Latest Cruises Articles

Royal Caribbean's Florida cruises

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:04:03 -0700

MS Oasis of the Seas
Currently under construction, SM Oasis of the Seas is called to be the largest passenger cruise ship in the world. She will have 16 passenger decks, with 2,700 rooms and 28 state-of-the-art loft suits, which will host around 5,400 passengers. She also introduces the neighbourhood concept, similar to a theme park planning with seven districts to entertain different audiences: the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Central Park, Vitality, Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The main attractions featured are the amphitheatre, a carrousel and a zip-lining. Oasis of the Seas will be operating in the Caribbean, has been registered in Port Canaveral in Florida, and belongs to Royal Caribbean International.

MS Monarch of the Seas
Built in 1,991, SM Monarch of the Seas carries up to 2,800 passengers and at some point was considered the biggest in the world. She features two outdoor swimming pools and a basketball court, twin cinemas, a rock climbing wall and a spectacular sea atrium with glass elevators. The Monarch sails half-week Bahamas cruises from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and is one of the three Royal Caribbean International's Sovereign class cruise ships.

MS Liberty of the Seas
The Liberty, a 4,370 passenger ship, currently sails the Caribbean from Miami, Florida. Finished in 2,007, she is one of the Freedom class and belongs to Royal Caribbean International. Amongst her main attractions, the full-size boxing ring, a surf park, volleyball/basketball court, an ice skating ring and an interactive water park. All rooms on board have been provided with flat panel TVs and the entire ship offers Wi-Fi access.

MS Freedom of the Seas
For several years, the MS Freedom of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship ever built, with 18 total decks. She could host 4,300 passengers plus 1,400 crew members and normally covers the Caribbean sailing from Miami Dade port. She features the first ever built Surf Park at sea, a massive rock-climbing wall, the H2O ZoneSM water park with ground geysers and cascading waterfalls. Freedom of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean International and belongs to the Freedom class.

Cheap Cruise Deals: Six Tips for Scoring a Good Deal on a Cruise

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Cruising is one of the best ways to spend your vacation, but it often comes at a steep price. Still, if you know a few secrets, you won't have to pay a whole lot to enjoy a trip to your favorite exotic locale. Use the following tips to get a great deal on the cruise you've been looking for. There are several different ways that you can save when you are booking. Any one of these options will save you money on your overall cruise costs. 1. First, you can save money by booking your cruise several months in advance. Most cruise lines offer an "early bird discount." You can get these discounts by contacting a cruise line six to nine months before you plan on leaving. This can also help save your budget because you'll have several months to pay off the balance on your account. Instead of paying one lump sum for your cruise, you can make small installment payments. 2. You can also save money on a cruise by booking a last minute cruise. Cruise ships don't want to leave the harbor with empty rooms. They will give great bargains in order to get those rooms filled. The closer the departure date gets, the better the price. If you choose your date, start looking a few weeks before the trip. With this method, however, you'll be limited in your cabin choice. You'll have to take what you can get. 3. Another cheap booking method is to take a one-way cruise. These are offered when a cruise ship is changing port cities for the season. You can take the cruise ship to its new destination and then fly back home when you're done visiting there. Call your favorite cruise line and see if they offer any "repositioning cruises." They can last from a few days to a few weeks and have unique itineraries with lots of days at sea. 4. You can save even more money by traveling as a group. Group cruise packages are often less per person than the costs would be if you cruise alone or as a couple. If you can gather a group of eight to twelve people, you can sometimes get a free room. Split the costs among the entire group and you can all save. 5. There are off-season periods for all of the popular cruise destinations. Don't try to travel during the busy times of year. Early May to late September is off-season for Alaskan cruises. European cruises are cheapest before and after summer. Caribbean cruises have the best prices during the month of January. Do a bit of research on the popular times to travel and then plan your trip for an off-peak season. 6. Don't be afraid to consult with a travel agent. Although there is a bit of a belief that travel agents have more expensive rates, a qualified travel agent can find a good deal for you based on your budget. They can be especially helpful if you're going the group route. Instead of trying to organize the arrangements yourself, you can simply let a travel agent do it for you.

Private and Corporate Boat Cruises in Toronto

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Able to accommodate 50 to 600 people, a Toronto boat cruise is a luxurious venue that can be the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Fantastic Toronto Harbor views are absolutely captivating and can set a wonderful mood that you and your guest will recall for a lifetime. What may come as a surprise to most is that a Toronto cruise is no more or less expensive than most traditional venues - in some cases, it can cost much less. Even so, people may shy away from renting a yacht believing that only the rich and famous can afford to do so. Nothing can be further from the truth. Who rents Toronto Yachts? An individual or a business can rent a yacht any time during the boat cruise season. Toronto based boat cruises are rented either by locals, visiting businessmen or tourists who enjoy the serene beauty of the Toronto harbor. When planning a dinner cruise event, the primary organizer meets with the ship's event planners to go over the details. During this time every minute aspect, from the food, to the entertainment, is discussed. Party Affairs on a rented Yacht Nearly any special occasion can be celebrated on a dinner cruise with the most popular events being birthdays, graduations, retirement and Holiday parties, Bar/bat mitzvahs, wedding receptions, anniversaries, business parties and corporate events. Some have even celebrated baby showers or product launches onboard a Toronto cruise. Toronto yacht Entertainment and amenities Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands are just few of the glorious natural amenities that can be enjoyed by guests of a boat cruise. Others include a wonderful dining hall, dance floors and amazing dinners that are sure to please any palette. Live entertainment like karaoke, casinos and game rooms can be offered aboard boat cruises as well. Comedians, caricaturists, fortune tellers, or even party bands can liven up the room and make the event even more stimulating. There is no limit to what you may find during a fantastic Toronto cruise. Themed Toronto cruises Private yacht events can be customized to the wants and needs of party-goers. Of course, Holiday events have a set theme, but aside from those, one can let their imaginations run wild. Some popular theme idea's could include: - Hawaiian Cruises - Mexican Cruises - Era and decade themes ( i.e. 60, 70. 80) - Pirates - Disco - Circus - Parisian - Mystery Of course, you can come up with something that is all new and all you - just be sure you discuss the details with the boats event planner so that you get precisely what you want. Costs of Toronto cruises The costs can depend on whether you are renting the entire yacht or sharing the yacht with the public. Fares for Public cruises can cost anywhere from $20-80 dollars per head depending on the boat and time of day. Children may cost around 15-40 dollars with kids under 4 riding along for free on most ships. As for private rentals - the costs can depend on the size of the boat, the number of attendees and the charter company used. Just keep in mind that any nice event venue will cost you. In many cases, a Toronto cruise service will provide many things, like caterers and entertainment for you. These package deals may end up saving you money in the long run. Now, most Toronto boat cruises are seasonal, usually starting from April to October. It's always best to book they ate months in advance as certain times may be taken if you delay. Private, corporate and holiday affairs can be celebrated a number of ways, but none can be as memorable as an elegant dinner cruise aboard a luxurious Toronto yacht.

What to Expect When Looking for a Dinner Cruise

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Whether setting out from Queens Quay West or heading towards the Toronto Islands, fantabulous Toronto dinner cruises can be great places to hold any event. Waterfront based Toronto boat cruises can also offer wonderful picturesque peeks of famed harbor views that are unparalleled and second to none. If you or someone you know is interested in embarking on a Toronto cruise, then you can look into the various types of yachts and the themes available for your special event. Types of Toronto dinner cruises Boat cruises are generally seasonal, but you can rent a yacht of any size during this time. Some of the main type of Toronto cruises include but are not limited to: 1. Holiday cruises Holiday parties and events can be held on Toronto based yachts. While public cruises are cheaper, a private holiday cruise will cater to the needs of you and your guests. Check with the charter company to see what date is available and what you need to secure the yacht for the holiday in question. Some yachts require a hefty deposit before making any firm plans. 2. Themes cruises A water front venue is made even better when accompanied by a specified theme. Fun ideas like Grecian Gods and Goddesses, Eighteenth Century Lords and Ladies or vintage sock hops can be actualized on Toronto Cruises. Event planners will work hard to realize your theme and bring it to life. Corresponding decorations and entertainment can be arranged and handled for you as well, making the planning aspect a virtual breeze. 3. Wedding cruises Weddings are romantic occasions and nothing can make it more wondrous than a aquatic setting along the Toronto Harbor waterfront. This is perhaps why wedding themed cruises have begun to grow in popularity. Many Toronto cruises offer special package deals for betrothed couples that can include entertainment, food and limo rides to the docks. Wedding receptions can also be held on ceremonial dinner cruises at special rates. Even the honeymoon can be celebrated aboard a beautiful yacht, delighting newlyweds as it glides upon the crystalline waters of the Toronto harbor. 3. Private cruises Public cruises, while fun for a day or evening excursion, are not as structured or as customized as a private cruise. Another obvious advantage of private Toronto cruises is that the boat won't be crowded. Also, when you have the run of the ship, you and your guest will feel free to mingle. Renting a boat for one day may not be as expensive as one would think, an some basic rental packages can start as $3,000 (of course, the price goes up with the size of the group and things like entertainment and food costs factored in). 4. Discount cruises Discount cruises are available for people who desire to experience a nice relaxing dinner cruise but can't pay for a customized theme cruise. This usually means however, that the person has a few limitations, which may or may not include times when they can board the ship, or duration of stay. Still, some discounts offer the opportunity to take in the opulence and splendor of a noteworthy Toronto boat cruise, which can be worth any purchase price. Indeed, there are many different cruises available to fit any budget. The type of cruise you choose depends on what your individual or corporate needs are at the time. Prices can vary depending on the size of the group, the theme and live entertainment. Extra cost may be incurred for the use of specific caterers and gratuities will be including in the price as well. With the aid of a seasoned event planner, a themed dinner cruise can be just the thing to make a lasting impression on the people you want to celebrate your special occasion with.

Some Basic Tips On Cruising To The Caribbean

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As a fun alternative to the standard single area, land based vacation; Caribbean cruises are becoming ever more popular, especially with the younger crowd. The Caribbean islands should be on everyone's list with their clear tropical water and clean sandy white beaches. There is guaranteed to be a package to suit you depending your needs and how much you can spend. It can be a short weekend excursion or 14 days of fun filled adventure on board a luxury ocean cruise ship. Everyone on board a cruise ship will have their individual needs and these can be catered to. It is your vacation and it can be as quiet and relaxed or as lively as you want it to be. Never worry that there will not be enough to keep you occupied as cruise liners are masters at ensuring their travelers have everything they need to enjoy theirselves. In any situation where you are spending a great deal of money, it is worth checking out the details that could put you on the right track and a top notch travel agency can be a good place to start. Almost all of the Caribbean islands will receive cruise liner guests but a cruise ship won't usually stop at every one of them on each trip as it so you need to look for a package deal that will stop at the islands you want. Many cruise vacations cater more to adults and the activities include discos, late night entertainment, casinos and live shows. Also with plenty of day time events to challenge those with an excess of energy you will probably wear out before you run out of things to do. Even though your travel agent can provide you with information on the various types of Caribbean cruise packages available, there will be more information you can find yourself online from the multitude of travel sites. You may find yourself a better deal and totally eliminate a travel agent altogether. One thing about Caribbean cruises is the amount of clothing you need to take with you as there is many opportunities to dress up for the evenings entertainment. To be in the propper attire the men will need to have a tuxedo and the ladies at least one beautiful evening gown. There are plenty of activities available if you do take your children along from swimming to games to name just a couple. They will probably burn off all their energy by the time the evening has arrived. You don't have to go with your kids every where either as cruise ships have fully trained staff to look after them insuring their safety and their good times as well. Some Caribbean cruises cater specifically to adults which is ideal for couples and honeymooners. Whether you are celebrating your wedding anniversary or just a couple getting away for a child free vacation there will be cruise package deals available to suit your needs and desires. If you plan it right your Caribbean cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime where you don't have to do anything but enjoy yourself. So be prepared to have fun as cruising the Caribbean as it one adventure you can't go wrong with. Ship crews are experts at catering to the individual traveler, couples, families or even large groups. And as usual you get what you pay for, so plan on spending alot of money for a good quality highly fun vacation.

The Complete Caribbean Cruises Guide

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If you are thinking about going for a short vacation, there are many options you can consider and one of them is Caribbean Cruise. There are many things to consider when taking a Caribbean Cruise and in this article, I will discuss some of the issue that you should take note. The Eastern Caribbean has many historic islands with endless stretches of beautiful beaches. The western Caribbean is which one can explore ancient Mayan ruins as you venture into the Yucatan peninsula. The Southern Caribbean is known for its many dive sites with coral reefs full of fishes. Each part of the Caribbean is unique and offers exciting places for a great cruise experience. Eastern Caribbean Cruises: Sun, sand, sea and shopping One of the favorite destinations in the Eastern Caribbean is St Maarten. St. Maarten is known for its duty-free shopping. Christopher Columbus sighted St. Maarten in 1493. French and Dutch divided the island and settled down in 1648. They have lived side by side ever since. St. Maarten gained partial independence from the Netherlands in 1954. The Netherlands Antilles governs St. Maarten while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. St Maarten and St Martin is the world smallest island shared between two countries. The beaches on the island are among the best in the Caribbean. Clothing is optional on some beaches. Western Caribbean Cruises: The Ancient and Adventure The Western Caribbean cruise vacation is interesting because you can explore a number of countries and experience a variety of cultures in the same trip. You can also pop over the Mexican coast. Some cruises include stopovers at Key West and New Orleans. Southern Caribbean Cruises: For the Young and Adventurous. It is little wonder that the Southern Caribbean cruises are marketed as cruises for the singles. There are many activities for the young and energetic. Just right for breaking the ice between strangers. The Southern Caribbean is known for its crystal clear waters, which are ideal for snorkeling and diving. There are also some great shore excursion opportunities. Many of the Southern Caribbean ports are booming centers of commerce while others are still large tract of lush rain forests. Some are enclaves for the rich and famous while others look more like the Arizona desert with their towering Saguaro cacti. The Southern Caribbean islands are further away and less accessible than the Eastern or Western Caribbean islands. If you sail from the USA, you will need to plan for a longer trip. Alternatively, if you can fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba or Barbados and take a Southern Caribbean cruise from there. The Southern Caribbean cruises from this place starts from 4 days.

Celebrity Cruises And Why They Are So Popular

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Experienced cruise travelers insist that vacationing aboard a luxury cruise ship is a unique experience and cannot be easily compared to any other type of travel. You can imagine the unique sensations you would have as you stand on the deck of an enormous cruise liner and take in sweeping views on all sides, enjoying the shimmering seas and the gorgeous beaches spreading along your journey. One of the best ways to assure that you can enjoy such wonders is by joining the Celebrity Cruises line for one of their popular voyages. Another of the wonders of a cruise travel vacation is waking up each morning to find yourself transported to a new, interesting and exciting destination that you will have the opportunity to explore. In addition to having new sights to see every day, cruise vacations also allow you to relax and be pampered by the staff. This cruise line has ample experience in taking people to wonderful destinations and to seeing to it that they have a wonderful time during every aspect of the adventure. Celebrity Cruises have a long-standing reputation for taking care of the smallest of details, for providing outstanding accommodations, and for offering amazing amenities to their passengers. They also love to make their guests not only feel special, but they take it a step further and endeavor to make every passenger feel like a pampered celebrity. Many people who have been aboard the Celebrity cruise line, come back to land and report that they truly had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and enjoyed a cruise travel vacation that was a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. All Celebrity Cruise vacation packages are considered "all inclusive." This means that virtually everything you need for a marvelous vacation is included in the price of your ticket. The Celebrity cruise line makes sure that you have luxurious accommodations that include everything from comfortable beds to gracious surroundings. Gourmet meals are included with a wide array of dishes to delight and tantalize your taste buds. Entertainment options, a selection of activities and numerous amenities are yours to enjoy in making sure that you never have a dull moment. All are at your disposal as part of the price of your ticket. Taking a Celebrity cruise has been likened to staying at a luxury hotel, with personal staff to follow you as you travel the globe. Each day you have the advantage of exploring a new location, or simply taking in the new view from aboard ship. But you never have the hassles of constantly packing, unpacking, repacking and hauling your bags to the next stop on your journey. Instead, this cruise line allows you to simply focus on the fun, the excitement, and interesting aspects of taking in all the sights and sounds, tastes and treasures of each new port of call. Best of all, after a long day of wandering the streets of a new destination, you get to "come home" to a staff who knows your tastes and has been busy preparing your quarters for an evening of relaxation. Celebrity Cruises cover the globe. They sail to more than 130 worldwide locations on every populated continent. With that kind of choice, you should have no problem finding an itinerary that sparks your interest. Celebrity offers everything from a quick getaway on a two-night cruise to a more extended vacation of more than two weeks. With consistent ratings among the top cruise lines in the world, you can rest assured that you will have a great time if you choose to sail as a Celebrity.

The Advantage Of A Cruise Vacation

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The best part of a cruise vacation is being able to relax because almost everything is planned for you. Imagine being pampered with 5 star service with all sorts of entertainment and recreational facilities available. Plus the thrill of visiting interesting tourist destinations. No worry about food for those with special diet need, the children or the plain choosy eaters. All these details are thoroughly studied and catered for by the cruise lines. Some cruise ships have enough restaurants and eating places that you can eat at a different outlet for every meal for the entire trip. You need not worry about bring your children as many cruise ship are family friendly with great children activity programs. However be sure to check this out before booking. Perhaps the best holiday many young parents can get is simply time away from their children, to be spent renewing their bond as a couple. Some cruise ships have chaperons or special children program run by trained professionals. If you are going on a cruise vacation as a romantic getaway, you will not be disappointed. The romantic atmosphere of sunrises or sunsets over the sea is something special to share quietly with your love one. Of course, playing and exploring new places together will help to cement your bond as well. Many cruise ships are targeted at specific group. So do check before booking. Some are ideal for singles while others are for the young family with kids in tow. Some will have parties and 24hrs entertainment. Some of targeted at the highrollers with their casinos. Some are for the adventurous while others are suitable for the aged. Whatever it is, there is something for everybody in a cruise holiday. For those with money, there is the luxury cruise, which have as few as a hundred passengers and a high crew to passenger ratio. You can expect food from renowned chefs, cooked from fresh ingredients only, great wines and champagne, customized itinerary and generally, luxurious pampering and pandering to your every wish. Whatever package you choose, a cruise vacation is a great way to unwind and relax. Do your homework before booking your cruise vacation. You can do your research online. Read the passengers reviews and comments before deciding on a cruise package. Check in with your local travel agent because he or she might be able to offer you a discount.

Planning For A Caribbean Cruise Vacation: Making The Most Of A Romantic Experience

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A Caribbean cruise vacation would be the ideal way to relax and rejuvenate oneself. Or to spend quality time with family and love one. All too often, the seemingly perfect vacation can quickly turn into disaster as unexpected problems crop up or somebody's expectation is not met. The Caribbean seas offer a variety of scenery, cultural experience, fun and excitement. It is a favorite area for many cruise vacationers. The combination of the sunny climes, beautiful white sandy beaches and exotic tourist attractions is heady. There are 3 main areas, which the major cruise lines ply, the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean. The Western and Eastern Caribbean are easily accessible from the USA while many will choose a fly-cruise package for the Southern Caribbean. Firstly, consult all travelling mates to ensure that everybody has the right expectation from the trip. Some may be looking forward to an adventure while other are keen on the historical stuff. Whether they are adult friends or your young children, make them part of the decision process. You can start by gathering information on the cruise packages. Assign some of these tasks to the young ones, they will appreciate the responsibilities. Read up on traveler's review, the cruise liner's website and finally consult your local travel agent. Your travel agent will probably be able to give you a discounted package, as the cruise business is highly competitive. The next thing to consider after deciding on your cruise destination is to buy an appropriate travel insurance. This will prevent headaches over lost luggage especially if you are making a connecting flight. That is sure way to derail your holiday plan before it even started. Almost everything is provided or available onboard the cruise ships but it will be prudent to pack some emergency supply. Below is a list of things to consider: a. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity b. Appropriate visa for the country to be visited c. Emergency cash (Do not touch for the casino or shopping) d. Credit card with PIN e. Local currency f. Currency conversion chart g. Prescription medicine h. On the counter medication for minor ailment like headache, diarrhea and sea sickness i. Bug spray j. Sunscreen, moisturizer, hat and lip sun block k. Photocopy of your passport (in case your original is lost, it will be easier to seek assistance) l. A separate photo ID e.g. driving license m. List of emergency telephone number (Local emergency number should be available from the ship crew when making port calls. Have your local embassy or consulate contact numbers handy.) n. Suitable clothing including warm clothing for night out on the deck. o. Rubber sole shoe (Non-slip sole for ship use and comfortable enough for walking especially if you are sightseeing during port calls.) p. Sporting gear (e.g. swimming goggle, tennis shoes etc) q. A reliable watch. Preferably with dual or world time. (To keep track of time during port calls. You do not want to hold up the ship on departure.) r. Alarm clock s. Electrical socket adapter (for handphone charging etc) t. Spare batteries and memory cards or films for your camera (you may be surprise at the number of shots taken.) u. A small flashlight v. Luggage lock w. Duct tape (for emergency packing if you over-shop and killed your luggage bag)

Cruise Holidays As Incentive For Employee

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There are 2 main reasons for an employee incentive program. You would want to reward your good performers. You would also want to motivate the whole team and to prevent premature burnout. According to studies, all workers will hit a plateau in their work performance occasionally. When productivity drops, it is time to intervene and perk up the team. A cruise holiday is one of the best ways to reward your staff. It is also becoming very popular as a mean for teambuilding and for a management retreat. Many of the major cruise lines offer customized corporate programs. The good thing about cruises is that your employees will be able to relax and rejuvenate themselves. Studies also show that relaxed and happy employees are more productive. What could be more relaxing than a cruise holiday? The combination of the sun, sand and the sea would do wonders for anybody. There are many international cruise packages to choose from. There are cruise packages ranging between 3, 4, 5 and 7 nights in length. Depending on the itinerary, your employees can visit the exciting Caribbean seas or the exotic Southeast Asia countries or even the wild and untamed Alaska. Your employees will appreciate the fine dining, five-star service and the many activities onboard. You will appreciate the price tags because cruise holidays are getting cheaper with many cruise lines offering special deals. For the young and adventurous, there is the chance to swim among sea creatures in some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. For those who love history, there are many routes to historic sites. For the singles and unattached, you may want to organize a special singles cruise. Romance come easy while you are having fun amidst romantic locations. The cruise lines also have special singles cruises where they organize fun activities to allow singles to meet. If your employees do not meet somebody special, at least they will have a great time and be appreciative to you for that. You may also want to give something special for your employee's family as well. The married employees will really be appreciative of this. Many cruise lines cater for young families with children. There are well-run programs and activities for children. Many will provide chaperon so that the parents can enjoy their own time. How About a Free Honeymoon? Now wouldn't your employee love you for that? Imagine being newlywed and given a free honeymoon by your boss. Imagine being free to spend time with your spouse in a romantic atmosphere and to explore exciting places. That would be the ultimate employee incentive. What Your Employee Look Forward to? There are plenty of things to do during a cruise. While the ship is underway, there are many entertainment and activities onboard. One can play volleyball or tennis, learn rock climbing or join in the aerobics and yoga classes. At night, the ship usually comes alive with live shows and performance and one can party all the way till sun up. Most ships have casino onboard. Besides the activities onboard, the port calls and stopovers offer opportunities to dive, snorkel, hike or even for helicopter tours, depending on the locations. Now all these would look really impressive on your company's incentive program fact sheet.