Friday, November 7, 2008

Cruise Travel Tips For First Timers

Cruise travel has got to be the most pampered way to see the world, one cocktail at a time. While hard core backpackers are out climbing mountains and fighting third world bus systems, many people prefer to lounge on the main deck, get a tan, and get in early for the dinner buffet. I've worked closely with several cruise specialists in my career as a travel agent, and would like to offer the following cruise travel tips:

Pack plenty of clean napkins. Those hand sanitation napkins are the swiss army knife of cruising. You can use them to remove stains, rather than dealing with laundry services. Also, if used before every meal, they may help prevent you from catching a bug.

Prepare for more sun you ever thought possible. Think about it, most of the activities on a cruise involve exposure to the sun. Protect yourself by bringing a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and shades that provide 100% UV protection.

Avoid purses and large day packs. If you spend the day at port, try not to brandish your brand new camera or moneybelt. This makes you a target for local pickpockets.

Pack precisely. The key to good packing is to strike a balance between loose and too tight; either extreme will leave you with a wardrobe full of wrinkles. Here's a bit of advice: pack a dryer sheet in with your clothes.

Post-Its. One of my more obscure cruise travel tips. Post-Its allow to communicate with other passengers, housekeeping, and other guest services. Leave a message inside your room to let your shipmates know where and when to meet.

Extra bags. These are right up there with the hand napkins in terms of usability. They are great for storing wet shoes, dirty clothes, and provide added protection for packing valuables.

Maybe the Mediterranean cruise its can be the best cruising choice

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Costa

Carnival Cruise Deals

Cruising is an ideal way to spend your family vacation. It gives you the opportunity to see a large variety of destinations at the same time as taking it easy and letting someone else do all the hard work. Travelling problems are taken out of your hands and you will often find that you will wake in a different vacation destination to the one that you fell asleep in. No more worrying about satellite navigation or arguments about the best route to your next resort. If this all sounds like an expensive option for your family vacation, just take a look at some of the Carnival Cruise deals that are available.

Carnival ships are perfect for adults and youngsters alike. They have dispensed with the old fashioned view of the cruise ship where the older generation would be the majority of the passengers. By taking advantage of one of the Carnival Cruise deals you will find that your children will be very well taken care of and they will be occupied by the youth programs that are available on board.

The best starting place for finding a Carnival Cruise deal is on Carnivals own website. The site is stacked full of information regarding the ships, the destinations and routes available. Carnival also give lots of details regarding the facilities available. Booking a cruise is not a complicated procedure and you will be taken through the process on the site.

Also, on the Carnival website, you will find lots of information regarding Carnival Cruise deals. They often offer reductions for their cruises and have a page dedicated to special offers. Another range of offers that you may like to consider is their seasonal deals. Carnival will offer free upgrades on nearly all of their cruises at certain times of the year and you will be able to benefit from even better facilities without having to pay out for the upgrade. Check the site to see the offers available. On the Carnival website, you can also learn more about their Sea Miles Mastercard offer. On this scheme you can collect Sea Miles and enjoy a free cruise. This is obviously subject to a variety of restrictions, but is well worth considering if you are interested in getting a good deal.

There are many other websites where you can find great Carnival Cruise deals. Many of them will give a guarantee that they claim to beat all other offers for the cruises. If you are booking your cruise through an independent cruise or vacation booking company, be sure that the price that you are quoted is inclusive of all the extras that are included on the Carnival site.

It is rare that you will actually receive something for nothing and you must always take care when booking through a third party. Carnival do offer a price guarantee and vacation guarantee so booking directly through the company is probably the best idea. Carnival Cruise deals are available and you will be able to find a great deal on a great vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candis_Reade

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Cruise Holidays to Europe and the Mediterranean

Europe and the Mediterranean regions in brief

The Mediterranean

Not only this region is one of the most enjoyable to cruise due to the historic places, romantic cities and beautiful islands, but it also ensures a fantastic summer holiday and top quality resorts. Expect to find amazing ruins from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians; non-stop night life in several different countries and the most beautiful sandy beaches.

Tourists can choose among Eastern, Southern and Western Mediterranean cruises. The first one travels along the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, including cosmopolitan Mykonos and Santorini. Southern Mediterranean goes to Egypt and some other important ports in Northern Africa. Finally Western Mediterranean cruise along the Cote d'Azur, la Costa brava and volcanic Sicily.

Europe

During Summer time, cruises sail to Western and Northern Europe including the British Isles. Spain and Portugal are amongst the most remarkable destinations, with ports such as Cadiz and Lisbon on the Atlantic Ocean where tourist can have a great time onshore; also the Bay of Biscay and the Straits of Gibraltar are normally covered by these routes.

The Baltic Sea

Russia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Germany and Denmark do not sound as the warmest or most attractive destinations to cruise, but the dramatic scenery and the hidden treasures of the area make them worth a visit. Explore the Medieval Baroque architecture of Scandinavia, contemplate an astonishing sunshine in the Arctic Circle and visit celebrated St Petersburg, including its famous palaces and towers. Spend a week or a fortnight visiting the most renowned ports in Holland and the Scandinavia.

Ocean Cruise organise very convenient cruise holidays in Europe and the Mediterranean.