Cruising Is Unique

Windstar Cruises

2009-03-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises provides travelers with the opportunity to discover small ports around the world in a luxurious setting, all with Windstar's "Casual Elegance" atmosphere.

Each Windstar Cruise is onboard a carefully designed ship, complete with stunning white sails. Officially designated as motor-sail-yachts (msy), each ship is small enough to provide guests with the feeling that they are on a private yacht.

The newest and largest member of the fleet of four is the 312-passenger msy Wind Surf. The other ships hold fewer than 150 passengers, allowing Windstar Cruises to provide special touches that other cruises cannot. Some of the special nuances found onboard a Windstar Cruise includes open seating at dinnertime and a more relaxed, but still elegant dress code.

Each stateroom comes complete with modern technological conveniences, like new LCD flatscreen TV, DVD, CD player, iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDocks systems, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phones. Windstar tops off the luxurious rooms with high-end toiletries and roomy closets.

Onboard, guests also have access to a library and DVD collection in addition to the ability to enjoy complimentary water sports, like water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking from the ship's aft Water Sports Platform.

Dining onboard a Windstar Cruise is a casual, but tasty experience, with breakfast being served on the Veranda or in guests' private staterooms. Dinner is an elegant but casual experience in gourmet dining, with unique meals and international themed dinners available on some ships.

In addition to a variety of activities, Windstar Cruises also allows for relaxation in the ships' onboard spas, which feature a variety of treatment options and special touches.

Luxurious Windstar Cruises explore every region of the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, The Americas, the Greek Isles and the Trans-Atlantic.

Bahamas Yacht Charter

2009-03-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

When is the Best Time to Avail of Caribbean Yacht Charters for the Bahamas?

You have two choices. You can go during the off-peak and on-peak seasons. When you want to make sure that you can go cheap on your charter yachts Caribbeanit's a good idea to visit the islands during June until November. By this time, there are fewer people around, so you won't have to be competing with a crowd on the beach or even when availing of a yacht charter Carribean. The latter is also cheaper, since most of the Carribean yacht charter are offered at a discount, even those luxurious yachts, sailboats, and catamarans.

However, you would not really mind spending a lot more during the on-peak seasons. Luxury charter yachts can cost you thousands of dollars every week. For example, a yacht that can accommodate a small group of 8 will cost you 15,000 dollars per week, excluding the expenses. But you will have your own chef, captain, and crew, who can take care of all your needs. Most of all, the temperature in the Bahamas is at its best. Since it's an island much closer to North America, it is a little colder than the other Caribbean island nations. Temperature in the summer can be between 27 and a little above 30 degrees Celsius during the summer. The atmosphere is also cold during the morning and afternoon and cold at night.

Average temperature in the Bahamas ranges from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 32 degrees Celsius) in the summer to 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius) in the winter. The northern Bahamian islands can be even a little cooler. Winds across The Bahamas keep vacations cool in the daytime and help lower the temperatures at night.

Where can you go?
There are a lot of islands that make up the Bahamas, so that means you have wide variety of choices. You can bring your luxury yacht charter:
at the outdoor aquarium, which is located in the Paradise Island. Besides the beaches, there are also lagoons, swimming pools, and waterslides. This is also the home of more than 200 species of marine life. There are also great beaches, where the sands are powdery white and the waters are crystal blue. They are excellent places for inter-island cruising on board a luxury catamaran or a superyacht charter.

There are also boat tours that can take you to the Bahamas, though it's not the be-all, end-all destination. You can ride a Grenadines yacht charter or a BVI yacht charter.

Indeed, the Bahamas is one tropical island that you should not miss. So pick your mode of transport: on board interisland cruises such as yacht charters BVI or superyachts that go directly to the Bahamas.

By: Rumble Romagnoli

Get Away From It All With A Freighter Cruise

2009-03-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Is the noise, the traffic, the stress of everyday living getting to you? Ever wish you could just get away from it all and forget the economy, the boss, the daily upheavals for a little while? Ever dream about long, sunny afternoons sailing the high seas? Is your idea of a dream vacation a time of solitude, laid-back laziness, and a no-frills, no-nonsense atmosphere?

If you answered, "yes, yes, Yes, YES!" to the questions above, then perhaps a freighter cruise is just the relief you need from your overstressed, overdressed lifestyle. And with a freighter cruise, you can get away from it all while getting somewhere. A freighter cruise would not break the bank, either. But you need to be prepared for a bit more adventure than your average cruise.

Freighter cruises are not fancy. They are not jam packed with activities, or people. Freighters offer you a cabin, meals, a chance to get to know the crew, a lounge or recreation room, visits to various ports of call, and lots of time to just relax and unwind. Freighter cruises can be as short as a week or two, or as long as 18 weeks around the world sailing. Your choices for freighter cruises, destinations, durations and costs are nearly unlimited. With most cruises costing between $90 and $120 per night, they have got the cruise lines beat hands down on prices. In short, there is a freighter cruise for everyone.

Freighter ships cabins can range from bunk-bed-berths-share-the-bath dormitory type rooms to suites that accommodate with a queen-sized bed, refrigerator, bath with tub and large windows rather than portholes. Most freighter cabins are in the "standard" range – meaning they are about the equivalent of the lower-class cabins available on cruise liners. Some freighters cabins were initially designed for the company "big wigs," and can be quite posh. One thing about your cabin – you may find that cabins on lower levels of the superstructure have their portholes blocked by the freight containers being carried by the ship. Just remember, the ships purpose is to carry the goods – you are just along for the ride.

Depending on the ship and the freight company, you may or not have a steward to care for your room. So, be prepared to make your own bed, set out your trash bin and, in general, tidy up after yourself. Unlike cruise lines, most freighter cruises do not penalize the single traveler for occupying a double cabin. In fact, some have gone out of their way to encourage the single traveler in joining them.

Freighter cruise cuisine can vary greatly, too, from ship to ship and company to company. Dining aboard a freighter is informal, so you have no need to pack a suit and tie or fancy dress. There is one and only one dining room aboard a freighter. Meals are generally served at fixed times, in one to two hour windows. Many freighters open the pantry or galley 24/7 for self-serve snacks or refreshment, but you may want to pack some of your favorites, or purchase them in port, just in case there is nothing to your liking. Your cook will be the crews cook, and the cuisine served will be what the crew eats. So, if your freighter is of German registry be prepared to eat German dishes.

On the other hand, if your crew is of mixed nationality, say Filipino, German, French and Scandinavian, you may just be in for a culinary adventure, as the galley tries to satisfy the varied palates. Eating in the same dining room with the crew can pose some adventures of its own, too. While English is the international language of the sea, your formerly East German captain may be more at ease with Russian, while his French First Mate ends up translating everything the Filipino Engineer adds to the dinner conversation. Some things freighters do not normally offer – endless buffets, special meals (vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) or gourmet haute cuisine.

Freighter cruises do not provide much, if any, formal, organized entertainment. There will most certainly be a lounge or recreation room, shared by crew and passenger alike, to provide a place for watching DVDs or videos, playing cards or board games, and a shipboard library of well-read paperbacks. You will definitely want to take along your own entertainment and reading material, though, as your viewing and reading choices may be as multi-linguistic as the dining room. A short wave radio might be a good idea, as AM/FM types do not receive any signals offshore. There is no internet or mobile phone connection either. Some freighter cruises do have a swimming pool, most are indoors but some can be found on deck. Some offer an exercise room, too.

Many passengers spend their time in walks around the deck, or lounging about in a deck chair, catching a few rays. There are long afternoons for napping, chatting, reading or writing. (Did you know Alex Haley wrote much of his groundbreaking bestseller "Roots" while serving aboard a freighter?) Some ships engineers offer tours of their engine room, while bridge visits with the captain or first officer are welcomed by some crews. In short, your shipboard entertainment varies widely from freighter to freighter. What you would not find on a freighter cruise are days crammed with organized nonstop activities, BINGO, casinos, Vegas style shows and trips to the spa.

Port visits with a freighter cruise can be adventures in their own right. First, while commercial cruises run on tight schedules, freighters do not. So that might mean your scheduled stop in port at 8am may not happen until 8pm. Or not happen until next Tuesday, for that matter. Secondly, most cargo docks are well off the beaten path. Be prepared to spend a good bit on taxi or bus fare just to reach "civilization" and even more to get to any tourist-y type attractions. Third, time in port usually depends on the dockhands and port master.

You may end up not having enough time to even leave the ship, if the offloading/loading is completed sooner than originally thought. Lastly, some port visits may be cancelled while en route, depending on the cargo contracts with the freight company. An expected call may not occur at all if the shipping company does not have enough out-going cargo to warrant it.

Freighter cruising may not be for everyone. It is not a glamorous or glitzy way to travel. While it does have its benefits, from a lower price than most cruise lines to a chance to really get away from it all, its drawbacks may put off some who prefer a bit more pampering to a freighter cruises adventurous nature.

By: Ranko Zunic

Discover the Exotic Turkish Coastline

2009-02-02T10:13:00.001-08:00

All the people who like to go on a vacation in the exotic country of Turkey always try their best to spend a few days or even a few hours aboard Bodrum Yacht Cruises because they never miss out the city of Bodrum. This city is known for its exotic nature and though not that famous around the world, it has a lot of be proud of. It is a very popular resort in the Mediterranean area and those who like to spend their holidays in the classic Mediterranean weather always want to visit Bodrum. Located in the Gulf of Gokova, some people feel that either they can visit the resort and spend their time here, or they will not get a chance to see the cruises and this is not a fact. The fact of the matter is that all the Bodrum Yacht Cruises actually leave their port from this enchanting city only and no where else and so people worry over something they do not need to worry about.

This island also known as the island of Gokova is a place which you will not want to leave once you start liking it. The clear translucent waters that keep lapping on the sandy beaches is a treat in themselves. It also allows one to see the rich marine life that lives beneath.

A day on Bodrum Yacht cruises will always be a day full of adventure. One can do just about anything from swimming or snorkeling, fishing or cooking, or if the weather does not permit, just sit out basking in the clear warm sun, a glass of your favorite drink in one hand. The climate is soothing and relaxing and one does not feel like doing anything, but simply wants to laze around doing nothing. This wonderful feeling will always catch you on this trip and will be the perfect way to break a way from the stress that you came to escape from here. The views that surround you are also very beautiful. They will range from exotic scenes of islands, to ancient treasures and ruins of a glorious civilization. Along with this, you will also see a really rare natural beauty of the planet that is perhaps not seen anywhere else. One of the popular stops on the trip will be at Sedir Island which has a unique history behind it. It has pieces of both, the Roman and the Egyptian civilizations and it said that beaches of this island are covered with a rare golden dust that were spread by Mark Antony as a gift to his beloved Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. There are even a few Roman buildings on the island which though lie in a state of gloom, speak volumes about the place and its history.

One can go on Bodrum yacht cruises by themselves or with family and friends or can go on a trip on a bigger one; the days vary from three to seven days. In any case, you will not come back disappointed because you are sure to have the time of your life.

By: Gordon Banks

Celebrity Millennium Mediterranean Cruise Review

2009-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

We sailed from Marseille on a Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity, on the Millennium. A business meeting in Dublin caused us to miss the first day of the cruise from Barcelona, but since that was also where the cruise ended, we knew we would see it anyway. Marseille - taxi from airport 40 euros. Arrived in the rain, so tired that we decided to sleep the day away rather than visit Marseilles or nearby Provence.

Dinner companions included a couple from Northern Ireland, a couple from Holland Park in London and another from Miami. Traveling with my best friend was an asset as we moved around the table nightly to talk to the others at the table.

Food. The first night, I was disappointed by the food. Celebrity has such a fine reputation for food that I was expecting more. My cruising experience is not vast to this point, but I was expecting it to be better than Holland America, and it was not. On our first formal night there were only 6 of us rather than 8, and the food was excellent. After a LONG day in Rome, we opted for the buffet dinner, which was fine and filling, but not memorable by any stretch of the imagination. Lunches on board were the usual salads, hot meals, hamburgers and pizza, which the very popular ice cream bar.

Spa: The first day on board, we signed up for everything for our day at sea - classes, lectures, and a pedicure. It was excellent. However, being a day at sea, the only spa appointment to be had was at 8AM, and that early start required that I take a nap (oh the luxury of cruises) late morning to recoup. Our day at sea was event filled, from pedicures to a shopping lecture to an art auction, ribbon rose making, lunch, spa lectures, history lectures and more. We had so many things on our agenda that we missed our Cruise Critic meeting and a few other things as well. Simply too much to do.

Our ports: Villefranche, the port for Nice was alluring, with its typical Cote d Azur landscape of seafront restaurants with their awnings blowing in the breeze, ochre and saffron colored houses stretching up the hillside, citadel and gardens. The charming small town of Villefranche easily occupied us for an afternoon, but fellow travelers marveled at the beautiful hilltop village of Eze, and the ease of taking the train to Monaco or to Nice and Cannes. In half an hour and only for a few euros, you are in the center of Cannes or Monaco.

For Rome, our port was Civitavecchia, well worth a miss on a Sunday. The train to Rome is about an hour and a half from there, but the infrequent train schedule on a Sunday (check Trentitalia before you leave), caused us to wait an hour for the train, and arrive in Rome too late for our appointment at the Villa Borghese, which has Rome's premier collection of masterpieces, including works by Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael.. In any event, by friend was able to talk our way into the fabulous art collection at that late hour, and for free as well. It was raining when we came out, a reason to stay in the museum café and have an overpriced (though typical for Rome) lunch before making our way to St. Peter's. We had both visited previously, so ours was just a quick visit to oogle some of the things we had missed on other occasions.

Afterwards, a taxi to the train station had us arrive, panting, just in time for our train back to the port. A misunderstanding meant that we did not have tickets, and were fined for not having a ticket when boarding, but the whole trip was worth the expense.

Mykonos We docked at 1PM, and took the shuttle to the town for $10 each. We walked around the harbor, mainly browsing the shops, but also seeing the local church and the Catholic church, the windmills, Little Venice, and walking the winding alleyways with the whitewashed houses, agean blue doors and purple bouganvilla. Back on board, the Greek dancers brought on board made the atmosphere more special. We took a shore excursion.

Ephesus - the highlight of the trip. An unusually early departure 715Am for a full day tour that included Mary's House, Ephesus, a museum, and St John's Church. Marys houses was the most solemn and serene place of the day. In the cool air of morning scented by what I believe were laurel trees, it was wonderful. The trek through Ephesus, by contrast was out in the blazing sun (even in May), but was the highlight of our cruise. It was most impressive - from the men's latrine, the library, to the amphitheatre, and more. The museum had many mosaics and statues from the area. St. John's church was interesting as well. I did not care for the rug store we were shown at the end. The vendors in all shops were TOO aggressive.

A lazy day at sea followed, with lectures, art auction, theater, films and more. Palermo. My choice was to give it a miss, and none of the shore excursions sounded interesting. We did explore on pour own, during siesta, when the shops were closed. It was a mistake - I have never seen a dirtier, less friendly city. We walked to the cathedral and the opera house. I should have stayed on board.

By: Ellen Mcnulty

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean

2009-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

For many people, the idea of Mediterranean boat charter represents the ultimate in dream holiday experiences.

However, given the fact that Mediterranean yacht rental is generally associated with extremely high-costs, most people believe that they will never be in the financial position to pursue their interest.

While it is true that areas such as the Cote d’Azur remain exclusive to all but the rich and famous, there are still many parts of the Mediterranean where charters for sailing boats remain affordable to those on more restricted budgets.

Three ways of Chartering Mediterranean Yachts
The first thing to realise when looking for good value is that there are in fact three different methods of securing yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

Fully Crewed Yachts
The first method is to charter a private yacht with a full crew. These boats tend to be larger and more luxurious than most hire boats, and prices tend to include all meals and occasionally drinks too. Unsurprisingly, this is the most expensive option for yacht charters in the Mediterranean, and even if you attempt to share costs by travelling with another family, you will still find this to be an expensive choice of holiday.

As an example a typical cost of hiring a crewed catamaran in the Mediterranean with 4cabins and a capacity for 8 guests, is 18,600 euros per week during the high season and 15,500 euros per week during the low season.

Mediterranean Bareboat Yachting
The second method is to charter a bareboat for your Mediterranean cruise. This is undoubtedly the cheapest option as you do not have to pay for a crew, only the hire-cost of the boat itself. However, in order to qualify to hire a bareboat you have to prove that you have the relevant experience level for the area where you intend to sail.

Fortunately there are many Mediterranean destinations with a Level 1 rating, and you can qualify for this with as little as 5 days, or 100 miles, skippering experience.

As an example a typical cost for hiring a Mediterranean charter bareboat with 3 cabins and a capacity for 8 guests, is 2,400 euros per week during the high season and 1,800 euros per week during the low season.

Mediterranean Skippered Bareboat Yachting
If you are interested in Mediterranean sailboat charter but neither have the budget for a crew nor the experience to hire a bareboat, then the third option, hiring a skippered bareboat, may well be the right one for you. Although this option is clearly more expensive than hiring a crewless bareboat, it offers the advantage that under the tutelage of your skipper you can literally learn the ropes and gain the relevant experience that will allow you to charter a bareboat in the future. Should you wish, you can also upgrade your holiday experience by choosing to hire a host/hostess who will take care of cleaning duties.

Typical costs for hiring a skipper will begin at around 125 euros per day, while a hostess will cost a little over 100 euros per day. Although this seems to offer exceptional value, you should note that you will also have to factor in both their accommodation and living costs (i.e. food/drink) while aboard the boat. Generally, however, this remains a far more affordable option than hiring a fully crewed sailboat.

By: Rumble Romagnoli

Vessels That Will Keep You Cruising in Style

2009-02-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have to say that it's not easy to find mega and super yachts to charter in the UK. That's because there aren't any. According to one mega yacht charter broker I spoke with, "the guests and owners prefer to be in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean". There are many charter companies in the UK, but the mega yachts they offer cruise the waters elsewhere. Odd, when the British Isles have so much to offer - almost 8,000 miles of coastline, a hugely varied landscape, an abundance of wildlife, and tons of coastal towns, villages, and cities to explore.

After doing a lot of research, I did however manage to find a few yachts, which, while not mega or super, are gorgeous and luxurious and will keep you cruising the waters around the UK in comfort.

The classic 95-foot sailing yacht Halycon, a Bermudan Ketch built in 1929, comes with a crew of 4 (including a gourmet chef) and sleeps up to 8 guests. Also known as "The Orient Express Of The Seas", Halycon has teak inside and out, central heat, freezers and refrigerators, flat screen TVs, Bose surround sound, Internet access, wakeboard, water skis, snorkeling equipment, and a saloon with a wood burning stove to warm you up after spending an afternoon on deck or in the water. Halycon is available for charter in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland (as well as Norway and France).

The not-so-aptly named Bare Necessities is an 82-foot sailing yacht available for charter from several ports in southern England (Southampton, Cowes, and Brighton to name a few) as well as further west and in Scotland, (and anywhere in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean). She can sleep 8 (all cabins have en-suite bathrooms) and comes with a crew of 4. There are 20 LCD screens inside and out which show radar, charts and wind speed, as well as movies and TV (should you grow tired of watching your surroundings). Some suggested itineraries are a Classic Malt Cruise in Scotland, or Round the Island, an annual event in Cowes on the Isle of Wight (the 2009 event is on June 20th).

For those who prefer powerboats, the sleek Predator 72, out of Southampton, is a lovely choice. It has a beautiful, modern, light and airy interior with comfy chairs, teak floors, air conditioning, central heat, flatscreen TVs, surround sound, a galley with granite countertops, a full size refrigerator/freezer, a dishwasher, and a large open cockpit with sunbeds, dining table, wet bar and a hydraulically operated roof. It can sleep 6 guests (in 3 cabins) and comes with a crew of 2.

The Tethys, a 114-foot motor yacht also out of Southampton, sleeps 10 in 5 cabins with flat screen TVs, DVDs and en-suite bathrooms, and comes with a crew of 4. This Guy Couach yacht, built 2006, is bright and modern, and amenities include surround sound throughout, and a Jacuzzi and bar on the spacious fly bridge.

If you have your heart set on chartering a 200+ feet yacht, you'll have to "settle" for the Mediterranean, Caribbean or the Pacific, but if you want to explore the waters around the UK, why not give one of the vessels above a try?

By: By Cattie Coyle

Cruise Ship Family Friendly Vacations

2009-02-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

At first many parents believe that cruise ships are not designed for children. However, on modern cruise ships that is simply not true. A cruise ship is a great family friendly place to have your next vacation. Once informed of the facilities that many cruise ships have on-board designed especially for children parents who would initially choose to take a cruise alone often reconsider and plan a family vacation.

If you are the parent of a young child under the age of twelve, you may still wonder if they should accompany you on your next cruise. If you are able to afford additional tickets, you should consider bringing your kids along. A cruise will be memorable to your children as well as exciting. That is because a large number of cruise lines have tailored their cruise ships to children of all ages and there will be many fun activities for your children to participate in.

If you have yet to book your cruise ship reservations, you are encouraged to keep cruise ship activities in mind. The activities for children will vary from ship to ship. That is why it is important that you examine what each ship offers before making a final decision. Despite the fact that activities will vary from ship to ship there are many activities geared towards children which can be found on almost all cruise ships.

One of the many popular activities found aboard a cruise ship is gaming. Arcade rooms are common on most cruise ships. They offer children a safe place to have fun and to be a child. Many cruise ship arcade rooms are staffed with cruise ship employees, but you should still keep an eye on your child. Before leaving them alone in an arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment.

Another fun activity for children of all ages includes swimming. All vacation cruise ships are equipped with a swimming pool. In addition to an adult sized swimming pool, wading pools can often be found aboard a number of popular family themed cruises. As with the arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment when allowing your children to swim unattended. Lifeguards will be on duty; however, they cannot guarantee the safety of your child. <

In addition to a swimming pool and an arcade room, most cruise ships have an on board movie theater and a live performance stage. A large number of cruise lines offer family friendly movies, plays, and other performances. Children will likely find these performances and movie showings fun and exciting. To determine what ages these performances are targeted to you should check a cruise ship's itinerary. A ship's itinerary can be viewed without booked reservations.

Cruise ship restaurants and other dining facilities are likely to cater to children under the age of twelve. Many restaurants offer children's menus. These menus are likely to include tasty kid sized meals. Most cruise ships offer discounts on meals for children under the age of twelve.

Cruise ship childcare centers are facilities that benefit both parents and their children. Even while on a family vacation parents need a break. For free or a small fee, you should be able to leave your children in the care of a trained and experienced childcare worker. Since a cruise ship is likely to have child passengers of different ages, usually childcare facilities are geared to different age groups of children.

As with other services, you will find that a cruise ship's childcare policy will vary from ship to ship but most cruises do consider the needs and care of children and some make a big deal of their facilities aimed for the entertainment and care of young passengers.

The above mentioned activities and facilities are just a few of the many that are targeted to children. You may want to consider scheduling your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship once you are satisfied with a ship's facilities for children and the thought of a family vacation in a care free fun setting appeals to you.

A cruise ship is one of the best values for your vacation money so why not let the young ones join in the fun? You will enjoy seeing them living it up in a fun cruise ship environment.

By: Gerald Greene

Seadream Yacht Club

2009-02-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

SeaDream yachting is different from big ship cruising. Unlike cruises, you will be pampered by SeaDream's award-winning service and cuisine. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want to be while experiencing the ultimate in luxury, privacy and personalization.

SeaDream visits the intimate yachting playgrounds, harbors and ports where larger cruise ships cannot go. April - November in Europe and the Mediterranean and November - April, in the Caribbean

The personal touch on SeaDream Yacht Club continues with off-ship excursions led by officers and staff, giving guests the chance to snorkel with the captain in one of his favorite spots or accompany the chef on a shopping trip. Unstructured sailing in luxurious, intimate surroundings is the hallmark of SeaDream Yacht Club.

A rejuvenating experience awaits you at the SeaDream Spa. Discover the ultimate in Thai therapies and behold the secrets and luxury of their time honored spa treatments. Achieve pure bliss and tranquility in a sanctuary for you to relax, unwind, recharge and rejuvenate.

The SeaDream Spa is Thai certified and the only one of its kind at sea. Choose from an extensive range of spa favorites such as our Asian Blend massage, Javanese Lulur body treatment and Traditional Thai Massage.

The SeaDream Spa provides 8 massage therapists to ensure that all of your spa needs are being indulged as well as sauna and steam rooms for your use. You may enjoy some of the treatments on deck in the open air private massage area, cooled by gentle sea breezes (weather permitting). Yoga and Tai Chi sessions are also provided daily on deck or shore side when possible.

By: Danny M Smith

Review of the Carnival Fantasy

2009-02-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Carnival Fantasy is one of the older ships in the Carnival fleet. It was taken out of service some time ago and completely retro-fitted to offer the same amenities as the newer, grander Carnival ships.

During the retro-fit, they added Serenity, an adults-only retreat, a water slide for the whole family, as well as having added high-definition televisions to her completely refurbished suites. At 70,000 gross tons, the ship may be a little older but it is certainly large enough to carry it 2056 passengers in spacious comfort. She also has all of the comforts that you have come to expect of the entire fleet of Carnival ships such as Camp Carnival, its "fun-ified" retreat for cruisers age 2-11.

However, unlike most ships, all the ships amenities are within a few floors of each other. Instead of the Promenade deck being near the bottom of the ship, and the Lido deck being on the top, all the fun and food are clustered on a few of the top floors. The benefit of this is the close proximity of the buffet and the Broadway-style shows, the Casino among other things, all without having to spend a great deal of time travelling between floors.

The dining room is nicer than average for a Carnival ship. One might expect, as most of the fleet is, that "funship" means less elegant. This is usually the case but not on board the Fantasy. The dining room is as elegant and formal as the nicest Holland America ships that I have sailed on. As always, Carnival is more fun than any other cruise line.

By: Robert Deveau

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2009-02-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

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This is How You Can Get One Now!

2009-02-02T09:45:00.002-08:00

It’s really vital you read the info here first, if you need correct information about “cruise ship employment” or about any of the things listed below. The information on this web-page will save you from wasting precious time and money on useless information.

This will definitely help you avoid costly mistakes. You need the important information on this webpage if you are interested in knowing about the following:
• Where to get correct information on “cruise ship employment”
• Where to get a cruise ship job even if you don’t have experience doing anything!
• The number 1 mistake cruise ship job seekers make that ensures their CV NEVER gets read!
• The little-known blockbuster method which will enhance your chances of getting a job on a cruise ship by over 247%!
• The real TRUTH about cruise line employment agencies
• The real TRUTH about cruise line employment agencies - and how to use them CORRECTLY!
• Two important “words” that you absolutely must understand before applying for cruise ship jobs. And why not knowing them could mean failure before you even get started!
• An insiders register of which cruise ship jobs you should absolutely NOT apply for. Don’t find out these things the hard way!
• One “secret” to know BEFORE you apply that will almost guarantee you work the minimum hours possible. And get more free time than you’ll ever need!
• The very true-story of the crewmember who got seven marriage offers during his first 6-month contract. And it wasn’t because of how he looks and no he wasn’t even the captain! It was the “special” job he did!
• One almost magical way of getting a cruise ship job that NEVER fails!
• Complete in-depth review of the over 180 cruise ship jobs with exact descriptions, duties, benefits, requirements and typical salaries.
• Real-life in-depth case study’s written by crewmembers (discover what it’s really like to work and live on a cruise ship, straight from their mouth!)
• DIRECT contacts to the EXACT people who do all the hiring. This is for every major and minor cruise line, concessionaire and staffing agent! (The only way to be successful is by contacting the RIGHT people for the right job)
• IMPORTANT but little known ‘live’ web links. Just “point and click” on these links and you’ll be taken directly to the recruitment page of major cruise lines (you need to understand that these web pages are kept deliberately out of site from the general public, so the websites won’t be bombarded with applications!)
• DIRECT email addresses of people who recruit for cruise ships (and what you should NEVER put in your email!)
• DIRECT postal addresses of the companies you need (and what the MOST FAVOURABLE days are to send your CV!)
• DIRECT office phone and fax numbers and the CORRECT way to use them (making a call to cruise lines directly can seriously impede your chances of success – unless you know this inside strategy!)
• Insider's report on the best Cruise Lines: their customers, where they travel and whether they recruit for your type of job.
• Actual interview questions that cruise line companies prefer to ask! No one has ever released this to the general public before - until now. Can you see how useful this rare inside information is? “It’s like being handed a cruise ship job on a gold plate!” And it will help you to effortlessly pass any cruise ship job interview
• The secret step-by-step secrets to creating a winning cruise ship job CV!
• The three most common mistakes made by cruise ship job seekers that guarantee their failure –and how to avoid them!
• Why the CV tactics that most people use are a complete waste of time in the cruise line world.
• The guaranteed way to get an interview with a cruise line company and how to pass it with ease and confidence!
• Why mentioning a degree or certain qualifications can actually PREVENT you from getting a job on a cruise ship!
• More than 30 insider secrets to give you the “advantage” over all the other cruise ship job seekers!
• How to identify skills and experience you already have that cruise lines are looking for!
• What critical documentation you really must have in place - and how to acquire it without stress!
• How the cruise ship medical examination works - and how to sail through it with flying colors!
• Which cruise ship jobs are best or most lucrative
• When to submit an application for cruise ship employment
• And much more

Getting a job on a cruise ship has been one of the most sought after things in the world. It’s one of the most amazing experiences in life. Just imagine the experience of working and enjoying a holiday at the same time. Just imagine getting well paid to cruise around and have fun.

Just imagine the great contacts, friendships and professional networking opportunities that would be available to you. This is indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on! I can truly reveal to you that the experience is amazing. That’s the wonderful part… the sad part is that with lots of people taking advantage of those who need information on how to really get these cruise line jobs. But you are one of the lucky ones if you are reading this right now.
Why? Because we’ll show you where to get all the correct information you need about getting that wonderful cruise ship job. No longer will you have to imagine how to get that cruise ship job. you will gain access to the information you need now.

All you need to know is where to “safely” find these jobs and how to get them. The best way to find out what works in any situation is to follow the advice of past users of any resource. I’m truly glad to reveal to you now, the simple but well trusted website which has reviewed and rated the best resources to help you instantly get that cruise job you desire.

This powerful web-site will help you get answers to all the “cruise ship employment” questions you have. You can trustfully follow the advice on the websites and resources they have recommended. The advice and tips found there has helped many people quickly get some of the best cruise ship jobs out there.

By: James Perry

Caribbean Cruise Review to Find That Perfect Cruise

2009-02-02T09:45:00.001-08:00

Caribbean cruises are becoming increasingly popular. There is nothing like it whether you are cruising with that special someone or making it a family adventure. Before booking a cruise you want to be sure that you are choosing the cruise line that is right for you and will be the kind of vacation experience you are anticipating. A Caribbean cruise review can help you choose the perfect cruise.

A Caribbean cruise review can give you insights on the different cruise lines that could prove helpful in selecting the one that best suits you. You can read what past passengers have to say about the cruise line they took and cruise experience they had. Be sure that you choose reviews of lines that offer the type of cruise you are planning to take. For instance, if it is an adult cruise or a family oriented cruise.

Reviews can be helpful for a number of reasons. A Caribbean cruise review can give you information about the different cruise lines and what they have to offer by way of packages and itinerary. They also review the service and the accommodations aboard ship. You might even get tips on what to pack and what not to bring. Past passengers tell what they liked and disliked about the cruise line giving you an insight about the ship, the staff, the excursions, the activities, and the cruise itself.

The internet is a great resource in finding a Caribbean cruise review on the cruise lines you are interested in checking into. It is worth the time and effort to obtain as much information as you can about the cruise line before booking a Caribbean cruise.

By: Paula H. Radmall

Where You Store Your Boat Matters

2009-02-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Simply Self Storage
No matter where you live at and how often you boat all boat owners must face the dilemma of finding boat storage sooner or later. Boat storage must be found before going on long trips, when bad storms approach, and when the winter starts to draw near. New boat owners often find this task intimidating and are not prepared to make a decision when the time comes. To avoid having to make a hasty, last minute, decision that could lead to your boat being seriously damaged or destroyed it is important that all boat owners begin planning for storage as soon as they purchase their new boat.

Many new and old boat owners choose to store their boats out of doors. Outdoors boat storage is popular with boat owners that have easy access to a lake where storing the boat on the lake or water is easiest and best. This will allow the boat owner and their family to have easy access to the water whenever they feel like taking a ride or going fishing. Having the boat stored outdoors on the water is extremely convenient and makes it easier to participate in last minute boat sports and water activities.

Boat owners who are not near the water or who are looking for long term storage solutions often store their boats on their own private property. In many areas this is usually the backyard. There are some areas in the southern United States where it is not uncommon to drive through an entire neighborhood and see dozens of boats sitting idle in backyards waiting to be used. Storing boats outdoors is usually done because of convenience and for financial reasons. Placing a boat outdoors on ones personal property is usually free and marinas and lakes usually do not charge much for boats to be docked permanently.

The downside to storing a boat outdoors is the elements. While many boat owners do not think the storage location of a boat is important at all there are others who have had their boats completely destroyed who will tell you differently. If an unexpected storm comes up and your boat is resting in the water it could easily be smashed to pieces right along side any other boat that is near it. When your boat is left sitting outdoors on your property overtime it will rust and deteriorate it as it is constantly exposed to inclement weather. This damage and deterioration will often lead to expensive repairs and in some cases it might be necessary to completely replace the boat.

An alternative to storing a boat outdoors is storing boats indoors at that are specially designed for storing boats. These facilities are usually extremely close to local lakes and marinas making transportation back and forth easier to manage. In some cases the indoor storage facility will offer transportation assistance to their loyal customers. This is done to encourage boat owners to use their boats as often as possible without having to worry about the cost of transporting their boat back and forth between storage and lake front.

Indoor boat storage facilities are usually spacious offering boat owners the chance to properly maintain their boats. These storage facilities make it easy for boat owners to check their boats for damage and to even complete repairs. Some indoor facilities even boast their own mechanics making it easy for boat owners to hire someone onsite to complaint repairs to the boats. This space and feature becomes especially useful when a boat needs to be stored for long periods of time. Having an indoor storage space for your boat that can be used for repairs makes it easy to weather proof a boat before leaving it for a long period of time.

The major downside too many when it comes to indoor boat storage is the price. It can be extremely expensive to rent a large space for the storage of a boat. The price goes up if the storage facility offers climate control, extensive security features, and more benefits. Storage rates often increase along with the size of the boat making it extremely expensive to store large boats that are perfect for families. Even though the price of storing a boat indoors can be a deterrent for many it is often well worth the money. Indoor a will help save you and your family money in the long run by helping to prevent deterioration that could lead to serious boat repairs being necessary in the future.

Even though it could be tempting to choose the cheapest boat storage option available this might not be the best choice for you or your boat. Where you store your boat can affect whether or not the boat you own remains in top condition for years to come.

Serenade of the Seas - Cruise Review

2009-02-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Cruising with the Serenade of the Seas is an amazing option if you plan a family cruise vacation for the upcoming holidays. Serenade of the Seas has a great deal of activities to offer to all those who board it and makes their cruise experience a real luxurious one.

The Serenade of the Seas cruis ship is a ship of Radiance class known extensively for finely decorated rooms and adjacent balconies. The glass wall of the cruise provides a spectacular view of the vast horizon and the beaming seas from any part of the ship to visitors. The cruise is decorated with exquisite statuettes and art pieces. The ship centre has a pretty atrium where different musical performances can be enjoyed. Among the best-featured facilities, the ship has a 33-feet high rock-climbing wall, a pool along with water slides for kids, hot tub and a heated pool solarium where kids can have ample fun while being on the Serenade of the Seas.

The ship has a great library for those who wish to read in the becalmed weather along with other entertainment sources for fellow visitors. There is a casino, movie theatre, two specialty restaurants, arcade room, disco, sports bar, champagne bar, coffee bar, karaoke bar and many such leisure areas. The restaurants of the cruise can be chosen according to formal dining, snacking and casual dining as per the need and the mood.

Its full service spa comprises of an amazing exercise room with almost all modern exercising equipments. The two computerized self leveling pool tables, 9-holes putt course, ping pong tables, basketball courts, golf simulator, shuffleboard and the jogging track are other main attractions of the ship. Various expert entertainers perform at different times of the day and the night in the incredible theatre.

Passengers simply love to shop at the specialty shops on the Serenade of the Seas. In fact, the Serenade of the Seas also has backgammon and chess tables, meeting rooms, Hollywood memorabilia area and a lot of deck space to simply lie around.

The cabins rooms are very spacious and have adjacent balconies. The walk in closets with hangers, the large bathroom with tubs, large sitting areas, upgraded bedding, comfortable beds and spacious decks make the journey a relaxing one. As the food served is also very delicious and ranges in various international cuisines, missing a Serenade of the Seas cruise can be a great mistake of life.

By: Ziga Gorse

Review of the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas

2009-02-02T09:27:00.001-08:00

In this review of the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the seas, I wanted to take a look at the sheer size of this monstrosity. Royal Caribbean has taken cruising to a whole new level.

You will be able to enjoy one-of-a-kind features like an ice-skating rink, the Royal Promenade and a rock-climbing wall just for starters. How is it possible to put so many grand scale project on a cruise ship? It is easy when you consider how big this ship really is. This ship is 138,000 gross tons.

Innovations on this and other Voyager-class cruise ships add up to more space for every guest and include enhanced staterooms, expanded dining options and exceptional recreational facilities.

The Royal Caribbean Adventure of the seas, is a member of the Voyager class of cruise ships, all of which have everything from rock-climbing walls, miniature golf courses and ice-skating rinks to specialty restaurants and bustling boulevards lined with shops and cafés.

Meals in the main dining room combined wonderful service with what I thought was high-quality delicious food. The Adventure of the seas also has a reservations only dining room called the Portofino, which you should reserve early. When we finished our meal there on Sunday night, we immediately tried to make another reservation later in the week. Everything was booked save for a few late sittings.

After dinner, head over to Studio B on Deck 3 for "Cool Art, Hot Ice". Be sure to see the ice show. It's great. You have to appreciate the incredible talent and athletic prowess of these performers. These performances run throughout the cruise itinerary, so you will have several opportunities to see it, and you should take advantage.

By: Robert Deveau