Just How Popular is Cruising?
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.