Fine cuisine and five star dining has always been a part of the cruise experience. On board, you’ll be treated to more options than ever before. As soon as one serving is ending, somewhere on the ship another is beginning. Today the on board dining experience rivals almost any land based restaurant.

Menu offerings on Celebrity are created by master chef, Michel Roux, a Michelin three star restaurant owner, and are as outstanding as the setting in which they are served - grand, multi-level dining rooms, with a piano played softly in the background. Imagine Smoked Salmon Claudine, Pheasant Mousseline with Blueberry Vinaigrette, Consommé with Vegetable Brunoise, Broiled Lobster Tail, Veal Medallions, Coffee Profiteroles with Jamaican Sabayon and Swan Puff with Chocolate Sauce.

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

Dining Caribbean Princess Style.

The amenities aboard Caribbean Princess are astonishing and dining options are no exception. There are no less than twelve eating options plus room service. The traditional dining option is in the Island Dining Room. For anytime dining check out the Coral Dining room or the Palm Dining Room. Specialty restaurants include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Sterling Steakhouse. For casual eating and snacking, there are the Horizon Court 24-hour dining, Café’ Caribe, Wine and Caviar Bar, Patisserie, Prego Pizzeria, Trident Hamburger Grill, and the Ice Cream Bar.

Orient Beach Shore Excursions

Most cruise ships stopping at the island disembark on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) at Phillipsburg on Great Bay. A brief (20 minute) scenic bus or taxi ride takes passengers across the island to the French side (St. Martin) where Orient Beach is situated. Passing the giant salt pond on your way to the beach, you tour guide (driver) gives a brief history of the area including the importance of the Salt Pond. No need for passports or customs checks as you cross the border from the Dutch side to the French side of the island.

There is a restaurant right on the beach where you can grab a bite while still soaking wet from the Orient Beach water. Of course bar drinks are available for the beach as well. Everyone is friendly at Orient Beach and most speak English very well.

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

Indeed the Internet can be a wonderful source of information to help you plan an exciting holiday, obtaining ship and stateroom descriptions, itineraries, tips on sites to see, passport and visa requirements, shore excursion, shopping, weather and local interest information,but is it the right place to book your dream vacation?
There is a common misconception that because something is offered for sale on the Internet, it will be an exceptional or a major saving for the consumer. More often than not however it is the ease of completing a transaction that is the major benefit for certain types of travel.

Do not assume that pricing on the Internet will automatically be the lowest. Often local agencies will have agreements with the cruiselines that allow them to offer exceptional “not to be advertised” specials.

The main Cascades dining room was nice and meals were good.  Breakfasts had the same menu every morning.  Lunch at the dining room was okay.  The dinners were good but not every meal item was a winner.  There was the odd appetizer and dessert that was not up to par.  One thing that my partner noticed was that the portions of the main courses seemed to be smaller than those served on the Adventure.  We usually went upstairs to the Windjammer to get more food after dining at the Cascades.  In some parts of the Cascades room, the tables were placed too cramp so walking to out own table was tricky at times. The self serve Windjammer was good.  It usually had more variety of food than served downstairs at the Cascades. 

Breakfast and lunch were busy at the Windjammer but during evenings, most people chose to dine at the Cascades.  The two other optional restaurants onboard Portafino and Choppe House were available at $20 US per person but we never tried them since the meals already included at the Cascades and Windjammer were fine by us.  Other passengers who did go to these optional rooms told us that they were nothing special. 

There was another cafe available during late evenings called the Seaview and they provided fare such as sandwiches, salads and burgers.  This was a nice feature.  One thing we did object to was that they charged for the coffee and tea there.  There was also a specialty coffee place on the main centrum of the ship and they also charged.

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

The tourist season for Antarctica is restricted only to the months of December through February when it is the peak of summer in the southernmost part of the world. Only vessels equipped for the icy waters cruise to one of the coldest areas of the earth. Three major cruise lines offer Antarctic cruises: Celebrity Cruises, Orient Lines, and Radisson Seven Seas. Smaller specialty expedition companies also offer other trips to this destination.

Currently Celebrity Cruises has one 11-day trip to Antarctica scheduled for departure February 6, 2006. The price is approximately $10,000 per person. The cruise originates and returns to Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego, the southernmost town in South America near Cape Horn. As with all cruises in the frozen waters, destinations depend upon actual weather conditions during the cruise.

Shape Up and Ship Out

Some of you might want to spend a week immersed in your favorite sport, or engage in some sporting activities you haven’t done in a long time - if ever. At the very least, you may want to do something to help ease the guilt of excesses at the ship’s bountiful tables.

If you desire to start a fitness program during your seagoing vacation, you can turn to the trained instructors. More experienced workout-aholics can look forward to keeping fit with the most modern high-tech weight and workout gear. From exercise bikes to treadmills, step and rowing equipment, the spa has it all, ready to raise your heart rate and tone your physique.

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.

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.

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.

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

Carnival plays every song- from hard rock, musicals, country music or big band. There is a sing-along piano for you to hum along. Compare it to the land vacation where you are constantly involved with the buying theater tickets, reservations, valet parking and looking for other things to do.

The Alaska Cruise

Due to weather hindrances, cruises to Alaska are strictly restricted during the summer months from early May to Mid Sept. June, July and August are the peak seasons when the average daily temperatures reach up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to sail is May and September as temperatures soar around 50 degrees. Luxury vessels and midsize ships sail from Vancouver, BC and Seattle. At both embarkment and disembarkment points, you are able to visit the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra

A cruise along Nile is an excellent way of visiting scattered archeological sights in a country with less than spectacular roads and airline service. In fact, some quality travel agents recommend cruising as the preferred method of transportation in Egypt. The best time of year to enjoy a Nile cruise is winter, from December to February, due to the hot desert climate.

Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience

A Caribbean cruise takes you to a land of lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Amidst the luxuries of the modern resort, you have the good fortune of experiencing the richness of the immaculate nature reserves. You witness nature in all its glory be it Puerto Rico’s dense rain forest or the nesting grounds of flamingos on Bonaire’s beaches. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean is just perfect for a swim in the sea, snorkeling or just basking on the beach. It is an ideal location for a nature or outdoor lover.

Disney Cruise Line

The ships are distinctively Disney, with the famous mouse silhouette prominently placed on the smokestacks and appearing frequently throughout the ships. That’s not all; a fifteen-foot statue of Goofy is the figurehead on Disney Magic while Donald Duck adorns the front of Disney Wonder. Of course, cast members masquerade through the ship in costumes of the famous Disney characters. Disney art is featured on the walls and images of Disney characters appear everywhere. Disney excels at promoting everything Disney so expect onboard shops to be full of Disney memorabilia.

Hawaiian Islands, a cluster of 137, provide adventure ? sports,relaxation and a new insight to oneself. The islands make onewonder whether you are at land or at sea.

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

All the vessels are beautifully furnished, displaying attractive art objects with public areas reflecting the atmosphere around each region you cruise. It is the most pleasurable experience on river vessels as all offer personal service with the help of a smiling bilingual staff. You are provided with a single seating superb dining arrangement and well-accommodated cabins, which are comfortable and airy.

Family Get-Together for Fun

A movie to watch, a relaxing massage, snooker game?anything, you just name it. You have many activities to choose from, actually that is the most difficult part- to decide what to do. Family cruise is one of the healthiest entertaining ways to enjoy your vacation with your family and cherish the memories forever. You will find selective activities and tailor made services for all of you. You just need some planning.

Asia Cruises: Lasting Impressions of Culture and Tradition

The Asia cruise takes you to the opulence of Singapore & Hong Kong, definitely worth a look. The jungle temple in Thailand, the Konark temple of India, or the peaceful eyes of Buddha in Vietnam, redefine faith and religion of the believers and non-believers alike.

Carribean Cruise

Planning for a future Caribbean Cruise is relatively easy nowadays, as most of the cruise liners have their details listed on their own web portals. Tour operators abound all over the continent and a lightening speed service is almost assured on a click of a mouse button. A well planned tour schedule might well work advantageous as tourists clog the liners during vacation time. Depending on the season, cabins may get completely booked months before the cruise is scheduled to set sail and hotel accommodation becomes too difficult. Caribbean cruise bookings can be made either online or by tour operators. Here comes the most difficult part of the plan; choosing the right liner. Most of the cruise liners vie each other for their share of almost two million prospective travelers. The competition among these cruise line operators is very fierce and getting the major chunk of the lot is the ultimate motto. Never ever get confused as to which liner should be chosen. Well, it depends on your objective.