Ensuring Safety on Cruise Ships: A Comprehensive Approach

 

Cruise ships offer a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience, but ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members is of paramount importance. In this article, we will explore the various measures and protocols implemented by cruise lines to maintain a safe environment on board. From rigorous inspections to advanced safety technologies, the cruise industry is committed to providing a secure and enjoyable voyage for all. 1. Stringent Safety Regulations:

Cruise ships are subject to rigorous safety regulations enforced by international maritime organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These regulations cover various aspects, including ship construction, emergency procedures, fire safety, and life-saving equipment. Cruise lines must adhere to these regulations to obtain and maintain their operating licenses. 2. Comprehensive Safety Training:

Cruise ship crew members undergo extensive safety training to ensure they are well-prepared for any emergency situation. This training includes fire drills, evacuation procedures, first aid, and crowd management. Crew members are trained to handle various scenarios and are equipped with the necessary skills to respond swiftly and effectively in case of an emergency. 3. Advanced Safety Technologies:

Cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies to enhance passenger and crew safety. These include advanced fire detection and suppression systems, sophisticated navigation and communication systems, and advanced life-saving equipment such as lifeboats and life rafts. Additionally, many ships are equipped with medical facilities staffed by qualified medical professionals to provide immediate care if needed. 4. Regular Safety Inspections:

Cruise ships undergo regular safety inspections conducted by classification societies and regulatory bodies. These inspections ensure that ships comply with safety regulations and maintain high standards of safety. Inspections cover various areas, including structural integrity, fire safety systems, life-saving equipment, and emergency procedures. Ships that fail to meet the required standards are not allowed to operate until necessary improvements are made. 5. Emergency Response Plans:

Cruise lines have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to handle various contingencies. These plans outline procedures for evacuations, medical emergencies, and communication protocols. Regular drills and exercises are conducted to test the effectiveness of these plans and ensure that crew members are well-prepared to handle emergencies. 6. Passenger Safety Briefings:

Before embarking on a cruise, passengers are required to attend safety briefings that provide essential information on emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and the location of life-saving equipment. These briefings are conducted to ensure that passengers are aware of safety protocols and can respond appropriately in case of an emergency.

Safety is a top priority for cruise lines, and extensive measures are in place to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. From adhering to stringent safety regulations to implementing advanced technologies and conducting regular inspections, the cruise industry is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all. By prioritizing safety and investing in comprehensive training and emergency response plans, cruise ships continue to be a reliable and secure mode of travel for vacationers worldwide.

Tips for your cruise holiday

 

Picture this: crystal blue waters stretching out as far as the eye can see, warm sunrays gently caressing your skin, and a sense of tranquility enveloping you as you sail through the open sea. There's nothing quite like a cruise vacation to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. If you're considering embarking on this unforgettable journey, allow me to share some valuable cruise tips to ensure you make the most of your time onboard.

1. Research, research, research: Before booking your cruise, it's crucial to do your homework. Take the time to explore different cruise lines, itineraries, and ship amenities. Each cruise line has its own unique characteristics and offerings, so find the one that aligns with your preferences and desired experience.

2. Plan ahead: Once you've selected your cruise, it's time to plan your itinerary. Make a list of the ports of call you'll be visiting and research the excursions available at each destination. This way, you can make the most of your time ashore and explore the wonders of each port.

3. Pack strategically: When it comes to packing for a cruise vacation, less is indeed more. Most cruise cabins have limited storage space, so pack smartly and only bring essentials. Don't forget to include items like sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and formal attire for any elegant evenings onboard.

4. Embrace shipboard activities: One of the greatest advantages of a cruise vacation is the wide array of activities available onboard. From live shows and performances to water slides and rock climbing walls, there is something to suit every interest. Take advantage of these amenities and embrace the unique experiences that a cruise ship offers.

5. Indulge in the culinary delights: Cruise vacations are notorious for their delectable dining options. From gourmet restaurants to casual buffets, there is no shortage of delicious meals onboard. Be sure to try a variety of cuisines and savor the flavors of each destination as your ship sails from port to port.

6. Familiarize yourself with onboard policies: To ensure a smooth sailing experience, familiarize yourself with the ship's policies. This includes understanding dining times, dress codes, and safety procedures. By doing so, you'll breeze through your cruise vacation with ease and avoid any unnecessary hassles.

7. Stay connected: While disconnecting from the outside world can be therapeutic, it's also important to stay connected, especially if you're traveling with loved ones. Most cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages, allowing you to check in with family and friends back home. Additionally, be prepared with a list of emergency contact numbers, just in case.

8. Be mindful of your surroundings and fellow travelers: Just like any other vacation, respect and consideration for others are crucial during a cruise. Follow the ship's guidelines, be mindful of noise levels, and always practice good hygiene. Treat your fellow passengers and the ship's crew with kindness and courtesy, creating a positive atmosphere onboard.

As the saying goes, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. So, with these cruise tips in mind, embark on your cruise vacation with confidence and an open mind. Allow the breathtaking landscapes, the luxurious amenities, and the warm hospitality of the ship's crew to transform your holiday into an unforgettable adventure. Bon Voyage!

Canaries Cruises

The Canary Islands are a haven for tourists year-round and while many choose to visit one of its seven islands, going on a Canaries cruise can be the best way to see the highlights of this sun-drenched region.

Located off the west coast of Africa, the Canaries are ideally situated for sun-worshipers heading to the area at any time of the year - the average annual temperature in the region is 22 degrees C.

Thanks to their Spanish culture, the Canaries are not just for those looking to get a decent tan. Islands such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura have much to offer holidaymakers wanting to sample the region's history and food, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes sights such as volcanoes and caves.

Gran Canaria is where the capital of the Canaries, Las Palmas, is located. The island is the perfect stop for those on a Canaries cruise as it offers a little bit of everything - great shopping, lively nightlife, historical sights, sports, festivals, leisure parks and - last but certainly not least - those famous beaches.

Elsewhere, Canaries cruises are likely to make a stop at Santa Cruz on Tenerife, which is perfect for those looking to make the most of the region's clubs, sporting facilities and health and beauty centres.

Other popular Canaries destinations include Fuerteventura - which is generally seen to be the ideal stop for those wanting a more low-key onshore excursion - and Lanzarote, which tends to attract young travellers looking for the best clubs and bars in the region.

Of course, on a Canaries cruise you are likely to take in most of the main stops around the islands, meaning that you will be able to experience the best of the Canary Islands' sights and sounds in the space of a few days or weeks.

Depending on the cruise line you choose to go with, you should be able to choose from itineraries that cruise the Canaries as part of bigger packages incorporating destinations such as Morocco and Spain.

Cruise lines that visit the Canary Islands include Costa, Cunard, P&O, Royal Caribbean and Island Cruises.

European Cruises

Europe offers both historical and honeymoon sites. You can choose from the many destinations it can offer. These include the British Isles, Scandinavian cities, and of course, Russia. British cruises include city tours in Dover, shopping areas in London, historical site visits to the castles of Dover and Edinburgh.

Scandinavian cruises include visits to Bygdoy and Stockholm museums, kayak trips to Copenhagen and sightseeing trips through Denmark's Tivoli Garden Amusement Park. Russian cruises, on the other hand, include museums and church visits to St Petersburg, waterway tour to Finland's Baltic Sea and the historic landmarks of Estonia.

Here are some of the best European Cruises available.

Windstar Cruises
Passengers describe it as casually elegant. They have small sailing ships that can enter ports where large ships cannot pass through. Cruisers give out an intimate feel. They are best for romantic getaways and adventure vacation trips. The cruise provides diving and snorkeling activities at the back of the ship. They have three ships that can carry 148 passengers to as much as 312.

Cruisers can either choose to join their Wind Spirit, Wind Star, or Wind Surf. They provide world class services. Their cruise ship feature cabins and suites, spa services, restaurants and bars along with a fitness center, library, reception area and casino. They also provide water sports activities. This is while the ship is at anchor, which includes scenic boat rides, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.

Princess Cruises
Princess Cruise offers European cruises that last for 17 to 19 days, land and sea tours. You can visit famous landmarks and experience the region's culture through festivities and cuisines. They can lead you to the hilltops of Athens, gothic cathedrals of Spain, Shores of Normandy, Viking waters of Norway, canals of Venice and the tundra of North Cape. It has 14 ships that can accommodate 150 destinations.

The Princess' ships attract almost everyone from solo travelers to family cruisers and even honeymooners. The ship offers unique programs like weddings, personal choices for dining, children's programs and scholarship@sea, where in they provide educational experiences while you are on. It features a videography and photography department, gift shops, specialty restaurants, bars and lounges as well as entertainment venues, fitness and spa centers, art auctions, book clubs, boutiques and casinos. They also provide daytime activities like swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, jogging, basketball and ping pong.

Princess cruise's Grand Princess provides European tours can accommodate as much as 2,600 passengers. It has 951 decks, 1,300 cabins (710 of which are situated along the balcony) and is suited for active passengers.

Silversea Cruises
Silversea offers the art of travel and good living. Most of the cruisers that are attracted to this fleet are professionals and several retirees that have the resources and leisure to afford such a tour. It provides complimentary shore excursions, aside from a personalized voyage, where in, cruisers are allowed to choose their own embarkation.

The cruise emphasizes on pure relaxation. Although they do not have structured onboard activities and organized kiddy programs, they offer lectures so that cruisers will have an insight about the culture of the place or country being visited. They offer guided excursions to great vineyards and even provide culinary as well as golf programs.

Their cruise ships provide warm and inviting furnished suites that have verandas. Silversea offers 4 fleets to refine your luxurious trip. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind ships can accommodate up to 298 guests, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper can house up to 382 guests, Prince Albert II can accommodate up to 312 and Silver Spirit can have as much as 540 guests. Each ship has six dining venues, expanded Spas, moonlight movies, casinos, cigar lounge, panorama lounges, a bar and a fitness center.

Practical Tricks and Tips to Enjoy Mediterranean Cruises

A vacation cruise is one exceptional and practical way to enjoy the Mediterranean and Europe. It is one great way of experiencing the Mediterranean and Europe from a different perspective. It is also the cheaper way of touring these hot destinations.

Mediterranean cruises normally cover the accommodations, entertainment activities and meals. The cruise holiday packages will also include great add-ons like spa treatments, complimentary meals in specialty restaurants, cocktails and boutique drinks, and even fitness and special interest classes. The cruise vacation package will also include transportation between ports.

The European cruises will normally cover key European cities following a country to country joust to at least 3 major European countries. There are cruise packages that are combinations of two European regions. These are package tour of Western Europe and the Baltic Region and another package tour of Eastern and Western Mediterranean. The typical vacation will normally bring vacationers to great places in Europe and the Mediterranean considered as greatest hits in tourism parlance. Notable places to be visited include Stockholm, Rome, Venice, Athens and Barcelona. There are also vacation cruise options that will bring you to exotic places such as Malta, Tunisia and Estonia.

However, this dream cruise holiday package may have its downside for some of us. It typically brings you to a lot of great places in the region making it a travel option of great value. Because of its sheer magnitude, one may easily develop vacation burnout. As you negotiate through all the grad destinations, you tend to end up huffing and puffing at every interlude and by the time you reach midpoint you will already find yourself dragging your feet just to keep pace with the tour itinerary. If you want to keep up with the group and complete the cruise package, you will literary join a race just to cover these great sights and landmarks of this great holiday destinations.

One great way to enjoy your vacation is not to overstuff your schedule and maintain a light schedule and include some time lazing on a beach. You can just bypass the Mediterranean landmarks and museums and not force yourself to cover all these places in your tight schedule. Anyway, you won't be enjoying these places if you are dog tired every time you set off for your sightseeing tours. This is the reality of a vacation in Europe and the Mediterranean. The place is so huge and the great and interesting places are aplenty that you cannot cover them all in a lifetime! At times, determining your starting point is already a daunting task as you will be stumped at where you can start your holiday in Europe.

The best way to enjoy your vacation in Europe is to make a carefully prepared travel plan that will cover just a few of all the great sights and interesting places in the region. You need to have variety but balanced by a light itinerary that would give you ample time to relax in between your stops at major ports and cities in Europe and the Mediterranean.

A Tick to a Cheap Cruise Adventure

Recently, Alaska cruises have been one of the most practical and affordable holiday options. However, we are now experiencing a sustained increase in travel to this hot destinations such that bargain Alaska and Caribbean cruises are becoming hard to come by. It is expected that with the ongoing travel trends, the demand for vacations will go through the roof. Folks really seem to enjoy the all in one packaged vacations. It seems to take the day to day planning of their shoulders.

The main concern is how to cut our projected expense if we are planning a great holiday cruise in the Caribbean or to the great shores of Alaska. You can still enjoy the pleasures and treasures of these great destinations without taking a serious blow to the bank account. While many cruises are becoming more and more expensive mostly due to oil costs, you should thank your lucky stars that there are still deals to be had. You will find that you will not be scrimping on luxury. There are still a lot of great budget deals for Alaska and the Caribbean if you know of the right places to look for them.

Quite a number of us still have the misconception that we have to wait until the last minute before we book our holiday cruise package in order to get the best travel deals. This is because in our minds we feel that the economy is such that cruise lines will be desperate to fill their ships. This may still be applicable if you are looking at a Caribbean cruise as there are a lot of cruise ships operating in the region. However, this is simply not practicable if you are looking at other destinations. With the sustained increase in the demand, you are better off if you book your travel to Alaska well ahead in advance to get the best deals. It is somewhat like booking an airline ticket. As the date of travel nears, the seat prices go up ... and up....and up.

Slots of practically all cruises to Alaska are sold out early and you will definitely not get your slot if you wait out until the last minute. Thus, if you don't want to miss the great summer travel experience to Alaska then it is imperative to book your travel as early as possible. You may even enjoy great discounts and travel deals if you book your travel months in advance. Because it is very popular among retirees, even booking a year or two in advance is not out of the ordinary.

The peak season of cruises to Alaska is during the months of July and August. One should also note that despite its premium rates, the Balcony rooms are the first that are sold out.

However, if you are looking for straight budget deals, then you might as well seriously consider off-season cruise packages to Alaska which offer the biggest discounts and best travel deals. If you are looking at a relatively flexible schedule of your Alaska holiday then you might as well consider great cruise package for the months of May and September. May is the beginning of the Alaska cruise season and September is the tail-end of the Alaska cruise season.

If you are really serious at having the best deal from your Alaska cruise experience, then you might also opt for the lower-priced rooms. Such an option will increase the likelihood of getting the best travel deals for you and your family. If you are not comfortable with the interior rooms, you can still enjoy big discounts if you go for cabins classified as obstructed view rooms. I have had a very enjoyable cruise when our room was at the very lowest deck and directly above the engine room. Every port of call we knew we had arrived because we could hear (and feel) the giant anchor leaving the ship. We had a wonderful cruise and saw unforgettable sights because we were not choosy in our room assignment.

Norwegian Coastal Cruises

If you are an avid cruiser, then odds are you probably enjoy a little pampering - fine dining, spa treatments, world class entertainment etc. However, just because your cruise is meant to be relaxing and luxurious doesn't mean that it can't contain a little adventure as well. There are few cruises that walk this line as deftly as a Norwegian coastal cruise, and as a passenger on such a voyage you will feel more like a lifelong mariner than an occasional luxury cruise line passenger.

As soon as you set eyes upon one of the unique Hurtigruten ships you will realize just how different an experience you are in for. These ships are built for function first and might not have the pleasing aesthetics that many of the floating palaces that sail the Mediterranean have. The Hurtigrutens are more akin to large ferries, with cargo compartments in the belly of the ship, and the passenger berths at the top. The cabins are less like hotel rooms, and more what you would expect if you were a crew member aboard a ship, adding to the authenticity of the experience. This does not, however, mean that they are not comfortable. Just the opposite in fact. They are well appointed and cozy, and have all the amenities you would find aboard a larger cruise ship.

Of course, the ship is but a small part of your Norwegian coastal cruise. The rugged beauty of Norway's fjords and the exciting ports of call you will visit are all something to look forward to. When you are away from civilization, floating past Norway's mighty forests and massive glaciers you will feel like an ancient mariner charting this unspoiled region for the first time. Even when you do reach civilization again, you will still feel worlds away from home. Whether visiting the beautiful city of Oslo, or the gates of the North Pole at Hammerfest you will enjoy an experience few travelers ever do. Geiranger is another region not to be missed, with postcard-like wild beauty at every angle and magnificent waterfalls that spill more than 2000 feet down into the sea.

As you can imagine a Norwegian coastal cruise is vastly different than your ordinary European voyage. If you want beauty, adventure and authenticity in your next vacation consider the fjords for a travel experience you'll never forget.

European Cruises - Visit Spain

Country of great traditions, crossroads of many civilizations, has preserved over the centuries, magnificent treasures of Arab civilization, the glories of kings and emperors, who have followed in the management of power, creating a very varied mix of civilizations and culture.

Land of sharp contrasts natural and cultural, Spain today is without doubt one of the emerging nations in Europe thanks to the strong thrust of acceleration that the eighties have led to both social and cultural as well as to live in ' economy and industry. Spain is a country with many thousands of miles of stunning coastline, countryside parched by the sun, deep gorges and ravines, inaccessible mountains and streams tumultuous ancient villages and modern and vibrant metropolis.

You can then choose between the call of the modern metropolis like Barcelona or Madrid, where the cultural, the vibrant nightlife and the dynamism of its people, well it blends with the tradition and splendor of the historic heritage or that of the ancient towns: Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, Segovia, Toledo, where every corner, every stone has a story to tell, to remember, to live. Do not forget the folkloric aspect: the gypsies of flamenco, bullfighting, the Fiestas, etc.. or gastronomic: the incomparable dishes of different regions with the usual complement of fine wines.

Cities in Spain

MADRID

Founded by the Arabs in the ninth century is today a modern and lively metropolis, with more than three million inhabitants.

And 'the highest capital of Europe, located practically in the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula in 670 m of altitude, as well as the administrative capital, home to the Royal Household and active industrial center. Focus of cultural life in Spain because of his university and especially its wonderful collections of art, among which the famous Prado Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Centro de Arte Reina-Sofia, which houses the famous Guernica by Picasso, offers countless references to its visitors.

Its monumental heritage is vast and agglomerates around "Los Austrias", the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain and the Plaza de la Villa, home of the Palazzo Comunale, both Baroque works of the seventeenth century.

The magnificent Royal Palace, surrounded by gardens now partially open to the public, its picturesque narrow streets clustered around the Plaza Mayor is held the intense nightlife of the capital, became the symbol of the movida, the love of life that animates the Spain of today.

GRANADA

At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, has a truly privileged position, was the seat of the great Muslim kingdom in Spain. At that monarchs should, in fact, the building which is famous throughout the world as "Castillo Rojo," The Alhambra: one of the greatest expressions of Arab civilization. Royal city already receives the Alcazar, large and luxurious Arabian palace. Rich decoration of its rooms adorned with fine marble and decorative inlays and wood, in a succession of rooms and shady gardens with numerous fountains and water features.

Adjacent to the famous Alhambra gardens of the Generalife with countless varieties of flowers, fountains and lakes, all nestled in an oasis of peace with a splendid panorama of the city.

You also notable churches and the old Barrio de Albayzin, the medieval rich corners and lovely streets. Here was born the famous poet Garda Lorca.

BARCELONA

Capital of Catalunya is Spain second city in size and importance, the first for the spirit of initiative and autonomy.
Its port is one of the most important of the Mediterranean.

There are two basic modules: one is the 'Barrio Gotico' with the ancient Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace and the magnificent Palace of the Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government, the other works of the brilliant architect "modernist" Gaudi: the Tempio Votivo (unfinished) Sagrada Familia, Parque Guell, Palau Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and others.

Among the various museums include the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Catalan Art.

Do not miss: A walk on the famous Ramblas, teeming with people and life, Plaza de España with its illuminated fountains, the Pasco de Gracia (shopping mall of the city), the Montjuic park with splendid views over the city and finally the Plaza de Toros "one of the most important of Spain, where from April to October are the bullfights.

10 Tips For Booking an Accessible Cruise

Whether you are someone who uses a wheelchair or is a slow walker, there are steps you can take to ensure a fun vacation for you and your traveling companions.

· Be clear about what you need. Whether you are dealing with a travel consultant or directly with a cruise line, keep in mind that not everyone has exactly the same needs. A cabin feature that works well for most others may not meet your requirements. You are the best judge to know what works best and you need to relay that information rather than assume what you need is the norm.

· Think about all aspects of the trip. As well as an accessible cabin on an accessible ship, you may need accessible airport and pier transportation, an accessible hotel room before and/or after the cruise and accessible sightseeing options in the ports.

· Consider whether you need adaptive equipment in your cabin to be more comfortable. Some items may be offered by the cruise line while other equipment is available for rent from third party companies. If renting a transfer lift would make mornings and evenings easier for you and your traveling companion, consider adding it to your cruise plans.

· Check the itinerary for "tender" ports. Tendering means the ship will anchor in a bay and use a boat to shuttle guests into the port. Success in tendering depends on the cruise line's policies on allowing and assisting guests who use wheelchairs to tender, the size and weight of your "wheels", and sea conditions.

· Consider riding. If you are a "slow walker" with limitations on how long you can be on your feet in time or distance, consider renting a scooter. If it helps increase your stamina or gives you more flexibility to get around your large ship, it may make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing.

· Consider downgrading your ride. If you use a scooter or power chair full-time and are able to use a manual wheelchair and perform transfers, you might want to consider bringing or renting a manual wheelchair for ports. Many ports don't have accessible vehicles with ramps or lifts. In those cases, using a manual wheelchair and transferring onto the seat of a car can give you access to more sightseeing.

· Request a table location. Like banquet seating, tables can be a bit close. Request your dining table to be located near an entrance or pathway for ease in navigating to your table.

· Send a report. If your disability involves a chronic medical condition, consider obtaining a brief summary report from your physician. Request that the cruise line send a copy to the ship's infirmary and carry an additional copy for you to have on hand. Ship physicians are hired from around the world so the report should use terms most used worldwide.

· Plug in. If you are traveling with a power chair, scooter, c-pap or other electric equipment, bring a power strip and an extension cord. Most cabins have only one outlet and it's located at the vanity.

· Hire an advocate. That's what you're doing when you book through an agent who specializes in accessible travel. They have dedicated a lot of time and energy into learning about accessibility and have developed rapports with suppliers. They also devote a lot of resources to teaching suppliers about accessibility and in advocating for travelers who have disabilities. A specialist will go to bat for you, saving you time and concern so that you can look forward to your vacation with the same excitement that nondisabled travelers enjoy.

Cruise Vacation Nightlife

Cruise lines have pioneered a unique concept in vacationing that offers incredible choice, flexibility and variety in all aspects of a shipboard experience and that includes exceptional entertainment. Cruise ships really come to life in the evening, as the show lounges and casinos get hopping.

Music, dancing and shows

Gone are the days of the lone lounge singer dragging a microphone around the dining room trying to get your attention while you dine on your surf and turf. Today's cruise ships feature state-of-the-art facilities and technology, including full-sized theaters and lounges with professional production shows.

Most cruises offer several shows to choose from each night. Guests are treated to full-scale Vegas-style production shows with singers and dancers who dazzle in unbelievable costumes along with captivating pyrotechnics and other special effects. Of course, there are various other acts that can include magicians, comedians, and acrobats to name a few.

Passengers that love to dance will love cruising since it offers dancers of all levels the chance to get out on the floor and enjoy themselves. Onboard discos offer luminescent lights and pulsating sounds that keep energetic passengers dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Throughout the ship various lounges offer musical options from waltzes to country dancing. Dancing skills a bit rusty? No problem. Most cruises offer classes in ballroom, salsa, country and more. Some lines even offer Gentleman Host Programs where women who are traveling alone don't feel left out of the dancing activities. Of course dancing isn't necessary to enjoy all the musical offerings, guests can sit and relax with a favorite beverage while the band plays on.

Other options throughout a cruise voyage include numerous onboard parties, from the invitation-only Captain?s Cocktail Party to themed evening sail away deck parties with cocktails and festive music.

Gaming and More

Passengers that decide to roll the dice will discover that shipboard casinos are bigger and better than ever and offer abundant games of chance. In addition to slot machines in a range of denominations, cruise ship casinos offer roulette, craps, and a variety of card games from blackjack to poker. Bingo tournaments are offered on most cruises and are very popular with guests.

If casino games and Bingo isn't your thing, almost every ship has a card room, which is typically filled up with everything from bridge players to scrabble and backgammon aficionados.

There are also various trivia contests and sports competitions. Poolside games are passenger participation spectacles that include silly, but fun activities. Other onboard games include some variations of old TV favorites, such as the Newlywed Game, American Idol, Name That Tune, and more.

Enrichment Programs

Long a staple on cruise ships, the port lectures have grown to cover a variety of topics as well as demonstrations. In addition to port lectures, topic samplings include health, nutrition, wine, politics, finances, photography, computers, geography and history. Very popular, are the cooking demonstrations (sometimes by world famous chefs) where you get to taste and sometimes participate.

Another popular form of entertainment for many is attending onboard art auctions. Typically, they are held at least a few times during the cruise in a lounge with a live auctioneer. They also discuss various artworks, so these lectures can also be a learning experience.

For the kids

Families with children will find that cruise lines have ample offerings for kids of all ages. Most ships have exclusive areas for little kids, big kids, and teens. Activities are determined by age group and teens often have their own hang out area and disco. In fact, here are so many activities that the kids won't even notice when parents want to get away for a little private romantic time for a candlelight dinner and dancing into the night.

Still, even with all the aforementioned activities, many people's idea of great entertainment is a quiet movie in their stateroom with room service. That's what makes cruising so appealing; guests can choose to do as little or as much as they please.

Cruise Celebrations For Weddings, Anniversaries and Other Milestones

With a little planning, any cruise can be turned into a special event whether it be romantic in nature like a honeymoon, renewal of vows, anniversary or engagement to a lively birthday celebration -- you can do it all on a cruise ship.

Love boats

Cruise lines are aware of the captivating effects that their vessels have on couples. Nearly all offer options in the way of romance or anniversary packages that can be arranged ahead of time through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line.

Packages may include goodies such as a bottle of champagne or wine in the stateroom, flowers, logo robes to keep, couples spa treatments, formal photo portraits, breakfast in bed, or a private dinner on the stateroom balcony.

All couples dream of the perfect wedding and honeymoon and tying the knot on a cruise ship offers the best of both worlds. Best of all a wedding and honeymoon wrapped into one package takes all the worry out of planning. It's important to realize that cruise ship weddings are becoming increasingly popular, therefore, to avoid disappointment it's important to plan as soon as a wedding date is set.

Ceremonial details

Thousands of couples have taken the plunge at sea, often citing the ease and convenience afforded. Cruise line wedding coordinators relieve the anxiety of details such as arranging for a marriage license or finding a clergyman - details that can seem like a tough task to do in unfamiliar surroundings.

The marriage or renewal of vows ceremony can take place onboard the ship in a public space or, on some ships, in a wedding chapel. Shore side locations are also an option, like on a Caribbean beach, in a European villa or on an Alaskan glacier.

Services differ between cruise lines, so it's important to investigate all options before booking a cruise wedding or renewal of vows celebration. Packages can include not only the ceremony but also flowers, photographs, video recording, champagne, wedding cake and music. The majority of newer ships have dedicated wedding chapels. Only two cruise lines, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, offer the ship's captain as an option to officiate a wedding ceremony. Princess Cruises also offers a live "Wedding Cam" to couples exchanging vows in their onboard chapels; the cameras stream video over the web to family and friends who cannot attend the ceremony.

More reasons to celebrate

Special celebrations need not only be for weddings or renewal of vows. There are birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and job promotions to name a few. Basically anything that makes you feel like celebrating you can do on a cruise ship.Cruise lines offer a variety of unique celebration packages that can make your cruise even more spectacular. Most lines offer amenities like special cakes, a bottle of chilled champagne or wine at your table when you arrive, festive decorations, flowers, and special keepsake photographs.

Celebrating life milestones onboard a cruise ship is a fun and thrilling way to commemorate happy occasions. Add the convenience of having everything all in one place and professionals who take care of your every need - it's no wonder that a cruise ship is the perfect venue for all celebrations.

A South American Cruise Experience

South America is a very exotic, mysterious and magical region where feasts for all your senses can be enjoyed. You will see the world in a new perspective with the inexplicable beauty which the region holds, contrasting cities, great archaeological ruins, dense jungles and wonderful landscapes as well as icy fjords that you would never find in another place.

Some of the highlights in a South American Cruise are the tours to Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan where mystical glaciers and fjords lay upon your eyes over the forested coastline. You will know the true meaning of wildlife in abundance as you enjoy the sight of whales, penguins and condors having huge wingspans.

A cruise at the Amazon River is another ride you don't want to miss. Be captivated by the vivid spectacle of images as you continue floating past native villages to a city that is carved into the very heart of the jungle.

You can take pleasure too in the cruise along the coastlines of Chile, Peru and Equador until you reach the misty ruins of Machu Picchu.

On the opposite coast, continue your cruising extravaganza to Brazil and visit the city of Rio de Janeiro which has been given the reputation of being "The Marvelous City". You will never run out of spots to capture in your cameras with their dramatic landmarks such as the Sugarloaf and the statue of Christ facing over the worldwide known beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Whatever you do, Don't dare to miss tasting the delicious flavors of their food and wine as you feel the sensual moves of the samba dance with the traditional music playing on the background. But these are only remarks full of enticing words. Wait until you experience it yourself - get into a South American Cruise with your loved ones and friends and go home filled with fun, fond memories that you'll cherish forever.

Fun Things to Do With Your Family on a Disney Cruise Vacation

When embarking on a Disney cruise line vacation with your family most families will not have a shortage of excursions and activities to keep them busy. Even with a slumping economy many travelers are still taking advantage of what Disney has to offer with their cruise lines. Disney cruises continue to be an industry leader in cruise destination choices. Here are some things that you and your family can do when embarking on a Disney cruise vacation whether a destination or on the ship.

1. H2O Splashdown: We all know that many teenagers need their space to do things they enjoy and often times they might not be so excited to be stuck with their parents on a cruise but H20 Splashdown gives them a way to be themselves and just have fun. This exclusive teen pool party will allow your teenager to go and meet other teenagers on the cruise who want to run around and do what teenagers do, have fun. They can take part in poolside games, and hang out while listening to music.

2. Party in Paradise: At the end of the cruise you will have the opportunity to celebrate and hangout with everyone on the ship with all out bash to enjoy one last night on the ship. Finish up your trip by dancing the night away with your new found friends and family.

3. Fitness Center & Spa: For all those parents who might want to go get a massage or get a workout in while their kids might be off running around the ship enjoying themselves there is a fitness center and a spa onboard. Come lift some weights and burn some calories or even get a massage and a facial before you head out for the evening of dancing and dinner.

4. Deck Activities: Some of the deck activities include shuffleboard and ping pong which can keep you and your family busy for hours. These shuffle boards are waxed to perfection and the ping pong tables can keep your kids active and busy for quite some time. With a variety of other deck activities your children and your self will never be bored looking for something to do.

5. Entertainment: Disney cruise line vacations offer a wonderful amount of entertainment on top of all the various activities available to guests. There are a variety of movie theaters available on the ship for viewing either at the pool or traditional theater seating movies. If you want to take your family somewhere away from the sun for a few hours but don't feel like heading back to your room a movie will be a nice relaxing alternative.

Cruise Holidays

People who've never taken a cruise usually have many reasons why they think cruise holidays aren't for them. If you've been talking yourself out of booking a cruise then you should know the truth about some common misconceptions. Hopefully, it will change your mind and you'll take a cruise since it is truly a relaxing and fun vacation.

Cruises are no longer dominated by the elderly and late-middle aged vacationers. Family vacations on cruises are becoming increasingly popular and many of the facilities and activities target younger age groups. There is also an increase in teenagers and 20 something's either traveling with family or without. True, a large amount of passengers will be over 50 since they have the time and funds but it's not as prevalent as it once was.

Some people have heard that everything is on a schedule; meals, activities, etc. So you might think that you're on a floating tour bus but that is not so especially on the large ocean liners. Some meals are served at certain times but most ships have a 24 hour buffet that has a wide variety of food and the dining experience is more casual than it once was so no need to pack a suit or evening gown. Shows and theatre performances are of course on a schedule but there are so many different kinds of activities. There is always something happening so there's no need to stick to a schedule.

Along the same mindset, you might be thinking that there's not enough to keep you busy. That is simply not true since there is so much to do, it would be hard to do everything you want to. There is something for everyone. If you're the sportive type there are bowling alleys, gyms, rock climbing, and some ships even have a driving range so you can work on your golf swing. If you're looking for entertainment then there are plenty of options including movie theatres, cabaret style shows and comedy clubs. Children will be kept busy with activities geared towards their age group and there's always the pool and arcade. Add to all of these activities, the exciting ports of call and you'll never be bored.

Some liken a cruise with being "stuck" on a ship with a bunch of other tourists. True, everyone on the ship is a tourist but that's not necessarily bad. Since everyone is on vacation most are in a relaxed and high spirited mindset. The crew and passengers tend to be friendly and easy going so being "stuck" with other holiday makers is actually a good thing.

Now that some of those misconceptions have been proven wrong there's nothing stopping you from booking your dream holiday at sea!

Teen Friendly Cruise Vacations

Point one: More and more Baby Boomers have taken to cruise ship vacations as their favorite way of getting away from it all.

Point two: Most Baby Boomers have kids, and most of those kids are approaching or in their teens.

Point three: Most Baby Boomers are reluctant to leave their teenagers behind when they head for the high seas, and prefer to vacation as a family.

The cruise industry is fully cognizant of all of these points, and they are doing their best to make sure that every member of their Baby Boomer families are provided with exactly the sort of cruise experience which will be entertaining, relaxing, and most of all, FUN. Most cruise lines now offer planned and supervised activities geared for teenagers throughout the day, because they know that the happy teen customer of today will be the paying adult customer of tomorrow.

Teen centers and video arcades are standard on all ships offering family cruises, and many cruise lines have age-based programs which will tempt your reluctant teen from spending his or her time moping about in the cabin dreaming of the friends or love interest left behind. Ships with good teen activities will schedule nighttime dances or pool parties where the teens can escape from Mom, Dad, and their annoying younger siblings. Many of the best cruise lines also have Internet cafes so your teen's email lifeline is never far away.

Some cruise lines, including Carnival and Disney, go out of their way to make their cruises fun for family members of all ages. For teens in particular, Carnival Cruise Lines offers Camp Carnival for kids up to age 15, and a Fountain Fun card, which will let you tens drinks as many soft drinks as they like at any hour of the day or night. They also have 24-hour pizzerias.

Carnival's Destiny-class ships have high-tech video game arcades, and its Fun Ships have 2,400 square foot Fun House activity centers. When it comes to catering to the kids and teens, however, few cruise lines have as much to offer as Disney.

The cruise ships Disney magic and Disney Wonder each have almost an entire deck (1500 square feet) set aside for kid and teen activities, including a teen club with its own coffee bar and video arcade. Disney debuts its latest theatrical releases aboard ship on the same day that they are released into theaters, so if there's a teen offering from Disney studios while you're on your cruise, your teenagers won't have to wait to see it!

Royal Caribbean will keep your teens busy in their own nightclubs and huge video arcades, and keep them happily fed with burgers and shakes at their Johnny Rocket's restaurants. Their latest ships also have a teen pool complete with water slide and (for a small fee) the use of a rock climbing wall to provide a crow's nest view of the surrounding sea. Organized activities for teens are held throughout the day beginning at 10:00 AM. Karaoke contests are open to passengers of all ages, and the teens are often the most enthusiastic performers!

Royal Caribbean is also among the handful of cruise lines which has onboard skating rinks of some of its ships, where your teens can either skate or enjoy a replica of the Ice Capades. They will love the contrast between ice skating and the surfing experience they'll get on Royal Caribbean's Flowrider, where the surf's always up!

Cruise vacations are no longer the domain of honeymooners and retirees. They are genuinely family-friendly experiences, with entertainment and social activities to appeal to even the most sophisticated teens!

Honeymoon Travel Destinations You Will Love

There are places suitable for vacation. There are places suitable for rest. There are places suitable for leisure. There are places suitable for luxury. There are places suitable for romance. And there are places suitable for everything that is mentioned. These are the places where you can set your honeymoon travel. Here are some of the honeymoon travel destinations where you can get a relaxing vacation, well-deserved rest, leisure, luxury, and romance.

Caribbean.

Located between North and South America, the Caribbean is the most sought place when it comes to relaxation, exquisite dining, luxury hotels, and of course world-class beaches and diving spots. The Caribbean is composed of several small countries including Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Aruba that showcase only the best place for honeymoon. Newlyweds can enjoy water sports and other water activities, pampering services, great accommodation, and great foods and colorful people.

Hawaii.

Another famous honeymoon travel destination is the islands of Hawaii. The isolated American State has 132 islands but tourists are restricted to just 6 islands. A total of 7 islands are inhabited. They are: O'ahu (The Gathering Place), Moloka'i (The Friendly Isle), Hawaii (The Big Island), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle), Maui (The Valley Isle),and Ni'ihau (The Distant Isle), Lana'i (The Secluded Island). For tourists and honeymooners, Hawaii islands offer world-class hotels, and beaches, exquisite foods, and a close to paradise experience.

Europe.

Traveling to Europe for a honeymoon would present you with lots of things to do and lots of places to visit. Italy for one has several ancient and cities with great historic sites, architecture and arts. France has great tasting foods and sites. The United Kingdom also has lots in store.

Las Vegas.

The gambling capital of the world is also one of the best local places to set your honeymoon. There are world-class hotels and resorts that offer honeymoon package whether you want to set your wedding at Las Vegas or simply would life to spend some romantic time there. Lots of entertainments await every honeymooner in Las Vegas including food, lights and sound attractions, nightlife, and more.

Africa.

Getting the feel of nature and seeing the wild at large is at its best in Africa. There are countries like Tanzania that offer a unique feel of nature and a vibrant touch of luxury in one. Exotic hotels are available in Africa for honeymoon that is something unique and wild.

The Weddings Market Can Drive New Sales During a Recession For the Travel Industry

Prospecting for new clients in a recession can be a daunting task for travel professionals to say the least. Each day we come to work and reach out to customers and corporate accounts that are cutting expenses and eliminating travel. Yet when you study the last four recessions, it is clear that every travel agency is surrounded by prospects that are recession-proof. As travel professionals, we frequently focus on the fact that our existing clients are no longer spending at the levels they did in 2007 and 2008. As a result, we may fail to see new sources of revenue that are close at hand.

Following funerals and liquor stores, weddings are one of the markets that will generate substantial new sales in 2009. According to the latest update from The Wedding Report, the number of nuptials in the United States will actually increase in 2009 from 2008. In fact, over 2,216,000 weddings will take place this year. If you like spending stimulus packages, you'll be pleased to know that in 2009 over $56 billion dollars will be spent by American couples on their weddings.

The good news for the travel industry is that a large block of this year's engagements took place around Christmas and Valentine's Day. So once the dresses are selected and the location for the ceremony and reception is decided, the bride and groom will turn their attention to the details of their honeymoon. In 2009, the average couple will spend just under $4,000.00 on their honeymoon. In fact over a quarter of a million couples will gladly spend over $7,500 on their honeymoon. Travel agents traditionally focus on the big travel that happens after the wedding. Yet in 2009 couples will spend over $390 million just for hotel rooms on their wedding night.

I once took a brief sabbatical from the travel industry to serve as vice president of sales for a large national wedding photography company. What I learned allowed me to return to the travel industry and book more weddings business in an average week than I used to book in an average year. My advice is to immediately start cultivating relationships with professionals who can refer wedding business to you. These key people can serve as your partners in profit for years to come. A great place to start is with the jeweler who provided the engagement ring. Next, focus on building connections where wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses are purchased. One of my best investments in time was spending every Saturday during the months of January and February in the busiest bridal stores across the country. I arranged with the owner to pay a commission on any business I booked from their customers and prospects alike. I found that generally the bride, mother, and maid-of-honor remained focused on finding just the right dresses. Frequently, however, the father of the bride was present, but seemed isolated from the shopping. I booked the most business by focusing on these lonely dads. After spending time with the fathers, they would in turn share positive information about my services with the bride and groom. In short, they became walking talking billboards for my company.

During the work week focused on establishing relationships with hotels and special venues where the reception might take place. Next seek out restaurants and country clubs where the engagement parties are traditionally booked. Do not forget to network with pastors, limousine companies and tuxedo rental stores.

Bill Todd is a high energy, humorous, motivational speaker and sales trainer with over a quarter century of front line sales, marketing, customer service and advertising experience. He is the co-author with Stephen Covey of Speaking of Success. Todd is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and was listed in the 2009 edition of Who's Who in Professional Speaking

Long Road Trips With Children

When taking a road trip with children, it is advisable to leave early in the morning even before breakfast. If the children will be sleepy they can just continue sleeping in the car. This way, the passengers can drive for at least two hours before stopping for breakfast. This prevents time wasting by leaving well after breakfast. Having breakfast in some faraway place instills the sense of beckoning adventure for the children.

Children need to be bought various favorite snacks, sandwiches and drinks. These are kept in a cooler. Packing children food saves lots of money and inconveniences when they demand for particular food or snacks. Stopping at rest areas to feed during a road trip is better than eating in restaurants as the family gets quality time together in serene environments. Rest places are not congested and children can run and play about and exhaust their energies. Children need to be catered for during road trips by ensuring they have games to play, food and snacks, water, picnics, potties if they are young etc. A story from audio books passes time quickly while driving.

Traveling with children requires comfortable rides, relaxed and with frequent breaks at least after three to four hours. Shorter breaks can be taken at gas stations where passengers can get out and stretch themselves. Breaks taken at scenic sites are important in that children get some moments of sightseeing and this makes the road trip memorable.

To keep the children's spirit up parents can buy their children new toys for the trip if they can afford. The children can then play with them in the car to avoid boredom. The types of games that suit to be played either on the way in the backseat or during rest spots can be chosen in advance. To get the children's attention a DVD player can do the trick. The DVD player should however not be displayed in a manner that can distract the driver. Car games like cops and vettes are interesting for it involves awarding of a point for every police car spotted and two points for sighting corvettes. Calling a car that is incorrect results in point's deduction. This game keeps children active through the trip. Games keep the children refreshed and they also enliven them and make the road trip memorable.

Necessary items include blankets and pillows in case children sleep in the car as they are bound to when they are comfortable or tired. When the road trip is a long way off and people need to book into a hotel for accommodation, things required for use that night can be packed into one bag. This is to avoid frisking through the whole car and unloading it searching for the items in the evening when people are likely to be tired and needing rest. Booking in advance enables people to make prudent choices and avoid the frustrations of driving into filled up hotels. Booking in advance can present offers like free breakfast.

Tips For Taking Holidays With Babies

Taking holidays with babies is often an overwhelming and stressful thing. There are ways that you can help make your vacation more fun for you and for the kids. If you have a baby that is still wearing diapers, then you know that you will need to take enough diapers and wipes to make it through the week. Taking bottled water for mixing and rinsing out bottles is another necessity. Taking snacks for your entire family can save you money and time, because healthy snacks may be hard to get on the road. Taking pillows and blankets for the kids can help to give them a comfortable rest spot while traveling, too.

If you have kids that need to be entertained, then you will want to include a portable DVD player, books, coloring books, and quiet toys to help give them things to do to pass the time. Make sure that you make plenty of stops where you allow the kids to get out and stretch their legs. This can make a big difference in their comfort level and the stress level of your vacation trip. From welcome centers to rest areas to fast food restaurants with playgrounds, there are many opportunities to let your children stretch their legs while on the road.

The good news is that when you make rest stops, it is most likely that you will find baby changing stations in both sexes of bathrooms. This change in bathroom functionality is helpful for parents traveling together, because it means that you can take turns changing the babies. This can save you both in arguments and tension.

Even if you don't have a baby that you will need to change, you will want to be sure that you carry baby wipes. They can be used for many different purposes, including wiping faces, hands, and messes in the car. This can help make cleaning easier, because you will have the premoistened baby wipes on hand.

Holidays with babies and younger kids can be challenging. That is why you want to be sure that you get advice from experienced traveling parents, especially if this is the first trip with your kids. Family trips are very common and you can find traveling advice in books, magazines, and online as well. You only have to be willing to look for the tips that will work for you and your family. Learning from other parents is the best way to find tips that are tried and true that will possibly work for you as you are traveling with your kids. Making sure that your children are happy on the way to your destination can help to start your holiday off on a good note that will make the rest of the trip enjoyable and fun for you and your entire family.

Family vacations are a great way to create memories that will be remembered forever. Using your camcorder and camera to document these holidays with babies and older children is the best way to remember the fun trips. Taking holidays with babies doesn't have to be stressful. With the proper planning and preparation, you can take a trip that will be fun for you and your kids.