soccer, baseball, dance, doctor’s appointments, homework, and all that is involved in running a family, parents look for options that provide them with relaxation while giving the kids tons of fun things to do. With kid-friendly cruises, this is exactly what you get ? a convenient, stress free, and fun environment for all ages.

Celebrity Cruises

If you think about it, it’s an extremely cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Consider all the time you’d spend driving yourself to several different destinations, packing and unpacking at each hotel, and searching for restaurants and other services. On a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for seven, ten, fourteen days or even even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you haul your luggage or  at least one package and unpack it at every new stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in  your cabin, stateroom, or even suite. You’re at home for the duration of the cruise.

Celebrity Cruise Lines offer some of the best deals in the business. Conde Nast Traveler consistently ratesCelebrity Cruises as one of the world’s best cruise lines. Services include informative lectures about your location, upscale boutiques, and Las Vegas style entertainment created for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil. Try your luck in the Casino or collect fine art during an onboad auction.  The nightlife spectacular at The Bar At The Edge of the Earth.

Cruising - What You Should Know

Some people are afraid to use this great vacation outlet because they are feel they will get bored or feel confined while they are having a day at sea.  Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are activities all day, every day that cater to everyone’s interest.  And the best part of that is if you want to play bridge and your spouse wants to do aerobics, your both free to do what ever you like and meet up later for a margarita or rum punch at the pool. 

Another bonus to cruising is that you get to visit multiple destinations.  If you cruise the Caribbean you will go to several islands, depending on the length of the cruise. At night while you are sleeping peacefully in your bed the captain and crew are taking you to a new exotic location for you to explore the next day.  If you cruise in Europe (after you have flown to the port of embarkation) you will find yourself in whole new countries from one day to the next. For example, if you cruise the Baltic, you will be visiting Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia and either Croatia or Estonia.

Paddleboat Cruise

The clientele tends to be older, but, what a shame that the younger mature adults are missing out on all this fun.  It is steam boating in the true sense of the word.  The paddlewheel turns as you leisurely make your way up and down the rivers and through the many dams that have been erected since the time of Lewis and Clarke.  The ship is patterned after the river boats that plied the waters of Alaska, Oregon and Washington over 100 years ago and has a distinctly Russian flavor.

The “Portland Penny” is how Portland got its name narrowly missing being called Boston.  The partners Lovejoy and Pettygrove who had filed the claim staking the territory needed to come up with a name for the quickly expanding territory.  Lovejoy being from Boston, Massachusetts was adamant that this would be the name, while Pettygrove equally adamant wanted it to be called Portland after his beloved Portland, Maine.  Hence the “Portland Penny” when Pettygrove won two out of the three tosses.

According to the 19 cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) this was a new record for cruise vacations.  The Association expects that number to increase in 2005 to over 11 million.

CLIA is the cruise industry’s chief marketing organization and the largest travel industry association based on agency membership in North America.  The president and CEO of the association says that cruise vacation bookings are coming in “fast and furious”.  Consumer demand on cruise ship trips continues to rise and cruisers are looking to farther destinations like Europe and the Asia.

Cruise Ship Cabins

Some cruise cabins have VCRs or DVD players, and some televisions also have radio/music channels. The cabins also usually have a night table, reading lamps, and a chair. Most modern cruise ships come with a hairdryer, so you won’t have to bring one from home. Some standard staterooms feature personal safes, table, desk with chair, convertible loveseat, mini-refrigerator, and even Internet access, although it is often much more costly than in the common Internet lounge. The cruise line brochure or Web site usually specifies what amenities are in each cabin.

The next step above an outside cabin is one with a balcony (verandah). These cruise cabins have sliding glass doors, giving you access to the outside. The sliding doors also mean you can see outside from anywhere in the cabin, i.e. lie on the bed and still see the ocean outside. Usually the cruise balcony cabins are also larger than the standard cabins, and some qualify as mini-suites. Which means they have a small sitting area with a loveseat or convertible sofa. The cruise mini-suites also usually have a curtain that can be drawn to separate the sleeping and sitting areas. This feature is ideal for couples (or friends) that have different sleeping habits.

Romantic Gift Ideas

A lasting impression can be imprinted on our special someone if he/she is treated to an unforgettable experience.  For the price of a fine pair of earrings, you can treat your romantic partner with a dinner cruise along one of the waterways near your corner of the world.  For the price of a necklace and earring set, you can book an elegant cruise of four to eight days aboard a magnificent cruise ship.  How impressive is that for a romantic gift?

Romantic vacation gift cruises can cost as little as $500.00 per person.  These romantic experiences can provide you with a lifetime of memories.  Envision exotic ports of call, majestic landscapes, sipping a glass of vintage wine on your private balcony, enjoying an exquisite meal in an elegant dining room and dancing into the night?  All of this can be yours each day of your cruise.

Taking a Deaf Cruise

With a deaf cruise, many things are modified to accommodate. For example, there are certified interpreters onboard who can guide the passengers through the cruise, answering questions and just being there to provide service. In addition, the ships are equipped with TDDs or TTYs (telephone/computer systems used by the deaf), flashing doorbells and wakeup alarms, and so on.

For example, a wonderful cruise to Alaska can be booked through Hibiscus Travel. The Princess Cruise Line has some amazing opportunities for the deaf, providing ASL interpreters to make every passenger’s experience top notch. In addition, this deaf cruise is affordable, costing around $1,400 for 10 full nights, which includes fabulous meals, entertainment, the interpreter service, and fees and taxes.

A British colony since 1684, the island of Bermuda has long been a favorite for U.S. and Canadian tourists. Up to 220,000 visitors each year arrive aboard Bermuda cruise vessels, which dock at one of the island’s two ports - Hamilton and Kings Wharf. Bermuda does also have an airport to the northeast of the island, ushering in around another 380,000 visitors annually. The Bermuda government places strict limits on the number of visitors entering this tiny land area each year. Booking your Bermuda cruise well in advance of your desired sail date is therefore highly recommended.

Cruise passengers are then free to explore Bermuda by foot, scooter, bicycle or boat. Bermuda cruise operators will also have a raft of shore excursions available for passengers to enjoy, the cruise ship acting as a floating hotel for the duration of their stay on the island.

Short Cruises

Virtually every aspect of the cruise experience will be the same on a short cruise as it would be on a longer cruise - it just ends a bit sooner.  Passengers can experience the amazing cuisine (always a big hit with cruisers), the onboard entertainment, the luxurious surroundings of the ship itself, and stops at several exciting ports of call.

Short cruises usually carry a lower price tag than a traditional seven-day cruise.  So, in addition to committing less time to the trip, you’re also committing less money as well.  It’s the perfect way to sample the cruising life to see if it’s right for you.

Shopping for Cruises Online

Planning a vacation can be an exciting part of the vacation experience as a whole. As you investigate and research, the excitement builds. You become more and more interested in finding information - without being overwhelmed - and can get great satisfaction that you will purchase the very best cruise vacation deal.

One can find information on cruise vacations in many locations - newspapers, friends, “brick and mortar” travel agencies and cruise travel agencies, and on-line. The best bet is to start researching for your self.

Decide on where you would like your cruise vacation to travel - should it be a warm winter vacation, a fascinating and relaxing Alaskan cruise, an interesting European vacation cruise or an exciting adventure cruise. At a1-discount-cruises.com you can find merchant links, and more importantly at the start, articles about cruises, cruise itineraries, cruise lines, cruise ships, cruise wear and more to help you plan your special cruise vacation.

Atmospheres are luxurious of course, yet there is also the feeling of unpretentious informality and a relaxed conviviality, which quickly brings guests together. You are always in your element no matter which ship you select. No noisome crowds, no bothersome announcements interrupt.

Blissful, private cocoons scrupulously maintained by discreet hotel staff who seems to sense by osmosis when they are necessary.

Naturally there are times when guests would prefer to savor the pleasures of the table privately en suite, and so on all Radisson ships, 24 hour room service is available featuring the chef’s entrées during dining hours and a select menu at other times.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea offers flexible “Personalized Voyages” where guests choose the length of their voyage and ports of embarkation and disembarkation. Prices are based on a simple daily rate. For as little as US$100 per person, guests on all ships may embark earlier than the standard 3PM and disembark as late as 5PM.

Genuinely hospitable, and sociable with the emphasis on excellence. Each and every special touch is introduced with such style and finesse you’ll quickly feel like a preferred member of the world’s most intimate country club. A ceremonious white gloves greeting and flute of chilled champagne welcomes you. Available in your suite is Bvlgari toiletries and plush robes. Placed on your pillow, Godiva chocolates.

All accommodation is in ocean-view suites (80% with private teak verandas). Beautifully appointed with a rare degree of finesse and refinement, every suite features a marbled bath with a full-size tub (double sinks on Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper). There are seven different types of suites ranging in size from 240 square feet (Vista Suite) up to 1400 square feet (Grand Suites).

Honeymoon Cruise Packages

Be sure to specifically inform your travel agent that this will be a honeymoon cruise; the cruise line will usually prepare special gifts for newlywed couples.

Think about the size of the vessel before you book.  The larger ships can host 3,000 passengers or more.  It is literally like a little city on the sea.  For a more private and personal setting, there are some which carry only a few dozen people at a time.  These smaller yachts, however, are more unstable during storms and heavy winds.  This turbulence can make some people nervous or even slightly ill.  It’s just something to keep in mind.

Asia Cruise

Few places on Earth can offer cruise visitors such avaried and dramatic experience. From the vestiges ofancient China to the modern day wealth and opulenceof Singapore and Taipei, an Asia cruise encapsulatesthousands of years of history and diverse cultures in asingle voyage…

Other Asia cruise options include routes around the Bayof Bengal, and routes that follow in the footsteps ofMarco Polo’s return sea journey from China in 1293.The typical duration of an Asia cruise is 12-16 nights,although extended cruise vacations that take in avoyage through the South China Sea and Bay of Bengalcan be arranged.

There are a variety of cruises. Some vessels like Christmas market cruises are small while others ocean going ones are comparatively quite large. Then there are those that have an aura of remarkable serenity contrary to the ones that are extremely vibrant and brimming up with life. Cruises also vary according to the age groups of people. Like the serene ones are usually meant for the grown ups, while families with kids prefer entertaining cruises to keep their children busy throughout.

Nowadays people especially the honeymoon couples opt to cruise some of the places. This is because of the heavenly experience of traveling in the midst of huge oceans and also because of a surge in the amenities available at the cruise. From ravishing rooms, delectable cuisine to small golf clubs, video games and small casinos for gambling?all add to the enthusiasm to travel through cruise. Moreover the incredible hospitality and watchfulness of the staff on the deck adds a feather to the aura of the cruise.

How To Save Money On Cruises

Buy One-Get One fares are often offered. You buy your ticket and bring another person along for the ride. Or better yet, split the cost of the fare and you both travel at a 50% discount.  Flat fare specials are one fixed price for the best available cabin at the time of booking.

You should check into airfares at reduced rates offered by your cruise line to get you to your embarkation site. The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re a good long-range planner, then you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise - the more you save. Typically 10 - 40%.

Holidays Afloat

Yachting means you aren’t confined to any one area, or even any one island; giving you the opportunity to visit various beaches, coves and beautiful coastlines on your travels. Alternatively, you can remain on your boat and watch the sun rises and the sun set over the clear horizon of the sea. Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation in the destinations of your dreams or a tranquil, even romantic getaway for you, your family and loved ones. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you choose to go bareboat, take a captain, or even an entire crew there is bound to be a destination to suit you. Many destinations offer the complete package for your vacation. Spend a couple of days in a secluded cove, exploring the beaches and seeing the beautiful plants and wildlife and then the rest of your vacation in the exotic harbour on the next island. Everything is possible on a yachting vacation.

Crystal Cruises

Nights are full of life. Award-winning production shows and a host of other evening performances await where the spotlight shines on Tony award-winners, Julliard grads, Broadway and West End performers as well as the Crystal Ensemble of singers and Dancers. Showrooms were custom-designed to offer perfect views from each seat and offer superior sound and lighting systems. Costumes are hand made and staging is skillfully crafted to bring every vibrant moment to life. Each cruise also has a variety of cabaret-style entertainment including vocalists, comedians, ventriloquists, instrumentalists and classical artists (you may find yourself serenaded with classical melodies during afternoon tea or whispering special requests to the trio which strolls through the Crystal Dining Room in the evening).

Crystal Cruises excels with there quite remarkable Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions Enrichment Program. You can enjoy classes and workshops in the fields of Arts & Entertainment, Business & Technology, Lifestyle, Wellness, Wine & Food, attend courses as diverse as successful grand-parenting and menu planning, experience lectures on the latest advances in medicine and alternative medicine; take piano classes from Yamaha or language lessons with Berlitz. There’s a Computer University at sea, fitness centre, golf driving ranges and putting greens (PGA golf instructors are on select sailing’s), large lap pools, full size paddle tennis courts, and escorted and private Crystal Adventures (shore excursions).

A New Zealand cruise insures that you’ll get thebest out of your visit to these islands. Ten,twelve and fourteen-day cruises around New Zealandgenerally begin in Auckland on the North Islandor in Sydney, Australia. They take in many portsof call along the Eastern coast of the North andSouth Islands, as well as a few ‘bonus’ ports inAustralia and Tasmania - these generally beingMelbourne and Hobart.

At the North Island’s most southerly point isNew Zealand’s capital - Wellington. Here you canexperience the heart and soul of modern New Zealandlife and enjoy spectacular views of theSouth Island. If you time it right, you could evenwatch the Dragon Boat Festival that takes placein Wellington Harbor in March every year.

Tropical Cruise

A tropical cruise can be embarked upon from many portsaround the U.S. In Florida, the ports of Canaveral,Miami and Fort Lauderdale all offer excellent choicesof tropical cruises, with itineraries varying fromtwo and three night cruises to the Bahamas, to 14-daycruises around the more exotic parts of the Caribbean.

There are essentially four tropical cruise routesaround the Caribbean - the Western Caribbean route,Eastern Caribbean route, Southern Caribbean route andan exotic Caribbean route that is a combination ofports stops taken from the other three routes.

Alaska Cruise Guide

There are some 11 and 14 day cruises which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. There are 2 different kinds of cruises available: Inside Passage Cruise: roundtrip departure from Vancouver/ Seattle, usually 7 days long. You cruise the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops usually include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You cruise one-way northbound from Vancouver/ Seattle or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You will see more glaciers on this route and an additional port or two.

Pick the right cruise ship for your style,- some ships are more traditional, other more stylish, elegant, some offer more choices for children, other are more seniors-oriented. The cruise comparison chart below should help you in making the correct choice. Check your cruise itinerary, almost every ship usually includes several formal dress code nights. Dark business suit or a tuxedo would do the thing.

Alaska cruises tend to be more casual than other destinatons but items such as cutoff t-shirts, halter tops and torn jeans are still not permitted in the dining area.Tipping is usually $10 per passenger per day. We recommend you to book a stateroom with a balcony. Theview on an Alaska cruise is always changing- mountains, shores, wildlife, marine animals, glaciers, or quaint waterfront communities. You can enjoy it from the privacy of your own balcony, escaping crowded decks.

First Time Cruisers

If you are flying or driving, I recommend getting to the city where you will board the ship the day before you sail.  This will prevent you from running to the ship at the last minute, hoping it is still there, should you have any problems with flight delays, lost luggage, traffic back-ups, etc.  This will allow you to rest from your travel and give you ample time to get to the ship on the day it departs.  Avoid getting to the ship at the earliest time allowed or at the last minute.  Getting there in the middle of the hours designated to check in sometimes reduces the time you have to stand in line to check in.

Tipping on cruise ships is expected and there should be some guidelines on suggested amounts in the material you receive from the cruise line.  Generally, the people you tip are your cabin steward, your waiters/waitresses, and the maitre ‘d.  After all, they do take good care of you.