Posts Tagged ‘cruise vacation’

I want to try putting a bottle of vodka in my suitcase that I’m checking in, since alcohol costs A LOT on cruise ships. Is there anything I can wrap around the bottle of vodka that will let it pass through the x-ray machine undetected? Or any other strategy that might work?

Simple.

buy a bottle of mineral water, open it pour out the water and pour in the vodka close the lid.

its not usual to see someone with a 1L bottle of water, and if you get any issues, explain you are filling dehydrated etc. best thing is to carry it by hand if you can.

If you cover something with lead, you’re bags will be opened. It could be a bomb for all the guards know. That is the kind of actions that will get you thrown off the cruise before it starts

Guards with x-ray machines check 100s of bags i and fairly sure they can detect a tell tail signs of a bottle and metal lid. So a plastic bottle will be fine.

You probably will be able to find something better on the ship if you are concerned about plastic + vodka, for example give a maid a tip and they probably can get a glass container…

Technorati Tags: Alcohol, Bomb, Bottle Water, Cruise Ships, cruise vacation, Glass Container, Lot, Metal Lid, Mineral Water, Ray Machine, Ray Machines, Suitcase, Tail Signs, Vodka, X Ray

I’ll be graduating next May. Instead of a graduation party, my immediate family (mom, sister, her husband & their 2 kids) will spend a week at Disneyworld. I’ll be moving about an hour away a week after graduation.

My mom and I tossed around the idea of going on a cruise the following year. I’d like to take at least one vacation per year.

Where do you suggest?

Thanks!

Cancun is great

Technorati Tags: Amp, cruise vacation, Disney, Disney Cruise, Disneyworld, Family Mom, Going On A Cruise, Graduation Party, Immediate Family, Moving

Taking a cruise can be one of the most exciting vacations that you take in your lifetime. Adventure, relaxation, exploration, extravagant parties, exquisite dining, free entertainment, and eye-opening experiences are all yours to be had when you book a cruise with Princess Cruise Lines or another popular line. A cruise vacation literally puts the world at your doorstep. Imagine being able to step out of your stateroom to a different exotic view each and every morning or being able to watch the sun set in a different port of call each evening.

The truth of the matter is that cruise vacations are unparalleled when it comes to providing an unforgettable experience crammed packed with more variety than you could ever believe possible from a week-long vacation. But you need to be careful when choosing your package because different destinations will provide you with completely different experiences. The size boat that you choose will also determine what types of ports that you will be able to see. As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing where to go on your the cruise of your dreams.

The destination of your cruise determines much more than just the type of scenery that you will see. Cruises to the Mediterranean are well-known for their party till the sun comes up itineraries. Sea voyages to Alaska, on the other hand, are more reserved and focus on sightseeing and wildlife. There are also trips that are very educational and will take you to see historical and ecological wonders. Others will slowly meander through tropical waters and make leisurely stops at brilliant white beaches. The bottom line is this: You can take a cruise to any part of the world that you would like to see and do virtually anything that you want to do. But first, you have to decide on a package.

Mediterranean packages are extremely popular, but you need to be careful when selecting your package since some itineraries are created with tourism in mind and others with nightlife and partying in mind. For example: Two different cruises to the Mediterranean may stop at the same ports of call but for entirely two different reasons depending on which ship you book on. The first ship might stop at Barcelona and Rome just like the second one but may feature guided tours to top tourist attractions. The second ship may avoid the tourist scene and focus instead on the culture and nightlife to be found in the area.

Keep in mind that different packages will attract different types of vacationers and that there are themed cruises that cater to a certain group of people. A slow-paced, educational theme may attract seniors where as a party cruise will attract young couples with no children. Mixing your vacation with a group of people that are your exact opposite may make for a long voyage rather than the fun trip that you had envisioned.

A typical Mediterranean cruise will include several ports of call including Barcelona, Villefranche, Rome, Naples and Florence. You will probably have an opportunity to visit all of the main tourist attractions such as Pompeii and the islands that hold the history and archeology of man’s earliest civilizations. You may find yourself water skiing, shopping till you drop in Barcelona, scuba diving or playing with the rich and famous in Monte Carlo.

If you prefer something a little more slow-paced without as many stops along the way, a voyage along the Alaskan inside passage might be just the thing. Inside passage cruises are so popular because they offer a close and unique view into the exotic beauty of Alaska’s ice-glazed land surfaces. Nearly 5% of this beautiful state is covered in ice fields in glaciers which provide a home for wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, brown bears and bald eagles.

While you will be able to visit some hard to access ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Ketchikan and Victoria on an inland cruise, the majority of your time will be spent aboard ship watching the majestic glaciers slip by within feet of the ship. You will be able to visit and view botanical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, and quaint towns. Certain itineraries even give passengers the opportunity to land on Annette Island and to be greeted by the Tsimshian elders of Metlakatla.

But perhaps the best part about an Alaskan cruise is that it is calm, quiet, and less crowded than other types of cruises. Many destinations frequently visited on an Alaskan cruise are sparsely inhabited which makes for an experience that is entirely different from the shoulder-to-shoulder tourist feel of the Mediterranean’s top spots.

As you can see from just these two examples, your vacation could be as lively or relaxing as you wish to make it. You can also choose what types of people are on the ship with you by booking passage on a themed cruise. Some of the most popular theme cruises include gay cruises; adventure cruises; honeymoon cruises; family cruises; disabled cruises; singles cruises; and you can also go nude

There is no limit to the variety that can be found in a sea vacation. Young or old, gay or straight, single or married with kids, adventurous or laid back, it doesn’t matter; there is a cruise that is perfect for you. So pay attention to detail, examine your options, and book the vacation of a lifetime with Princess Cruise Lines or another popular line today.

Jacqueline Michaels
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/yippee-i-said-yes-to-a-cruise-now-where-should-i-go-and-why-96172.html

Technorati Tags: cruise vacation, Cruise Vacations, Different Destinations, Doorstep, Ecological Wonders, Extravagant Parties, Free Entertainment, Lifetime Adventure, Long Vacation, Mediterranean, Port Of Call, Princess Cruise Lines, Relaxation, Scenery, Sea Voyages, Sightseeing, Size Boat, Stateroom, Tropical Waters, Truth Of The Matter

So you’ve heard how great cruise vacations are, and now you’ve decided to take to the high seas for a fortnight of luxury and pampering. But there’s a lot to think about. So before you select a cruise line, a cruise ship or even get in touch with a travel agent, there are certain issues that are vital to consider.

1) Who is going on the cruise?

Although this question should be easy to answer, it can have a bearing on the type of cruise line and ship that you ultimately choose.

If you and your partner want to take a relaxing cruise, there are many ships that are aimed at couples. In fact some cruise ships actively discourage or even ban people from taking children onboard.

If you will be cruising as a couple, it’s also important to consider the dining situation. On ships with assigned seating, you will have to specify the size of table that you want. However, on many ships, tables for two are in short supply, so if this is an important issue, this may influence your choice of cruise line and ship. Just make sure that you make this clear to your travel agent or the cruise line when booking.

On the other hand, if you want to take your children or travel with the rest of your extended family, there are certain cruise lines and ships within cruise lines that are specifically tailored with family vacations in mind.

2) How much have you got to spend?

It’s possible to find a cruise vacation to suit almost any budget. So before you go any further it’s important to work out how much you’re willing to spend on your holiday.

But as a general rule, you’ll need to set aside at least $150 per person per day to cover the cost of your cruise. However, bigger cabins in more luxurious ships can cost many times this figure.

However, it is possible to get more for your money if you;

a) Book early: Most cruise lines are willing to give generous discounts if you book your cruise 6-12 months in advance.

b) Book late: Likewise, if you book within 2 months of setting sail, most cruise lines will give you hefty discounts to fill the remaining cabins.

3) How long have you got?

The number of days that you want your vacation to last will determine the type and location of cruises that are available to you.

If you only have a few days, the main option is a one port cruise. This means that the ship leaves port sails around the sea/ocean for two or three days and then returns to the same port. The ship doesn’t call at any other ports, but it does give you a few days at sea. This is a good way to get the feel for a certain cruise ship, or even cruising in general.

If you have a week to spare, this gives you more choices. If you live in the US, this gives you the choice of Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Mexico or even a Caribbean cruise. If you live in Europe this will give you access to the mediterranean, north africa, or even a nordic cruise.

Alternatively, if you want to increase the number of locations available, you could fly to and from the start/finish location of your cruise or take a one way cruise either flying to the start location or flying home after disembarkation.

If you have two weeks or longer, you can cruise almost any part of the world.

4) What time of the year?

The time of year that you take your cruise will have a major affect on two issues;

a) The Price: As with all forms of travel, your holiday will cost more during the peak season. In contrast, most cruises are cheaper in the spring or fall.

Traditionally, the winter was considered the high season for Caribbean destinations, but due to the weight of supply and demand (people who have to take their vacation during the summer) the summertime costs are almost on a par with the cost of a winter Caribbean cruise.

b) The Locations Available: The time of year that you take your cruise will also determine the locations that are available. Although this won’t make much difference to the more mainstream locations such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, certain places have a distinct cruise season.

If you want to go to Alaska or northern Europe, the main cruise season lasts from May till September.

For Antartica, the season is even shorter, running from November to February.

Although the tropical regions are in season all year, there is a great variation in the amount of rainfall throughout the year. Locations such as the Caribbean will have less rain during the summer months and more rain during the winter months.

And finally, although not a restriction as such, some people prefer to avoid places that may be affected by the hurricane season. If a cruise ship encounters a storm it will alter its route to avoid it, which means you may miss certain places that you wanted to visit.

5) What part of the world do you want to visit?

You can cruise almost anywhere in the world, even landlocked countries are often available to explore through river cruises. So it’s no surprise that this is one of the hardest decisions for cruise newcomers to make.

The amount of days that you have for your vacation will narrow your options, but beyond that, consider other issues, such as;

If you want to or have to take your vacation at a certain time of the year, which locations are available?

If you particularly want to use a certain cruise line, which locations do their ships visit?

What type of weather and climate do you prefer?

Are there any particular landmarks that you want to visit?

Are there any activities or adventures that you want to experience?

Now all you have to do it to get in touch with your travel agent.

Kristen Olsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/planning-your-first-cruise-things-to-consider-part-1-129768.html

Technorati Tags: 12 Months, Bearing, Budget, couples, Cruise Line, Cruise Lines, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, cruise vacation, Cruise Vacations, Extended Family, Family Vacations, Fortnight, Generous Discounts, High Seas, Lot, Luxurious Ships, Money, Partner, Travel Agent

Vacations can spell enjoyment and stress at the same time. The time of planning, booking and hazards of trips are just few troubles one may encounter along the way. Nevertheless, one should consider enjoying and the fun side of it rather than divulge on the pressure that can ruin all the plans and preparation.

Family vacation requires a lot of preparation considering that you should satisfy your own desires and likes alongside the wants of your toddlers, teens and spouse. Consolidating the ideas they have and the thrills they want to gain are various points that should be dealt upon for a vacation to be fruitful.

Here are some ideas you can consider when planning to go on a family vacation:

1.Why not go on a beach vacation? It is not easy to please all members of the family and resorts can be a good option. There are beaches where multitude of activities can be done like jet skiing, surfing, and cruising which you and your teens can enjoy. There are also resorts with kids’ pools and slides for your toddlers. Prioritize the enjoyment of the family but check on the safety of the place and the water specifically.

2.The family can also go on a cruise vacation. You can free yourself from planning and other activities because there are packages provided by ships and other cruise lines. All you have to do is choose among the packages and be present on the set date of your floating vacation. Cruise activities include spas, casinos and live entertainment for teens and adults. Youngsters are offered with kids’ activities so nobody is left bored and idle. Check on the medical facilities of the cruise lines to ensure your health while on the cruise.

3.If your family enjoys a country lifestyle, you can have a family ranch vacation. There are ranches which welcome people and offer vacation packages. There are those which are near rivers where you can do rafting and engage in a river trip. The family can also involve in ranch tour, join lessons about horseback riding and take care of horses and other animals such as cattle. A special set of activities for children are designed to get them busy while on the ranch.

4.Adventure vacation is not a bad idea either. Adventures suck as kayaking, sailing, hiking, canoeing, camping, hunting and a whole lot more can excite all the members of the family. Nature tripping is a good adventure to give you and your family fun and learning at the same time.

5.Theme parks can also be a good choice. You can choose Universal Studios which offer an array of incredible rides and attractions. Universal Studios is a theme park and movie studio in one. You can also tour and watch real working films and scenes from your much loved movies. Walt Disney also offers an Animal Kingdom Theme Park and a lot more. Children and adults alike can also enjoy the Disney resorts and other wonderful areas in the Walt Disney.

6.For holiday season, the family can try a snow vacation. Snow can make your vacation a lot different! There are numerous resorts in California, New Hampshire or Vermont which offers country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, sliding, ice climbing and other exciting activities. There are also schools accepting enrollees for ski lessons; or you can simply enjoy the snow by making snow man, angels, etc.

7.Volunteer vacations. Your family can try the unique but worthwhile volunteer work with helpful humanitarian and nature causes. There are global volunteer works which cater to those groups who wanted to engage in charitable projects. There are those located in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, Africa, and much much more. Projects vary from animal welfare, health and safety, education, community development, children’s issue, environment and nature or poverty. Be sure that family members all compromised with this kind of vacation because laborious work and sacrifice are involved here rather than relaxation.

There are several more ideas one family can think of while planning for their much awaited vacation. One family member differs with another so careful compromises and decision must be made to make sure that all will be satisfied and happy. A good vacation does not depend on its longevity; rather the measure is the quality of time spent with the family.

Nathalie Fiset
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/helpful-ideas-to-have-an-enjoyable-family-vacation-74831.html

Technorati Tags: Beach Vacation, Country Lifestyle, Cruise Activities, Cruise Lines, cruise vacation, Desires, Family Ranch Vacation, Family Vacation, Jet Skiing, Kids Activities, Live Entertainment, Medical Facilities, Members Of The Family, Multitude, River Trip, Spas, Toddlers, Vacation Cruise, Vacation Vacations, Youngsters