Finding the Best Cruise Deal on the Web
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips
Basically, people planning to go on a cruise vacation want to avail themselves of the best cruise deal. They want to have the cheapest and the best deals that they can get at a low or a discounted price. Most good deals can be found online, and by having options to find a deal that suits their budget, they can easily find one.
Here are some tips on how to look for the best deals on the internet:
Get the baseline of the current prices on offer – go to Icruise or Cruise411 to get a price reference of various cruises. This is a good way to look for the lowest price and the best deals.
Look for a travel search engine – Kayak.co.uk is an example of a good search engine to find good deals. Here, one can have a good comparison of the prices of almost 200 travel sites. Each travel site has a link that allows the searchers to go directly to its price list.
Visit or call the website of a cruise company directly – there are certain companies that offer deals only through their website. Guests can e-mail or call them directly to inquire more about the deals and the price list.
Get help from a travel agent – for further assistance, guests can ask travel agents to do the research for them. CruiseCompete is a unique website where guests can enter their information, including cruises they would like to go on, expected prices, and their planned date. After a few days or weeks, travel agents will offer the prospective traveller the best prices and deals that they can.
With these simple options, one can have a good comparison of the best cruise deals on offer.
read comments (1)Bingo Takes to the High Seas
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips
You might not have noticed the quiet revolution that has seized the bingo industry. Where once it was unfairly characterised as the last outpost of Northern high camp and blue-rinse nattering it is now a mainstream activity that is a social hub for hundreds of thousands of people from all backgrounds. As the audience in traditional bingo halls have got younger and glitzier, the prizes have got more eyecatching and the bigger chains have become household names. Their TV advertising is increasingly aspirational, reflecting the upward shift in demographics. Now, following the trail blazed by the poker industry, online bingo has become one of the hottest internet entertainments out there.
It was perhaps inevitable that ultimately all these trends would conspire to bring the world of bingo and cruises together. Like bingo, cruises were once the preserve of the elderly – although those of wealthier profile. As the tide has changed towards a younger clientele, the match between women seeking glamour, leisure and fun has brought the two audiences very close. And so it is that that online bingo site 888ladies.com has recently sent winners of an online tournament to join a luxurious cruise in the Gulf of Mexico for what is being billed as a ‘world championship bingo tournament.’
The ship in question – the Carnival Splendor – will be familiar to cruise goers as it is one of the Carnival fleet’s most prestigious vessels. The lucky tournament winners are not only getting VIP cabins, but the chance to win up to an astonishing $100,000 in prize money during the week long bingo extravaganza. We can only hope that they can tear themselves away from the playing tables to sample some of the Carnival Splendor’s many stunning facilities – which include a three-deck waterslide, thalassotherapy pool and mini golf course.
Carnival Cruises’ Best Deals
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Locations, Cruise Operators
One of the most famous cruise lines in the world is Carnival Cruises. This cruise line offers wonderful trips to Mexico, Alaska, Bahamas, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands. As part of their holiday, most people go on Carnival Cruises to relax and have fun.
During the cruise, guests are pampered by the five-star amenities and luxuries, such as spacious rooms, spas, swimming pools, casinos, cafes, bars and gym. People can also enjoy the good food, extracurricular activities, and fun entertainment for both children and adults.
Furthermore, there are also areas where children will have fun while on the cruise. The Camp Carnival is where the children usually play, and there are counsellors in this area to take care of them while the adults are away. In the swimming pool area, the waterslides are indeed the most enjoyable spot for the children. With these children’s amenities aboard, the ship is often called by the guests “The Fun Ship.”
At a discounted price, one can get good cruise deals on the internet. The guests, together with their families, will have an amazing vacation that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The money that they will be spending is worth the fun and excitement that they will get from the deal.
As for holiday tips, it is always good to check out each and every detail about the cruise, in order to be prepared. To avoid hassles, plan the cruise holiday ahead of time. With these simple steps, one can be guaranteed of an amazing Carnival Cruise experience.
A great experience at Princess Cruises
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Operators
Princess Cruises is an American-based cruise line, headquartered in Santa Clarita, California. The company began its operations in 1965 with a small 6,000-ton liner that sailed between Mexico and California. Today the company has grown to a fleet of 16 ships sailing throughout the globe, offering passengers almost 100 itineraries ranging from one to 107 days, and visiting 280 ports.
The company operates a fleet of modern ships, half of which were launched in the early 21st century. The most recent launches were the Emerald Princess in 2007 and the Ruby Princess in 2008. Princes Cruises is today a successful subsidiary of Carnival Cruises.
Princess Cruises has made a name for itself by constantly offering new amenities, programmes, and innovative features. The line offers passengers a choice of many restaurants for fine dining, but also caters to semi-formal dining.
Another innovation, which is available on all the line’s ships, is the ScholarShip@Sea programme. This educational programme offers a wide variety of learning experiences, from digital photography to cooking to ceramics. They also offer Internet training sessions for mastering HTML, Web design, and Photoshop for just $25 per session. Princess Cruises is also the first line to feature Wi-Fi system aboard. There is a wide variety of Internet cafes on all of the ships.
With these fun and exciting amenities, the Princess Cruises line is indeed the fleet of choice for people of all ages.
Singles Cruising – meeting new people on a luxury cruise
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Operators
Why not combine your cruising experience with your search for that perfect partner. Many cruise companies are now offering solo cruises, allowing single people the opportunity to meet other single people onboard. After all, there is no shortage of things to do on the ship and an abundance of new people to meet. You never know what might happen.
Many cruise companies now arrange singles’ events on board where you can meet other people who are looking for love, friendship or just companionship. However, even if your chosen vessel does not offer such events, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet like minded individuals at all of the other organised activities and events onboard. However, you needn’t spend time in the company of others throughout your whole trip. Cruise ships are large and have plenty of space for peace and relaxation. You could even treat yourself to some spa treatments to ensure you are feeling and looking your best, just in case you meet someone special.
Many cruise operators such as Regent, Silversea and Crystal employ gentlemen dance hosts so you will not have a problem having someone to dance with in the evening and these hosts are sure to be skilled at whisking you around the dance floor.
Do not worry if you are travelling solo and you fear that you may feel awkward at dinnertime. Most dining rooms have tables that accommodate groups of 4, 6 or 8 people. You can request that the Maître’d seats you with people of a similar age and background. This could be the ideal way to make new friends.
One thing you should take into account is that many of the tour operators will charge you a single supplement for lone occupation of a double or twin room.
Carnival Cruise Lines – for that perfect holiday!
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Locations, Cruise Operators
Carnival Cruise Lines is well known for providing a perfect vacation. Carnival is a large cruise operator, working in an alliance which includes Princess, Cunard, Costa, the Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O, and five additional ships operating to Australia, North America, and Europe.
Carnival Cruise Lines calls its vessels “The Fun Ships”. It made its name through providing inexpensive and entertaining cruises. Carnival’s ships are recognisable by their distinctive red, white, and blue funnels similar to the tail of a whale. Cruises on board Carnival ships visit the Caribbean, Greece and Turkey, Hawaii and Alaska. The Carnival Destiny sails from the ports of Aruba, San Juan, and Barbados in the Southern Caribbean, while the Carnival Fantasy cruises from Miami to ports in the Bahamas, Mexico, and various Caribbean destinations.
Carnival cruises are popular for the amazing onboard entertainments they provide their passengers. Each ship contains swimming pools and waterslides. Some pools are covered, making them always available for swimming regardless of where the Carnival cruises travel. Exercise aside, the main attraction on the Carnival cruises is the ship’s casinos.
Carnival Cruise Lines is also popular for the informal way of feeding passengers. Instead of using the traditional two-seat dinner settings, Carnival has adopted four-seat dinner settings on its ships, whose specialty restaurants offer exotic cuisine at no additional cost.
Before booking your Carnival cruise, it is advisable to get information on the amenities offered, so that you may compare ships and choose the one most suited to your tastes.
Caribbean Cruise and Stay Holidays
> Posted by channel in Caribbean Cruises, Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Locations
Caribbean cruise and stay packages regularly depart from Florida and Bermuda across all of the major tour operators. You can enjoy some shore time in either of these locations at the start or end of your cruise.
There is no shortage of good reasons why you should book a Caribbean cruise and stay holiday. The Caribbean is a dream holiday location with picture postcard beaches, water as blue as you could possibly imagine, and with diving opportunities aplenty. If you are looking for a relaxing break, the location does not come much better than this.
If sun worshipping is your thing, you can spend the day soaking up the rays on any of the untouched beaches along the coastline in the Caribbean. The sea houses some of the most exotic marine life and you can experience their world on a number of organised diving trips that take place every day. Even if you have never been diving before, qualified instructors will be on hand to teach you the basics and support you while you descend into the glorious tropical waters. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then a trip to Grand Cayman is essential.
St. Lucia should definitely be on your agenda and most Caribbean cruises do visit this stunning island with its wild and untamed landscape. Here you can experience a mixture of Caribbean, African and French cultures. The island is truly unique. This is why people return year after year. How could you possibly tire of the stunning scenery on display across any of the Caribbean islands?
Weddings and honeymoons onboard cruise ships are becoming more and more popular. Getting married at sea has long been regarded as one of the most romantic settings for your nuptials. One could barely imagine a more idyllic setting. The other benefit of getting married onboard is that you are already on your honeymoon so you can just relax and enjoy those first precious weeks of wedded bliss.
A cruise ship might not immediately spring to mind as the ideal wedding location but it actually ticks all the boxes. You will be married against a backdrop of stunning scenery no matter where you are cruising. You will also have access to the best cuisine and service. The facilities and entertainment are also second to none. If you choose to get married onboard it will remain your choice whether your wedding is a private affair or if you want the celebrations to extend to the other passengers. It is your special day and as with a wedding on land, it is what you say that goes. The staff will go out of their way to ensure that your every wish is catered for.
Your honeymoon will commence in comfort and style. There is no need to pack and unpack as you reach each destination, as you will have your own luxury accommodation on board. You can however choose to extend your honeymoon by staying in a hotel at the end destination for a few days before reality hits and you have to return home happily married to start your new life together.
Accessible cruising for the disabled
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Cruise Operators
You needn’t rule out a cruise holiday if you have a disability or impairment as the majority of ships and tour operators will have the facilities to meet your needs. All you need to do is relax and enjoy your holiday.
Most of the larger liners have a full provision of services to meet the needs of disabled passengers. The smaller companies may only have some provision and therefore it is always advisable to check when you place your booking. You may also want to speak to the tour company prior to making your booking to discuss your individual requirements, both on land and when you reach off-ship destinations. Cruise ships which have been built within the last five years are most likely to be adapted to meet the needs of any passengers with a disability.
Disability adapted cabins are usually located in close proximity to the popular public areas and lifts to ensure ease of travel around the liner. These cabins have lower windows, wider door frames and specially designed spacious bathrooms for practicality and comfort. If you require the assistance of an able-bodied companion in your day-to-day life, your tour operator is likely to request that you also have such a companion onboard, although the staff will help out as much as they can.
Most ships have menus and information available in a Braille format. You will also find that the numbers in lifts and signs around the ship will also be in Braille. Guide dogs will be allowed on most ships but may not be permitted ashore in many destinations.
Family cruises – fun for all
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips
A cruise holiday used to have the reputation of being for very rich passengers or elderly couples, but this has not been the case for many years. The cruise industry has had an overhaul and you are now just as likely to find a young honeymoon couple on board a cruise ship, as you are to find a family holidaying together. Now a cruise may not immediately strike you as an ideal family holiday, but you would be surprised.
Cruising is a holiday that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Most of the bigger ships have children’s facilities that rival, if not better, the children’s facilities that can be found at a holiday resort on the land. Most cruise ships will have children’s swimming pools with slides and floats. There will also be entertainment tailored to specific age ranges to ensure there is something for young children and teenagers alike. Some cruise ships even offer night nurseries or baby sitting services to allow the parents to have a romantic evening out, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are well taken care of. Other tour operators will arrange children specific onshore activities to ensure that you never have to hear the dreaded words “I’m bored!”
The most modern mega cruise ships are best equipped for family entertainment. It is always advisable to check when you book a family cruise that the advertised services are still available. Some tour operators will only run children’s activities during specific school holidays.