By James Penn
Going on a Caribbean cruise is certainly one of the finest ways of spending ones holidays. But it is always a good idea to have some knowledge of the places you intend to visit beforehand when you go on a Caribbean cruise. It goes without saying that the on-board activities would keep you busy and would never let you get bored of sailing but in addition to it, you must also keep in mind the ways you are going to spend time when you stop at different stops. Let us have a look at some of the best islands where you would land while on your Caribbean cruise.
St. Croix
It is on the Eastern side of the Caribbean. St. Croix is located in the Virgin Islands and for people with sporty tastes, it is virtually a paradise. You can go kayaking here. And yes, if you want to feel some history playing in front of you, have a look at the place where Christopher Columbus landed.
St. Thomas
When you are in the Virgin Island, how can you miss visiting St. Thomas? It is by far the best place to go for snorkeling at the Cinnamon Bay National Park. And why should you do that. Well for the simple reason that nature has kept the surrounding waters of St. Thomas very shallow and you can easily see all types of marine creatures here. And that is some experience to have.
Grenada
This is some island to visit no doubt. The hurricane Ivan completely devastated this island in the year 2004, yet it is still the place to be when you are on a Caribbean cruise. For the ones who live some underwater adventure, you can't get a better place for scuba diving. The place is full of great under-water sights. The presence of a number of underwater volcanoes as well as a lot of myriad colored tropical fish make the day of scuba divers.
Jamaica
Jamaica is also one such great places to be during your Caribbean cruise. See to it that you don’t miss a visit to Jamaica at any cost. Bustling markets of Jamaica is a well known sight here. For adventure seekers, there is Bamboo rafting to pump the adrenaline.
Puerto Rico
You must have heard of Conado Beach. It is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world. Puerto Rico is certainly worth a visit for all you on Caribbean cruise.
Aruba
Aruba is certainly a place worth visiting. Even though it is a small island in the Dutch Antilles, yet it boasts of over one year worth of beaches, 365 beaches. So, even if you have to spend a year here, you would find one new beach to relax and take in sun, every day. Not without reason, Aruba is considered the paradise island.
James Penn runs a highly informative Caribbean website which details exactly how to find Caribbean beach resorts and also the ten best activities in the Caribbean for families and couples alike.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Cruise Ship Vacations: What's New with the Cruise Lines in 2007
By Elaine Lince
Cruise vacationing is the fast growing sector in the tourism industry, at a rate twice as fast as tourism as a whole. North America accounts for 75-80% of the market. The big three Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess are leading the way. Together they capture 2/3rds of the market.
Cruise ship themselves have become the entertainment for the trip. With a multitude of activities there is something for everyone. From morning to dusk there is an activity available. Swimming in the pool, movies, casinos, games, lessons, kids programs, cooking classes, golf, ice skating,….the list goes on and on. You never have to leave the ship.
The cruise lines are competing for ports, with many more cruises leaving from ports in Florida. Disney is bringing back seven day cruises leaving from the west coast, Los Angeles, to sail to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta., as well as cruises to the Panama Canal.
Of the eight major cruise lines in the Caribbean six of them have their own private islands, Half Moon Cay, Casaway Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Princes Cay, Serena Cay and Coco Cay. Some of the lines are investigating private clubs at ports of call.
Several cruise lines are introducing new ships or reintroducing newly refurbished ships. The Disney Magic has new enhancements: a 24x14 ft. LED movie screen, new spa and fitness center for adults and new youth space. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess are all introducing new or refurbished ships this year as well.
Shorter length cruises aimed at a younger crowd are becoming more popular, accounting for 37% of all cruises. Clearly cruises aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore. All this growth and competition mean more opportunities, more choices, and better prices for the consumer. Now is a good time for a cruise vacation.
Using the internet is a great way to find the best cruise prices available with the least amount of effort. You can book your cruise at any of the major cruise lines and get the cruise you've always dreamed of. Don't forget to check out all the fun activities and excursions to enjoy on your perfect cruise vacation.
Cruise vacationing is the fast growing sector in the tourism industry, at a rate twice as fast as tourism as a whole. North America accounts for 75-80% of the market. The big three Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess are leading the way. Together they capture 2/3rds of the market.
Cruise ship themselves have become the entertainment for the trip. With a multitude of activities there is something for everyone. From morning to dusk there is an activity available. Swimming in the pool, movies, casinos, games, lessons, kids programs, cooking classes, golf, ice skating,….the list goes on and on. You never have to leave the ship.
The cruise lines are competing for ports, with many more cruises leaving from ports in Florida. Disney is bringing back seven day cruises leaving from the west coast, Los Angeles, to sail to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta., as well as cruises to the Panama Canal.
Of the eight major cruise lines in the Caribbean six of them have their own private islands, Half Moon Cay, Casaway Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Princes Cay, Serena Cay and Coco Cay. Some of the lines are investigating private clubs at ports of call.
Several cruise lines are introducing new ships or reintroducing newly refurbished ships. The Disney Magic has new enhancements: a 24x14 ft. LED movie screen, new spa and fitness center for adults and new youth space. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess are all introducing new or refurbished ships this year as well.
Shorter length cruises aimed at a younger crowd are becoming more popular, accounting for 37% of all cruises. Clearly cruises aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore. All this growth and competition mean more opportunities, more choices, and better prices for the consumer. Now is a good time for a cruise vacation.
Using the internet is a great way to find the best cruise prices available with the least amount of effort. You can book your cruise at any of the major cruise lines and get the cruise you've always dreamed of. Don't forget to check out all the fun activities and excursions to enjoy on your perfect cruise vacation.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Best Alaska Day Cruise Destinations
by: Ryan Tollefsen
In Alaska there is a lot of great sightseeing to be had. Unfortunately much of it must be done by water or air. In this article I will help outline the top destinations for day cruising in Alaska as well as what you can expect on your journey. When you are going to be on a day cruise it is important to remember to make plans for accommodations after your cruise is over. Each of these destinations does offer many wonderful accommodations options from Hotels to the stylish bed and breakfast. It is however important to make reservations ahead of time because during the peak season accommodations can be difficult to find. The peak cruising season for each of these destinations is May through August. In May and June you can expect a good chance for the sun to be out. In July it will be on and off again type weather and in August there is a good chance you will find the rain. None the less, whether it is sunny or overcast a day cruise in Alaska is still a lot of fun. Popular Alaska day cruise destinations: Whittier – Whittier is a small town close to Anchorage that is now accessible by car or train. Through Whittier you will have access to all the beauty that can be found throughout the Prince William Sound. It is a well protected port with many amazing Glaciers nearby. There are several day cruise options out of this port and even a ferry that will take you all the way to Valdez if you like. Valdez – From Anchorage you can reach Valdez by air, car or the ferry out of Whittier. Valdez also offers access to the amazing Prince William Sound with its crystal clear waters. Out of Valdez you are likely to see Glaciers, whales, puffin otters and more. Being one of the furthest ports from Anchorage can be a drawback of this day cruise destination but the beauties of the scenery will more than make up for it. Seward – Seward is probably the most popular cruising port in Alaska. The large cruise ships will dock here because of the easy access. From Anchorage you can access Seward by car, tour bus or train. There are many Alaska day cruise options here including stop on private islands such as Fox Island. You will have the chance to see otters, sea lions, puffins, orcas and humpback whales. At this popular Alaska port there is never a dull moment. Homer – Homer is known mainly as a fishing port however, there are still some day cruise options here. Homer can be accessed from Anchorage by car or air. There is a water taxi that will take you from Homer to the secluded town of Seldovia. There are private boats for hire that will allow you access into Tutka Bay and other secluded area nearby. Out of Homer you can expect to see many sea otters, puffin, humpback whales, beluga whales and even the occasional pilot whale. One thing you will find that all of these great day cruise destinations have in common is the amazing experience to be had by all who participate. You will see sea life, most likely a glacier or two, possibly some orca or humpback whales but for sure everyone will witness the amazing landscapes and scenery Alaska has to offer. A day cruise in Alaska will definitely be an experience to remember.
About The Author
Ryan Tollefsen has compiled a comprehensive Alaska Travel Guide and Alaska Photo Gallery which he credits to his many years in Alaska. Learn everything you need to know and expect from your Alaska vacation before you begin your travel. OnlyAlaska.com - http://www.onlyalaska.com Alaska Travel Guide - http://www.onlyalaska.com/pages/index.html Alaska Photo Gallery - http://www.onlyalaska.com/photo/index.php
In Alaska there is a lot of great sightseeing to be had. Unfortunately much of it must be done by water or air. In this article I will help outline the top destinations for day cruising in Alaska as well as what you can expect on your journey. When you are going to be on a day cruise it is important to remember to make plans for accommodations after your cruise is over. Each of these destinations does offer many wonderful accommodations options from Hotels to the stylish bed and breakfast. It is however important to make reservations ahead of time because during the peak season accommodations can be difficult to find. The peak cruising season for each of these destinations is May through August. In May and June you can expect a good chance for the sun to be out. In July it will be on and off again type weather and in August there is a good chance you will find the rain. None the less, whether it is sunny or overcast a day cruise in Alaska is still a lot of fun. Popular Alaska day cruise destinations: Whittier – Whittier is a small town close to Anchorage that is now accessible by car or train. Through Whittier you will have access to all the beauty that can be found throughout the Prince William Sound. It is a well protected port with many amazing Glaciers nearby. There are several day cruise options out of this port and even a ferry that will take you all the way to Valdez if you like. Valdez – From Anchorage you can reach Valdez by air, car or the ferry out of Whittier. Valdez also offers access to the amazing Prince William Sound with its crystal clear waters. Out of Valdez you are likely to see Glaciers, whales, puffin otters and more. Being one of the furthest ports from Anchorage can be a drawback of this day cruise destination but the beauties of the scenery will more than make up for it. Seward – Seward is probably the most popular cruising port in Alaska. The large cruise ships will dock here because of the easy access. From Anchorage you can access Seward by car, tour bus or train. There are many Alaska day cruise options here including stop on private islands such as Fox Island. You will have the chance to see otters, sea lions, puffins, orcas and humpback whales. At this popular Alaska port there is never a dull moment. Homer – Homer is known mainly as a fishing port however, there are still some day cruise options here. Homer can be accessed from Anchorage by car or air. There is a water taxi that will take you from Homer to the secluded town of Seldovia. There are private boats for hire that will allow you access into Tutka Bay and other secluded area nearby. Out of Homer you can expect to see many sea otters, puffin, humpback whales, beluga whales and even the occasional pilot whale. One thing you will find that all of these great day cruise destinations have in common is the amazing experience to be had by all who participate. You will see sea life, most likely a glacier or two, possibly some orca or humpback whales but for sure everyone will witness the amazing landscapes and scenery Alaska has to offer. A day cruise in Alaska will definitely be an experience to remember.
About The Author
Ryan Tollefsen has compiled a comprehensive Alaska Travel Guide and Alaska Photo Gallery which he credits to his many years in Alaska. Learn everything you need to know and expect from your Alaska vacation before you begin your travel. OnlyAlaska.com - http://www.onlyalaska.com Alaska Travel Guide - http://www.onlyalaska.com/pages/index.html Alaska Photo Gallery - http://www.onlyalaska.com/photo/index.php
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