Mini Cruise: Nothing Small About this Vacation

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Marionomad

Do you work hard? Of course you do, but do you play hard as well? All work and no play can make you a dull person. The best way to put some excitement in your life is to get away and take a vacation. This is why, despite your financial means, there should always be time for a vacation. Since your money and time is limited, this article will concentrate on advice to help you take that vacation you deserve. Take a mini vacation, and there is no better way to do this then by taking a mini cruise. Mini cruises can be booked last minute, last for a weekend, and cost a fraction of what you would pay for a full length cruise.

Cruises like the Carnival Valor, one of the most enjoyable forms of vacation. You do not have to worry about booking a hotel, finding places to eat, and as long as you can find the ship, you have everything you could want with in walking distance. As if that was not good enough, you are treated like a monarch on deck. Anything that you could possibly want or think of is at your fingertips. If you wish to relax, then soak up those sun rays and get a massage from one of the world famous masseuses on deck. Many people love to shop and most cruise liners have their own mall on them so you can shop your heart out in the middle of the magnificent sea. While others are relaxing in the sun or shopping, you might prefer a little friendly competition. You can play shuffle board, water basketball, run track, and more to feed your urge for competition. At night, the cruise ships come alive with entertainment. There are restaurants, clubs, and best of yet a beautiful view. You are the master of your own destiny when on a cruise.
Mini cruise breaks offer all of these luxuries at less cost and time. Not only do you pay less, but you go for fewer days. There is no better way to recover from a stressful work week then the open seas and activity filled decks of a mini cruise. Better yet mini cruises can be training wheels for a full length cruise. Many first time “cruisers” will try a shorter cruise to see if they will like it and if they will become sea sick. When leaving on a cruise, who could know that a two day vacation would become a once in a lifetime experience.

The question that comes to mind to many people is where to find a mini cruise. You can easily find a one anywhere there is coast line. Even mini cruises from New York are available for the people of the Big Apple to get away for a weekend. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near the coast line. No need to fear, many cruise lines offer an air/sea program. This includes the flight to and from your city, baggage, transportation from the airport to the cruise liner, and the cruise itself. Another aspect to take in consideration when making a travel budget is whether the cruise is all-inclusive or there are items that must be paid for. An all-inclusive cruise will cover things like drinks, food, shore excursions, etc. Generally, this type of cruise may seem like it should cost more, but in the long run inflated prices on board may make a non-inclusive cruise a very pricy and stressful one.

If the price of your cruise is still an issue, try choosing a different room. Depending on the location and view of your room, your price may sky rocket. Rooms range from the most expensive, a stateroom with a verandah, to a more modest room on the inside of the ship with no view of the ocean. Inside cabins may lack the relaxing feeling the others have, but if you’re trying to save money and plan on just sleeping there, it is a smart choice. Generally when all said and done, if you are living near the port you are looking around $500 minimum for your vacation. If you have to fly in you are looking more around $700 for your weekend getaway.

Remember that all work and no play make you a dull person. Even if that mini cruise seems out of your reach now there still is hope. Just like when you were a kid set aside a piggy bank. Every paycheck make sure you pay “yourself” first before spending any of the money you earned. You will be surprised with how short it takes to raise the money to get to your mini cruise. Wither it is $100, $50, or pocket change every little bit will help you reach your goal. Instead of sitting at your job wishing that you can get away on a cruise, set a goal date of your cruise, budget it, and go! This small idea can become a big reality with dedication. After all, who wants to be dull always?

Relax and Enjoy the Jewel of the Seas Cruises

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Marionomad

The Jewel of the Seas is one of the Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ships, which regularly sets sail from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Boston, or Harwich, England. Originally launched in 2004, the ship has a capacity of housing around 2,500 passengers. Among its lineup of destinations, you will find it visits Alaska(read the Travelling Everywhere about the best Alaskan cruises) , the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and Mexico. Jewel of the Seas cruises are, in some instances, limited to specific times of the year due to poor weather conditions. This happens to most cruises in the region, including the world famous Carnival Valor series too.

Cruises include onshore visits as well to the different countries visited during the course of the cruise where you are able to see local tourist attractions and enjoy the culture of other countries. They vary in length anywhere from four nights aboard to their 14 night Transatlantic cruise.

Jewel of the Sea Cruises

Shorter Normal or mini cruises, departing from Tampa, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, range anywhere from four nights to seven nights on board ship. Currently they are offering a 4 night Western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel, Mexico; and a 5 night cruise that visits Tampa, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Their 7 night Canada/New England cruise will visit Maine; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, where different interesting local tourist spots will be visited and explored.

If you are looking for a Jewel of the Sea cruise that lasts for more than one week you may be interested in their 10 night Panama and Caribbean cruise, where they visit Haiti; Colombia; Panama; Costa Rica; and Grand Cayman. An 11 night trip will add Oranjestad, Aruba in place of Haiti with the rest of the places visited remaining the same as the 10 night trip.

If you would like to spend a couple of weeks visiting the Caribbean, there are 13 and 14 night cruises available. On the 13 night trip, you will get to visit Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Willemstad, Curacao. Meanwhile the 14 night trip will take you to some different locations, as you will travel to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Willemstad, Curacao; and Oranjestad, Aruba.

Westbound transatlantic cruises leave from England, while the eastbound cruise leaves from Ford Lauderdale. Cruises range from 12 to 14 nights. The eastbound cruise will take you to Azores, France and England. The westbound tour will visit France, Ireland, Iceland, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Finally, if you are interested in visiting Northern and Eastern Europe you may enjoy the Scandinavian and Russian Jewel of the Seas cruise, which visits Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Sweden. This tour also leaves from England. But if you are planning to go on a cruise to Alaska I recommend you to read my other post about the best Alaskan cruises.

Jewel of the Sea Cruise Ship

This ship is purported to be one of the most beautiful of the fleet of Royal Caribbean ships. The ship has ten decks, which are accessed via glass elevators that face the ocean, giving you a breathtaking view as you go up. Beautifully decorated with themed bars and activity centers, the highlight is the ten story glass Centrum.

There is plenty to keep you occupied while on the sea. There are several activities offered and activity centers on-board, including a rock climbing wall, pool tables, a golf simulator, youth facilities, a spa and fitness center, swimming pools for adults and children and a volleyball and basketball court. While many of the activities cater for adults, including the on-board casino, there are also excellent facilities for children and teens. Staff prepare activities such as treasure hunts and talent shows to keep the younger set occupied and busy. Teenagers have their own disco, complete with its own juice bar.

There are quite a few different restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from. With a specialty Grill and an Italian restaurant on-board, you will be able to order whatever you like from the menu selection. The Lido offers buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are also several cafes on board where you can grab a quick lunch or dinner. The casino offers slot machines, Poker, Roulette, Blackjack and Craps. Several Broadway or Las Vegas style shows are performed during the voyage during the evening.

The cabins are neat and more spacious than you would come to expect on board a ship. One third of the outside cabins have a balcony facing the ocean. Rooms are equipped with a mini bar and television. You can also access the internet from your cabin, should you so desire. Luxury cabins are also available for those willing to pay the extra cost needed to secure them.

If you enjoy cruises, you will find that the Jewel of the Seas cruises have a lot to offer both children and adults. With plenty of on-board entertainment, excellent facilities and many bars and restaurants to choose from, you should be able to relax and enjoy the cruise as well as your trips to shore. The staff is friendly and outgoing and the food is great; all the makings of a wonderful, memory filled holiday.

Try out the Monarch of the Seas Cruise Ship

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Marionomad

The Monarch of the Seas Cruise Ship is one of the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line ships. It made it’s debut into service on November of 1991. The ship’s Godmother is Lauren Bacall. It measures eight hundred and eighty feet long and cruises at nineteen knots. This floating resort has everything needed to keep passengers entertained during their cruise vacation. This fabulous ship can accommodate 2,744 guests per sailing. The Monarch sails from Port Canaveral Florida to Caribbean destinations. It currently offers three or four night cruises. Ports of call on a Monarch of the Sea cruise include Cococay and Nassau Bahamas.

Service is the reason passengers keep coming back to the Monarch of the Seas. The Gold Anchor Service Program is their promise to make the cruise memorable. Crew members go above and beyond the normal level of service. Our crew takes special interest in making the guest’s stay the best it can be. It is the little things, such as remembering the guest’s anniversary, or their child’s teddy bear’s name that make it feel like home. This unique approach to caring for the cruise passengers makes the Gold Anchor service approach stand out. Monarch of the seas cruise reviews rave about the level of service provided.

The Monarch has so many things to do on board that passengers find it hard to leave the ship. There is a rock-climbing wall that towers two hundred feet above sea level. The view from the top of the wall is phenomenal. Of course, all the standard safety features are available. The Casino Royale offers a place to try your luck. The atmosphere is authentic and fun. Adults can treat themselves to the luxury of the day spa and fitness center. Enjoy a relaxing massage or work out with the state of the art fitness equipment. Teens will enjoy the Adventure Ocean facilities. It features a teen-only area with activities that target the teen audience. There is even an open air basketball court that is popular with kids and adults. There are two outdoor pools and two whirlpools.

The Monarch creates the ability to manage business with pleasure. Their business facilities include three conference rooms and seven meeting rooms. The facilities include up to date business accessories such as overhead projector, podium, easels, TV, VCR and more. Whatever the need, the Monarch has it covered. What a marvelous place to hold a business retreat. The company can combine work and play in one convenient place.

Passengers can enjoy a wide range of gourmet cuisines. With my time dining, guests can choose when they wish to dine in the main dining room. The dining room is open between 6tpm and 9:30pm daily. The guests simply make their reservations for the following day. The dining room also features periodic shows and entertainments. A prepaid gratuity is charged for utilizing my time daily reservations. Tradition dining and family dining options are also available in the main dining room. If you wish for something different and less formal try the Windjammer cafe, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Options such as salads, hamburgers and like items provide a simple yet tasty fare. Latte-tudes offers a light snack and a cup of java to boost the guest’s energy levels in order to keep going through the afternoon. There is even a Ben and Jerry’s place to enjoy a refreshing treat. Room service is always and option twenty four hours a day. There is a service charge for late-night services. If a guest is a wine enthusiast, he or she can pre-purchase a wine package. There are several packages from which guests can choose. The same is true of nonalcoholic beverages. Fountain sodas, juices and bottled 0water can be pre-purchased with the cruise.

Passengers have the opportunity to learn lots of new things while on board. Guest can take Salsa or Swing dance lessons. Learn to cook or participate in wine tasting and classes. Take casino and card game lessons to improve the chances of winning the big bucks. The crew on the Monarch can help guests master everything from vegetable carving to napkin folding. If you already have a talent, show it off at the Karaoke party or Gotta Dance competitions. The ship also has theme nights that cover everything from a Toga party to a mystery dinner theater. Kids are not left out either they have their own theme night parties featuring such themes as pirate night.

If all this action is not enough for the guests, there are optional add on shore excursions such as picnics, jet ski trips, snorkeling and more. Do not forget the time that can be spent exploring the exotic ports of call. Lots of shopping will provide the opportunity to purchase all those souvenirs to remember the trip by. The Monarch of the Seas makes the perfect weekend getaway for an individual, couple or family. If the guest has more time, he or she can combine hotel stays before and after the cruise to complete the vacation experience.

The Sensational Carnival Sensation Cruises

Posted on October 17, 2010 by Marionomad

Carnival cruise lines, based in Miami, as the Florida, have been conducting the business of pioneering inexpensive cruise travel since 1972. With 21 vessels currently in operation, Carnival is not only one of the most recognizable names in cruise travel, but also the largest. With multiple classes of cruise ships including: Fantasy, Destiny, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, and the Carnival Valor, the Carnival operation can be divided amongst luxury, family and adult-friendly themes. The Carnival Sensation, built in 1993, has been in operation since its launch and has offered adults a fantasy vacation for less within its Fantasy class of travel. Carnival Sensation cruises have become a popular choice amongst both singles and adult couples who want to escape from the redundancy of their 9 to 5 for a memorable vacation overseas and docks at Nassau, Bahamas.

But before we continue I recommend you to check my post about mini cruises !

With so many cruise lines to choose from, and even more ships within these specific cruise lines, choosing the perfect ship to step foot on can be a daunting task. Trust the Carnival Sensation cruise ship reviews claiming the experience to be truly “sensational” when booking your next week long venture to unknown territories and charters. The experience has recently improved with the 2009 refit that included an overhaul and the addition of 98 private balconies to the ocean view rooms available to be booked online.

The beauty of traveling by cruise rather than plane is that you can enjoy every moment of your vacation without being bogged down by connecting fighting and boring air time. The minute that the ship leaves the dock the party starts within the Fantasia Lounge, Polo Lounge, Plaza Lounge, and Seaview Bar & Grill just to name a few. With a cruise line that is fully stocked with activities, entertainment, delicious dining and drinks, as a traveler you no longer need to worry about planning each day of your vacation. Simply check out the daily events and activities listed in your daily bulletins, and you can pick and choose last minute and enjoy your voyage without stress or anxiety.

Within the Sensation are sensational rooms of all types. The Fantasy class cruise ships have a high percentage of inside cabins and the top two suite categories offer balconies. Rooms include the 1100 sq ft Owner’s Suite, the 330 sq ft suite, the Balcony 186 sq ft suite, the Oceanview cabin of 186 sq ft and the lowest priced inside cabin, which measures to 186 sq ft. While many assume all cabins have limited space, this ship is well designed with more than enough storage and closet space for bags and garments. While the standard suites have a simplistic decor that is warm and inviting, suites are embellished with seating areas and refrigerators for comfort and convenience. With 22 staterooms designed for wheelchair accessibility, all guests will be impressed with the size and set up of their cabin no matter what pricing criteria.

There is no limit to the activities abroad for all of the family. With children’s activity rooms, parents can trust their little ones are in good hands and well entertained the whole time. The refurbishments to the Carnival Sensation cruise liner added not only a 9-hole mini golf course, but also children’s water park complete with slides and splash areas, as well as a much appreciated adult’s only Serenity deck. These are just a few of the favorites on the list of things to do in the wonderful world of cruising.

A common appreciation goes into the unlimited food options that are included in the cost of traveling via a cruise ship. On board the Carnival Sensation cruise restaurants serve open-seating breakfast and lunch everyday the cruise is in operation. Don’t miss dinner, as the restaurant dinners are served in assigned seating sessions during specific time frames throughout the night. The Lido buffet and Seaview Bistro are also available as alternative dining spots, complete with self-serve ice cream, pizza and even a sushi bar. For those who prefer to eat in, room service is always available.

Carnival sensation cruise ship reviews rave about the on board casino, complete with slots and tables for travelers to enjoy while voyaging through the water on the way to the Bahamas. After the sun sets, the shows put on nightly are entertaining, funny and amazing, and will impress all.

Amenities abroad do not differ much from what is included in a four-star resort on land. With in-cabin safes, WiFi, fitness classes, gym, hair salon, a sauna, spa, steam room, five bars, dance club, library, showroom, video game room, laundry services, computer room and children’s programs, all of your bases are covered from point A to point Z. Visit Carnival online, or call your trusted travel agent to book your next Carnival Sensation cruise, and be amazed and astounded by the luxury and brilliance this cruise liner offers all. Travel abroad and enjoy your stay on the ship just as much as your venture on land in Nassau, Bahamas.

No Reason To Go Ashore On Carnival Fascination Cruises!

Posted on October 16, 2010 by Marionomad

Most travelers on carnival fascination cruises are having so much fun they do not want to interrupt it when the ship arrives in port; what could port possibly offer that could compete with the amenities already so lavishly prepared and given to these pampered and spoiled guests of the carnival fascination cruise? It does not matter in this world traveler came aboard to play, rest, dine or let the kids run wild. All of these will be accomplished beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, like in the Carnival Valor cruise, one of the most Carnival Fascination cruises.

There are a multitude of play activities; many of these in adult only areas. Being on the carnival cruise ship fascination is like owning a private paradise. The waterworks includes a wild and wonderful twisting waterslide and the splash zone that accelerates heartbeats and have wives asking husbands if insurance policies are paid in full when this brightly colored towering piece of construction marvel is viewed for the first time, the second time and possibly the whole trip. It is definitely for the young at heart and after a few trips down the slide, the hearts will definitely be younger. The sun deck features a challenging new nine-hole mini golf course for more relaxing fun. Various activities include belly flop contests, ping-pong tournaments, workout in the gymnasium or aerobics room or a lap around the jogging track. Other contests like Mr. Sexy Legs keep life active and interesting. Nightlife is nonstop, there is discos, entertainment, dancing especially at the Diamonds are Forever Dance Club, movies and even a floating casino with all the normal activities of craps, Roulette, poker and blackjack and much more.

This is a vacation getaway so rest is mandatory. This could be leaning back in one of the two hot tubs with 2 or 10 closest friends, floating in 1 of 3 swimming pools or lounging comfortably in one of poolside lounge chairs with a tall cool drink and hot, sexy novel, scooping out the onboard library or experimenting with new hairstyles, facials, pedicures or full body massages at Spa Carnival under the talented administrations of beauticians and masseuses certified in various massage techniques. It is okay to lounge the day away in the comfortable stateroom; room service is available 24 hours a day and the telephone is just in arm’s reach away. After all the nights last until the sun comes up.

Travelers on carnival cruise line fascination have their choice of any restaurant, any food, and any amount at any time. The food is delicious and cooked to perfection. The imagination dining room is a favorite of these world travelers; it is an elegant setting that can be whatever the traveler designers, a romantic dinner for two, a family get-together or a rambunctious evening with friends. The Coconut Grove Bar and Grill features a wide variety of specially prepared dishes and indoor or outdoor tables depending upon the mood or the weather. There is even pizzerias and sushi bars to fill in any empty spaces.

Once that elegant gangplank has been crossed, the kids will think they have entered fantasy land and are able to run their lives without strict and constant supervision from their stuffy overbearing parents. Carnival fascination cruise ship has created Camp Carnival for children from 3 to 17; this is so much fun the kids may never go home. There are activities, games and educational endeavors in various age groups providing children with a variety of new and exciting experiences. Circle “C” is a special arcade with video games, late-night movies, Karaoke, dance parties and more for children 12 to 14, allowing them to learn social skills they need to enter the next area of their life. Club 02 is for teenagers 15 to 17, which feature the perfect round-the-clock hangout full of fun (and supervised) things to do including music, video games and brand-new friends. These activities will keep children of all ages occupied during port stops; if parents insist children accompany them, the parents may be dragging screaming and kicking children through the streets of exotic cities and towns in foreign countries.

Carnival fascination cruises are so much fun thn mini cruises and offer such a variety of activities for people of all ages many travelers choose to skip the “boring side trips” into the various ports of call along the way. It is hard to leave the perfection of this newly remodeled cruise liner with a capacity for 2052 passengers and 920 crew members who work overtime to pamper and spoil the people under their expert care. Who wants to leave a fascinating place with unexplored decks, discos, bars, nightclubs and other tantalizing and fascinating areas to venture into a hot, cold, dry, muggy, dusty or dirty unknown space for possibly uncomfortable ventures. It is much better to stay here in total comfort and be waited on hand and foot like the pampered prince or princess the traveler really is.

Carnival Valor Cruises are a Great Vacation

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Marionomad

The Carnival Valor cruise ship is waiting to sail away, with you onboard! Originating in Miami, Florida, it is the newest and most beautiful ship you will find to take you on the cruise vacation of your dreams.

With a sailing itinerary of 7 days, travelers have the opportunity to choose either an Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean destination. The Eastern Caribbean cruise will take you to such ports as Nassau, Bahamas, St Thomas, USVI, as well as St. Maarten. The choice to visit Western ports will have your travel destinations include Belize, Roatan Island, Honduras, Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands, as well as Cozumel in Mexico.

With a Panamanian registry, the Valor will hold 2,974 passengers, with a crew numbering 1,180. This tremendous vessel boasts a weight of 110,000 tons, and measures 1,000 feet long. It has a total of 1,487 staterooms, spanning 13 decks. Five hundred and fifty-five of these have private balconies. Featuring a theme of Heroes and Heroics, the Americana found in the décor is comforting, inspiring, and most of all, fun!

Stateroom accommodations vary, with interior rooms offering the best value. They are comfortably appointed with a private bath, television, drawer and closet space, and two double beds that convert to a double size bed. All televisions have satellite access and show major network channels as well as cable news and movies.

Additionally, staterooms are available with ocean views and balconies, with an upgraded reservation. Suites are more luxurious, boasting a larger and more luxurious space, as well as dynamic views. In most cases, it will also feature a large closet and soaking tub in the bath. Beautiful and spacious family suites make traveling with the kids an easy venture. However, with a ship such as this, why worry about your room? Carnival Valor cruise reviews are bursting with positive things to say about the amazing journey to be had on a well priced and beautiful luxury cruise.

It’s easy to agree with the Carnival Valor cruise reviews when you learn about the many things to do and see while traveling with Carnival. For starters, young or old, the cruise ship will make your journey one to remember. Children under the age of two have a play area targeted to their age, with soft surroundings to keep them safe. In the evening, you can take advantage of ship employed baby-sitters to ensure your children are happy while dancing or dining the night away.

Camp Carnival is an atmosphere designed for kids aged 2 to 11, with activities and supervision to keep busy. Circle “C” is a program for kids ages 12-14 that features all the things these young teens enjoy doing. Video games, dancing, movies and Karaoke are all on the itinerary for these sailors. For those a little bit older, who may not fit in with the younger set but still are not quite old enough to enjoy the adult venues, Club Oz is a perfect fit. Those ages 15-17 are welcome to stop in or stay, enjoying age appropriate music, video games, terrific food and the opportunity to hang out at all hours with the new friends they make. For parents, this is especially helpful, as all of these activities and clubs are well supervised.

The Valor has three pools, including one that features an awesome slide that is known as The Twister. With twists and a height equal to three decks, it’s fun for any age.

Of course, a person can watch movies in their stateroom, but with an available 12’ by 22’ outdoor theatre, why would anyone want to? This screen is clear and has a 70,000 watt sound system so everyone who wants to hear the movie can do so.

Other shipboard activities include games, to include Survivor, the Newlywed Game and Family Feud, as well as the traditional deck games to be expected. Musicals, juggling acts and Broadway-inspired theatre will keep you entertained. Nine holes of miniature golf can be played, and a beautiful exercise facility will keep away the guilt of a dining indulgence. The luxurious spa can accommodate men and women, with everything imaginable to feel invigorated and refreshed.

At the Shogun Club Casino, you can enjoy playing the slots, card games and roulette. The Bronx Sports Bar will keep the sporting enthusiast happy with all the games and scores, and Winston’s Cigar Bar and Jeanne’s Wine Bar offer a quiet place to relax and visit with friends.

If you wish to stay in touch with someone back home, the internet café is available, but as the entire ship is computer friendly, you can bring along your laptop and have service anywhere on board. You can also find just the right book to savor poolside at the Iliad Library. Kids will enjoy learning about science or geography, as well as other subjects, in a 4200 square foot area just for them. The Caboose is a fully supervised kid’s dance club for those who want to get moving.

Dancing and dining for the adults is really a highlight of the journey. Carnival Valor cruise ship reviews suggest that this ship is one that will offer as much as, if not more fun onboard then the port destinations traveled to.

Food and fun will be top on the list for the grown ups. Formal dining at the Washington or Lincoln Dining Room’s offer world class culinary masterpieces served by gracious staff. For an additional fee per person, The Scarlett Dining Room is a more exclusive supper club, with fine wines and seafood, as well as steaks and pasta. The more casual meal can be enjoyed on the Lido Deck, where you might feel a little bit more relaxed, but the excellent food continues to be served. For the kids, this dining also means pizza and an ice cream bar.

Late night snacks are always available, and room service is free. Thinking of the perfect cup of morning coffee, however, may just bring you to the Java Café, where you can enjoy the perfect premium coffee and delight in a pastry in this European style coffee bar.

The Carnival Valor cruise ship is an amazing and wonderful travel experience for anyone seeking a relaxing and budget conscious get away. No sacrificing of fun or dining need be made, and wonderful ports of call always make for a memorable vacation.

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruises Make Memorable Vacations

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Marionomad

Before you start reading this amazing post, just wanted to remind you to check the Travelling Everywhere site as often as possible so you don´t miss any of the new posts like the “Carnival Valor Sensation one”:)

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruises is some of the most fun filled cruise vacations on the ocean today. The Rhapsody offers everything a passenger needs to enjoy a cruise packed with nonstop activity. The Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship is part of the Royal Caribbean International cruise line. It made its maiden voyage in May 1007. The ship’s Godmother is Bodil Wilhlmsen. The 915 foot ship has a passenger capacity of 2,435.

A Rhapsody of the sea cruise starts with the comfortable state rooms. The ship features four basic stateroom types. The Family ocean view has 237 sq. feet and can accommodate a family of six. The large ocean view is 154 sq. feet can hold 2 to 3 people. The large interior staterooms are 151 sq. feet and the interior staterooms are 135 sq. feet, both can accommodate two persons comfortably. All rooms feature a private bath and sitting areas. There are larger suites and rooms available too. There are even special rates for those 55 or older, active US military or Canadian forces, and US or Canadian law enforcement, fire departments or EMTs.

Business owners can choose a short cruise on the Rhapsody as a great reward for their employees. They can hold business meetings in the conference center or one of the four meeting rooms. All the necessary amenities are there including projectors, TV, easels, VCR, podium and more. Employees can enjoy the remainder of the cruise as a bonus.

Activities on Rhapsody of the Seas cruise never stops. The ship features an indoor/ outdoor pool in a Solarium with a sliding roof. This is perfect for keep passengers busy even on rainy days. It also makes a stunning place to sit and star gaze at night. The rock-climbing wall is another favorite activity on board. Once at the top of the wall the view is astounding.

There is an outdoor pool and six whirlpools. Spend a day and the spa and fitness center. The full service spa and salon feature the most popular spa massages and treatments. The state of the art fitness center can meet the needs of the most athletic guests. The Casino Royale provides passengers a full-service casino to enjoy. The youthful passengers can attend adventure ocean youth facilities. They will find all the activities that appeal to their age with appropriate adult supervision.

The night life is just as active as the daytime is. Theaters and shows abound throughout the cruise. Musicals, theatrical productions and more are offered almost every night. There are special events such as masquerades and theme parties. Music is everywhere day and night. Calypso bands by the pool and Latin bands in the lounge provide upbeat live entertainment. Live jazz, orchestras and others play at the various bars, lounges and other locations throughout the ship.

Passengers can check out the explorer academy. They can learn to do a variety of things such as Salsa dance, play the keyboard, cook, learn to place casino games, napkin folding, foreign language classes, and so much more. The goal of the Rhapsody is to offer every guest an opportunity to participate in activities that appeal to them. On the sports deck, there is a running track and golf course.

Shopping is a pastime that has not been left out. There are many unique boutiques on board to meet all your shopping needs. Whether you are search for jewelry, clothing or souvenirs there is a store that has something to meet your budget. Do not forget the ports of call that offer duty free shopping for tourist. They present the opportunity to find those rare items that cannot be purchased just anywhere. The perfect souvenirs to remind travelers or the places they have been and the sights they have seen.

The Rhapsody of the Seas sails from its home port of Sydney Australia in the winter months and Seattle Washington in the summer months. One of the most popular cruises is the seven night Alaska glacier cruise. It departs Seattle and makes port in Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Victoria British Columbia and then back to Seattle. The scenery is breath taking. Passengers can also add land excursions such as dog sledding, fishing and more.But to read more about cruises to Alaska, read my other post about the best alaskan cruises.

During the winter months, the ship will depart from Sydney and cruise to Burnie, Tasmania, Hobart, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia and Mystery Island. Land excursions include shopping and sightseeing tours.

The Rhapsody of the Seas cruises can provide passengers with the perfect vacation tailored to their specific tastes. With so many activities both day and night, there is always something to do. The exotic ports of call complete the uniqueness of the trip. Cruise pricing is all-inclusive. The only additional costs are flights to the departure port, transportation to and from the ship and any incidentals on the ship. Cruising represents an exceptional value for all the benefits that it provides.

The Ambiance and Atmosphere of Wedding Cruises

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Marionomad

Your wedding is something your have anticipated since childhood. While the traditional church wedding or the more contemporary beach wedding has been a popular choice amongst brides and grooms for many years, the more modern approach of wedding cruises has sparked interest in the industry. The thought of having a beautiful, fantasy ceremony aboard a luxury chapel on the sea and being joined by the ship’s captain is one that some have only imagined in their dreams. Bring your dreams to life by planning your one and only special wedding on a cruise with family, friends and future in-laws. With several wedding cruise packages among various ships of all sizes and styles, any wedding can be tailored to fit your taste and your budget.

The lengths of a cruise ship wedding package and prices will vary on the cruise line, size of the party and desired features. The Caribbean Princess Seven Day Romantic Cruise with the Wedding at Sea Package gives brides and grooms a little bit of everything. Combining the actual ceremony, within an intimate setting, with a fully planned honeymoon, becomes one event with the bride on the bridge. Starting for as little as $799.00 per person, you can bring only your closest family and friends to celebrate your union overseas. If you are one of the many little girls who has imagines a magical wedding, look no further than the packages offered by Princess.

The average wedding costs approximately $26,000 on land shown by recent studies. For an on board wedding ceremony conducted by the ship’s captain, the party will pay approximately $2250, plus the cruise costs of $800 per guest for the 7 day endeavor. While it is not expected for the bride and groom-to-be to have an extensive guest lists, intimate weddings can be experienced for far less than the cost of a stateside wedding. In addition to this, experience 168 hours of celebration rather than just a 6-hour ceremony and reception of the traditional wedding. All food, entertainment, flowers and music are included within the fee, and the ceremony is televised world-wide for all loved ones who could not attend.

One of the best cruise ship weddings, tie the knot on the sea with the Caribbean Princess crew. With a personalized wedding coordinator, live piano music, keepsake wedding album, photographer, wedding cake and bottle of champagne, all bases are covered without any unnecessary stress and frustration. Take the leg work out of your wedding and enjoy it from beginning to end.

Once the 6 hour on-board wedding ceremony has concluded, the newlyweds can enjoy time to themselves in their own personal honeymoon cabin located on ship. Get some time to yourselves and enjoy your first night as husband and wife, and celebrate for the remainder of the trip with friends and family. Watch the movie under the stars, lounge poolside, or visit one of the many nightclubs located on board. For gamblers, try your hand at the slots or the tables as a husband and wife duo and visit the unmatched buffet for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Husband, wife, mother-in-laws and father-in-laws, will all be given the opportunity to enjoy their trip overseas as both a vacation and a wedding celebration. With activities for travelers of all ages, the artsy tourists can view the on ship art gallery, while the golf enthusiast enjoys a round of nine-hole putt putt and golf simulator. For the children of the party, the expansive child and teen centers will keep your children occupied and entertained while mom and dad have a more adult-friendly form of entertainment.

While cruise weddings have unlimited options in terms of entertainment, the ship will stop at an amazing private island named Princess Cay. Here, you can stretch your limbs on the beach and venture onto the sandy shores. Enjoy a beach BBQ, water sports, snorkeling, parasailing, hammocks and a variety of other outdoor activities while docked. When you hop back onto the luxury accommodations, visit the comedy club for laughs with your new spouse and enjoy tasty drinks from one of the many bars.

Each passenger is given a daily schedule of events planned to take place for the evening. From rock-inspired concerts, to a western themed hoe down, everyone with an open attitude to new things will experience things they have never expected they would ever try. For single guests, singles events are planned for guests to find their perfect match on the water.

Enjoy the islands of St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman in your own privacy with your new husband or wife. Plan your dream wedding while setting sail on the ocean and unite as one on the ocean rather than the land. Say your “I dos” and make it forever with a magical celebration, and experience the thrills and enjoyment wedding cruises have to offer for everyone.

Should You Choose Repositioning Cruises?

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Marionomad

While one might think that the average cruise liner is a straightforward business investment — float about the world and have tourists pay to stay onboard — there are many complexities required from a massive cruise ship. After all, it is no different from any transportation like a car or bus; it must be refueled and resupplied when inventories run low. Maintenance is to be done regularly, safety inspections must be upheld, new staff must come aboard are trained, and broken or malfunctioning equipment must be replaced. All cruise lines have a complex travel itinerary, many traveling up north to cooler ports during the summer (most notably Alaska and Scandinavia) while visiting the warmer ports during the cold weather to avoid damage from frosty, tumultuous seas. Of course, cruise ships cannot exactly move at rapid top speed, so it takes anywhere from a week to two weeks to be back in a homeport. Rather than have the rooms empty during this time, cruise liners sell repositioning cruises, which are less expensive but have fewer ports of call for travelers to see and enjoy.

Almost every ocean liner corporation has both warm and cold area cruises so that the intense sunlight in the Mediterranean or Caribbean sun will not harm customers or equipment or that the frozen Alaskan seas will not impede a voyage or renders a ship unusable. A repositioning cruise, thus, is available from any ocean liner without the normal costs associated with standard cruises. Many customers leap at the chance to take repositioning cruise deals, as a two week cruise lasts twice as long as a standard voyage while costing only half as much. These are one-way cruises, however, so all customers must arraign for flights or transportation both to and from the ports of call.

Though there is only one stop on these cruises repositioning their fleets about the globe, this gives travelers even more extra time to enjoy the accommodations onboard. Just as with any cruise, the vast amount of staff and employees on board will do anything to assist you in order to make your voyage enjoyable. Every cruise ship boasts several pools and lounges, fitness centers and full gyms, activities for kids, movie theaters, shops and casinos, and five star dining locations. All of these remain open and ready for business, so do not worry about having to have second-class accommodation while you are enjoying a repositioning cruise.

While each cruise liner must take its own schedule to get into their desired port of call so as not to jam up the docks with behemoth floating luxury liners, most of these repositioning deals will take place in spring and fall. Ships travel through the Panama Canal during March or April to make it up the Pacific coast and into Alaska by May, where they will operate through summer time and then drop back down in October or November to begin cruising through the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or even the Arabian Sea and across the coasts of India.

The majority of repositioning cruises 2009 had to offer took place in between October 10 and November 30 in the fall, or between February 1 and April 15 in the spring. Although other voyages can be found year round, they may have higher rates due to the smaller sizes of the liners and thus the higher luxury suites. The cheapest of these cruises was a rock bottom two hundred and fifty dollars per voyage; even the highest-class balcony suites only cost around six hundred dollars. Both of these prices are around one third to one fifth of the cost of a normal cruise charter.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises up the coast of New England during spring and down through Mexico in the fall. While each cruise may in fact have up to half a dozen stops during the repositioning, there are no guarantees that any will be met if it is not warranted. Additionally, these stops are very short — a few hours at most — and sometimes tourists are not allowed to leave the ship as there is not enough time to even see a few local sights before the cruise liner is ready to head back out to sea. Most customers, however, report that their repositioning cruise had enough time both on and off the ship, allowing them to enjoy stops and time on the open waters.

If you are thinking about spending some quality time with your spouse or family on a cruise yet are concerned about the high costs, repositioning cruises may be the key to save money. Check with online sites for specific time lines and ports of call to plan your transportation. Check carefully to see if any free upgrades may be available, as these cruises are usually never fully sold out.

The Best Parts Of Brilliance of the Sea Cruises

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Marionomad

What will the best part of one of the new and exciting Brilliance of the Seas cruises be? Will it be the luxurious dining experiences, the multitude of activities available on the wide-open seas, the exciting ports that can be visited around the world or the family-friendly program for parents traveling with children of all ages? Only the pampered traveler will be able to answer this question at the end of the relaxing ocean voyage.

Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship is in Royal Caribbean’s midsize fleet and was launched in 2002 with a tonnage of 90,090. It features 12 decks and can accommodate 2112 passengers who are waited on hand and foot by a crew of 859 experienced professionals. The main dining room on the ship, Minstrels dining room has a two tier floor plan with mostly larger dining tables seating 6, 10 or 12 allowing different guests to visit over a leisurely and well prepared dining experience. These guests are so pampered that the waiters attempt to learn everyone’s meat cooking preferences in just a few days. Dining times can be assigned or flexible and open seating during breakfast and lunch allows mingling. Dress is usually casual after a long day in port which means ladies could wear pants outfits or sundresses and men could wear polo’s and khakis. Most of the time address is smart casual, which means ladies wear pant-combos or dresses and men wear jackets. The formal night requires cocktail dresses and suits or tuxedos.

The Windjammer Café is often the most popular daytime eatery with its attractive buffet restaurant, some outside tables and on-site bar. The Seaview Café looks like a beachcomber’s haven with windows overlooking the sea and Solarium Café features pizza. There are two alternative restaurants available requiring an additional fee; one features a range of steaks, lamb prime rib and chicken wonderfully prepared and the other features a six course meal on par with fine dining experiences in Paris. Room service is available the clock on the brilliance of the seas cruise ships.

The seven-deck high Centrum (which is the Norwegian word for atrium) is the activity center and features a wall of windows for sunset watching and has cozy the bars and discos for nighttime entertainment on different levels. A swimming pool with a swim against the current area and two whirlpools and the Country Club with active sports arenas, basketball courts, rock climbing wall, miniature golf and even the golf simulator provide activities for all. Staying fit is not a problem with a fitness director and exercise machines like treadmills, bikes, stair masters and weights machines. The lavish two-deck Pacific Theater hosts big number productions. A library, three different stations for Internet connections, self-leveling billiard tables and beautiful assortment of shops provide never ending entertainment on a Brilliance of the Sea ship cruise.

World traveler can choose ports of call anywhere they want to go from Africa, Australia, Alaska(check my post about the best Alaskan cruises), European, Mexican Riviera, South Pacific and many more. The port of call events are well planned and well attended; the lucky traveler on the brilliance of the seas cruise ship just has to choose the trip of a lifetime to take this year, next year and every year after until they have experienced each and every one.

Travelers with children will find a life of leisure and contentment. Children had been planned for from the designs of the family-friendly state rooms such as the Royal Family Suite to the activity center. This suite has between 533 and 586 square feet of space with two bedrooms, a sitting room and a balcony. When this company excels is in the activities; it has developed special programs for children in five different age groups. These are separated into different rooms. The teams have their own disco across the hall. These are top-notch facility including a PlayStation with video, a computer lab and an adventure beach with both waterslide and pool. To keep the children entertained there are arts and crafts, rock climbing for the older children and games, giving the adults a chance to rest and recuperate without the music of small voices and constant demands. The children are so well attended and entertained they think the cruises all about them. Probably the most wonderful option of this camp life is that parents can leave the children on board while they go ashore and enjoy the amenities of the ports of call, unencumbered by the demands or concerned about others, just like when they were first married. Additional babysitting is available.

Only by taking one of the brilliance of the sea cruises, can a world traveler return home rested, pampered and counting the minutes until they can pack their bags and enjoy the food, wearing luxurious clothing, being waited on hand and foot, visiting exotic and unusual ports and having the time of their life again.