Cruising & Sailing Information

Before you depart on your next Caribbean travel or Hawaii travel cruise, read these tips to ensure that you will squeeze every last drop of experience and enjoyment out of it! From luggage to etiquette, we've got all your bases covered!

Out of tragedy comes change. Reports of chaos from the Costa Concordia before capsizing has forced authorities to change how safety drills will be conducted. Muster drills for cruise ships will now be executed before the ships leave port.

With more exotic river cruise trips becoming readily available, one of the most sought after destinations for 2012 is the Mekong delta region of Vietnam. A growing number of cruise lines are now offering river cruises along the mighty Mekong river, so read on and explore this mysterious river.

If you are looking for a fun vacation that's easy to plan and even easier to enjoy, take a cruise. Simply pick your destination and your package and the cruise company will take care of everything else.

The splendor of Patagonia is at your fingertips during your Argentina vacation. Take a Patagonia cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia.

For most travelers to Antarctica, accommodation is on a cruise ship. Travelers can choose between adventure ships and expedition ships.

Visitors wanting to discover Europe often opt for either an Escorted Tour or Rail as their primary means of transportation. Cruising the Rivers of Europe can last as little as a few days through one country such as Paris to Normandy, or over three weeks from Amsterdam to the Black Sea and stopping at 13 Countries along the way. Although this wide selection of cruises span over numerous rivers and tributaries, a majority of the itineraries center on the Rhine and the Danube River.

There are so many things you can do if you enjoy taking cruises throughout the Mediterranean. Don't forget to explore Italy's most famous cities: Venice and Naples.

Cruises in the Baltic can include the Scandinavian cool of Stockholm and Helsinki, the fairytale old towns of Riga and Tallinn, and the lively charm of Gdansk. But for most Baltic cruise passengers, St Petersburg is the jewel in the crown of their voyage. And the St Petersburg Russia Cruise Port will ensure you have a smooth journey from on board your ship to the city's numerous attractions.

Once you've decided on your cruise choice and destination, here are five tips that could improve your cruise holiday. Hope you find them useful...

Cruises are a luxurious to get away from it all, but if you're not careful, you may end up paying for extras that aren't included. With some careful planning, you can have a great time and stay within your budget.

Most boats will only carry a maximum of 24 people, but some can carry as few as three or four. Sailing on one of these is almost like having your own yacht. Most will sail around for an average of three or four hours a day.

This article highlights on the various destinations available to travelers in Greece. It also sums up on the brief geography and different ways to reach its island destinations.

Check the references of previous travelers who were satisfied with a chartered yacht trip. In this way, you can narrow your choices for a great charter company. Your entire trip depends on having a good boat and someone who has the knowledge to operate it. The experienced captain is always the greatest choice for being safe out on the sea.

When the stress and pressures of everyday start mounting up, you may find yourself wanting to put it on hold, and get away from it all. To be honest, that is indeed a very healthy thing to do. A planned escape could be the very thing to calm your troubled mind and return that balance of peace and tranquility to help you to cope with the trials and tribulations of these very demanding times.

OK, so you're thinking about going to a cruise? Great! The first thing you need to do is to choose a destination and the itinerary framework. This article will help you decide what's the right route for you.

Going on a cruise is one of the most relaxing and fun experience that one can have. This is because cruising is basically a traveling vacation. A cruise makes traveling to a destination an awesome experience to behold. This is why, many people prepare to take a cruise for years. They save up a lot of money in order to be able to afford the ultimate vacation experience. When the time comes for you to take your cruise, you must make sure that you remember the following items. This will guarantee an awesome cruising experience for you.

Are you planning to cruise the Pacific this year? There are affordable deals to find when you book online. Enjoy memorable moments while fulfilling your dream of travelling.

In the last couple of years, river cruises have seen a dramatic increase in popularity as people seek a more intimate experience than larger sea cruises. The earliest European river cruises were on the Rhine and it's not surprising to see why!

Alaska is a great cruise destination in the US. If you are looking for Alaska cruise deals, you need to keep several things in mind. This article will give you some tips to get the best from your much-awaited cruise trip.

In the past days of cruising on around the world cruise ship, you don't ask very much of your cabin. A bed, a head, and a porthole would do.

The aspiration of every traveler is to circumnavigate the globe, but a lot more individuals do so with an around the world cruise than any other means. Around the world cruise trips are quite popular because they are practical as well as offer a close-up view of the world destinations.

The Norfolk Broads is Britain's largest and finest wetland area which has now been designated the protected status of National Park. Situated on England's east coast, the Norfolk Broads has long been a tourism hotspot with 125 miles of interlinked waterways making it popular for boating holidays. It is also home to many unique species of wildlife and fauna, whilst the flat landscape, ancient church spires and historic windmills make it a unique holiday destination.

Lots of people love going on cruises, but more often than not they don't know where to start their journey. Should you call a travel agent and get their advice, or maybe check out an online booking site? Do you ask friends and family, or do something else?

Port Location: Athens is a world renowned city and an important cruise destination and it is the Port of Piraeus that serves as the main entry to the city by sea. Transport: The Greek transportation system is highly dependable and is something that many people comment on when they visit the country. It also provides an inexpensive way in which to travel around Athens and see the sights however your cruise company may offer a shuttle bus or, alternatively, you can take a taxi.

The Caribbean cruise represents the dream vacation for many. While images of a tipped cruise liner on recent news telecasts may serve as a deterrent, the reader should note that 1) that occurred in the Mediterranean (completely different continent) and 2) even with that event, cruises represent one of the most statistically safe vacations that can be taken. Back on board?

As if there wasn't enough reason to consider taking a cruise holiday with some friends or family, there's a whole branch of cruises that you might not even have considered yet! Yes, travelling around the world, visiting exotic locations and enjoying the sun, all whilst staying on a cruise ship that's fitted with plenty of luxury sounds enjoyable, but what if you could add to that an overall theme for the cruise?

Cruise operator Fred Olsen is due to begin offering sailings in 2013 from Harwich in England. Harwich is a historically significant town so we decided to take a glimpse into the history of the up and coming port.

Picking shore excursions can be a challenging task for first-time-cruisers. This article provides pros and cons of the various methods for taking shore excursions.

When was the last time you took a vacation? Can you remember your last vacation? What is a vacation? The point of this article is to help you move a cruise vacation up your bucket list.

Cruising the Caribbean, surely one of the most relaxing holidays you can think of. A cruise to this beautiful destination is bound to surprise, intrigue and delight; with its picture postcard perfect beaches, white sands, azure seas and swaying palm trees. This unique ambiance has helped the Caribbean become one of the worlds top travel destinations. There is one sticking point for many though, and that's the choice of Caribbean cruise destination, this article takes a look at some of the best Caribbean areas.

With a long and interesting history in South Florida, Port Everglades, originally known as Lake Mabel or Bay Mabel Harbor (part of which now is also called Hollywood Harbor), was officially established as a deep-water harbor in 1927 by the Florida State Legislature and dedicated in 1928. Since welcoming its first cruise ship in 1931, Port Everglades has grown to become one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with 12 cruise lines, more than 45 cruise ships, some 2,000 different cruises, and over 3.6 million passengers expected this year.

Planning for a cruise can be a very overwhelming experience, especially if it is your first time. Whether booking directly with a cruise line, through a travel agent, or online, it pays to be in the know.

Port Location: Kusadasi can be found on the Aegean coast in Turkey and is predominately known as a resort town that is popular due to its location and the fact that it is close to Ephesus, an ancient Roman city. Transport: If you find yourself at the Port of Kusadasi then you do not have to worry too much about transport as it is a town that is easily navigated by walking. Although your cruise liner way put on a shuttle service and taxis are available in the vicinity should you need them.

While EMT training can land you an EMT job in a wide variety of employment sectors, cruise ship lines are not one of them. That is not to say if you take a cruise you are left without medical aid or emergency medical services. Cruise lines usually employ nurses and physicians.

If you are a first time river cruiser heading out on your first river cruise, you may be struggling to work out what to take with you. Taking the right clothing and accessories with you can, in many cases, make or break your holiday.

Port Location: Izmir is the third largest metropolis in Turkey and it can be found on the Western coast of the country bordering the Gulf of Izmir and the Aegean Sea. Transport: The Port of Izmir has a good transportation system if you happen to be embarking on a cruise from this location or just stopping off. Taxis are readily available and are not very expensive.

There is nothing more memorable than vacation tours on the sea. A lot of people now plan for these expensive but unforgettable trips. There are a growing number of companies that offer exciting cruise holidays.

Marine service companies and boat cleaning and detailing companies may find themselves with a new profit center soon. One, which will allow them to fix gashes, or tears in fiberglass boats without dealing with seams, using a new system, no they won't be able to fix the hull of the cruise ship Costa Concorida which ran aground killing 29-people, but will allow for minor patches. The other day, I was discussing Adsil, which is a ceramic coating for boat hulls with a fellow marine business entrepreneur, and how perhaps in the future nanotech would allow for fine particles...

Whether you have vacationed on a cruise ship before or you're a first-timer, you'll want to know how to maximize the fun you'll have during a key part of your cruise, i.e. the days you spend ashore at the ship's port destinations. Signing up for shore excursions offered on board the ship is a very safe way to go, but have their negative side as well. Prices can be quite steep, tours can be more crowded than you'd like and the less expensive ones are usually very time-constrained. If you're a little bit adventuresome, you can have twice as much fun or more and spend less money at the same time. Spend less time in the T-shirt shops and go have some real fun.

Southern Caribbean weather is an important part of planning any cruise to that part of the world. Find out the best and worst times to go.

The Panorama Route in South Africa's Mpumalanga Province is a popular road-trip destination. The area's lush greenery and natural wonders attract thousands of tourists every year, and travellers with vehicles are able to make the most of the stretch of unspoiled beauty that the Panorama Route offers.

With so many cruise lines currently available today, it comes as no surprise that the majority of British cruisers have been converted to cruising aboard US-style cruise ships, with their larger than life ships. How do the British companies such as Cruise & Maritime and Thomson Cruises compare?

Port Location: Often touted as the gateway to both Europe and Asia, Istanbul has the honour of being the only city in the world to sit on two continents and has a thriving population of around 13 million people. Transport: Transport to and from the Port of Istanbul is plentiful and probably the best way in which to get around is by taxi and they line the pier giving you easy access to transportation to anywhere in the city. Your cruise liner should also run a service or shuttle bus that can take you to and from the airport...

Ferries are believed a handy choice to access France in addition to other European holiday spot. For a budget conscious passenger they have simple as well as low-cost channel crossings at affordable costs. Keep on read this article know many facts regarding France ferries.

Western Caribbean cruise ports are popular because of many unique and memorable shore excursions. See a brief review of each major port and what to expect on a cruise there.

What is the biggest objection raised by most single or solo travelers? It is, why am I penalized because I choose to travel solo? River cruising has become one of the most popular and affordable experiential vacation choices for Baby Boomers and Pre-Boomers alike.

I don't know about you but when I go on a cruise it really is all about the food. Everything centers around eating. Which dining time you have decides which show you will go to, what time you return from shore excursions and what time you have to get back to your cabin to get ready.

Going on a cruise to South Pacific is a great way to spend your hard-earned money. You can visit different countries and islands where you can unwind, shop, and visit many interesting places. You deserve this long-awaited vacation, after all.

A cruise through the southern Caribbean Sea offers more than gorgeous weather and magnificent scenery. Along the way you will encounter a veritable rainbow of cultural experiences. From British and French to Spanish and Dutch heritages, each port of call has its own unique flavor.

When looking into cruises for 2012, keep your eye out for Norway cruises - particularly if you're after a real adventure. Norway cruises also offer the best way to experience the stunning Norwegian fjords -as you'll get to sail directly through them.

Stuck on where you want to go for your next cruise? When it comes to deciding, you just need to bear in mind what you want from a destination. So, to help you choose, let's take a look into the top 5 cruise destinations and what each of them has to offer.

An around the world cruise is a once in a lifetime experience that will change someone totally. For people who love cruising, it's a freedom to see the magnificence of nature.

Around the world cruises are definitely exceptional experiences that you'll absolutely love and treasure. The term "luxury cruise" can be very subjective; exactly what makes up luxury depends on who is cruising.

A luxury around the world cruise usually takes around four months. While other individuals get on and off, you remain on board for the whole cruise season, visiting dozens of countries.

Magellan headed the very first world cruise, and ever since then it is been the ultimate way to be able to explore in lavish convenience of around the world cruise. Essentially, you're a full-time voyager along a cruise line's total seasonal route, staying on while many other travelers get off after traveling a segment.

An around the world cruise calls for careful planning, some good info on around the world cruises and world cruise bargains. The dream of every vacationer will be to circumnavigate the globe; yet a lot more men and women achieve this with an around the world cruise than any other means.

Cruising across the waters as well as all over the world has an ageless allure to it, and despite the expense, the idea of an around the world cruise is really a serious travel dream for many people. Around the world cruise offers the chance to discover most of the world in one big push in the luxury of a cruise liner, with its live entertainment, organized shore activities and comforting amenities.

The Antigua cruise port of St. Johns almost guarantees that visitors will find plenty of beaches for swimming and sunbathing. If beaches aren't enough, shopping, dining and attractions will fill the day.

There is nothing like the feeling of going on holiday, particularly when your means of travel involves standing on the deck of a luxury cruise ship dreamily, but purposefully, heading to your destination. But when you eventually reach land, some people suffer from the 'good headache' i.e. 'What to do when I am here?' and 'What if we can't go there?' and so on, causing unwanted and avoidable stress.

If you are looking to experience a short cruise in style, here is a list of ideas for luxury breaks which are sure to appeal to those with a taste for exploring the world in real comfort. So why not read on, to see if any of these take your fancy.

Home to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on earth, every moment of a cruise to Alaska will be an incredible experience. Here, we have picked out three highlights that will make your trip completely unforgettable.

Port Location: The Port of Hull can be found on England's east coast and is an important trading port for the inland cities of Leeds and Sheffield which can be found relatively nearby. Transport: Cruises from Hull can be reached easily through a variety of methods. If you are coming by car and from the north then get onto the M62 and leave at the A63 and head towards Hull city centre where the port will be easily located and found from there.

Cruise vacations have something for everyone in the family. Most ships even have a special children and teen area with activities especially for them. Cruises are even perfect for single people. Cruise lines offer discounts and have special pricing.

A houseboat is primarily a boat which has been modified and designed to look like a house; in fact it can be said to be a floating house. There are places where houseboats are used as dwellings in itself but most often, these are used for tourist purposes. Cruises down the river or backwaters in these boats are the perfect and enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family.

While talking about cruise holidays, travellers do not generally think of India as a potential option. However, a little bit of research, and you will realize that though sea cruise options are definitely limited in India, there are host of other cruise options open for you.

Portsmouth is found on the southern coast of England and is around 65 miles to the south-west of the London. Indeed its position was of particular strategic importance and was home to many famous vessels including the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Cruises from Portsmouth have the advantage of leaving from one of the best connected ports in the country.

The St. Maarten cruise port of Philipsburg is one of the best places to visit for any southern Caribbean cruise. See why the island is such a popular destination.

Traveling can make you worn out and disheveled, so you want to dress comfortably while traveling. But this doesn't mean you still can't look your best. Most people think they have to wear sweatpants, old jeans and sneakers to be comfortable while traveling. But whether you're traveling by plane, boat, train or car, you can remain comfortable and still look fabulous. All you need is a few items. Below are some fashion necessities that will keep you in style while traveling.

Naples is one of the most iconic places in southern Italy and it sits on the south-west coast of the country. In fact, it is a important strategic position for trade to the whole of the southern region in general. The port of Naples is very centrally located within the city and the Stazione Maritima is in such a position so that you can walk straight into the town itself.

The current in vogue destination within the cruising market is the unspoilt wilderness of Alaska. The rise of Alaska cruises over the last few years has been remarkable but considering the world has become a smaller place this really is not surprising.

Most people consider their wedding day as one of the best days of their lives. With that said, why not follow up your own wedding day with something special?

Western Caribbean weather can be fickle for anyone planning a vacation there because of intense rain in the fall. See which months are best for weather and which should be avoided.

The white cliffs of Dover are one of the most iconic natural monuments of the British Isle's and the towns position in the UK, and to Europe in general, means that it is one of the popular cruise departure points from Britain. Many people go on cruises from Dover because of its close proximity to London. The fact that it can be reached easily by car means that you can forgo having to pay for air travel and, even if do you live a considerable distance away, flights are relatively cheap to any of the London airports.

People, regardless of age, can enjoy traveling. This can be clearly illustrated in a cruise vacation.

With the current economic climate hitting the world, we are all currently looking for a bargain. Buying a holiday would be considered by many as luxury spend but with all of the doom and gloom -people are still booking holidays and especially cruises to cheers themselves up. It could be argued people are forgiving other day to day essentials to get a way for two weeks of the year to relax, unwind and de-stress. The biggest growing sector in the travel industry is the cruise market.

Port Location: Venice is one of the worlds most enchanting cities and is located in the north-east of the country. It is the main port on the eastern side of the peninsula and plays an important commercial role highlighted by its 7 commercial terminals to only 1 passenger terminal. Transport: If you are going on cruises from Venice then you will be pleased to know that it offers a very efficient and easy to navigate transport system.

Think that once you've paid for your cruise you can lock your wallet away in the cabin safe until the end of the voyage? Think again. After you board your ship there are myriad temptations to get you to pull out your credit card - in fact, on board ship your room key IS your credit card (how easy is that?). From spa treatments to shore excursions, alternative dining options, art auctions and more you can easily rack up a bill that's more than you paid for the cruise itself. While it's almost impossible to avoid all the additional charges, there are some strategies for minimizing them.

Port Location: Livorno is found on the western coast of Italy just north of the capital Rome. It serves as a useful port to the more tourist orientated areas such as Florence and Pisa that are located nearby. Transport: When your arrive in the port you will usually find that your ship docks a fair bit away from the main terminal building.

Our family travels a lot for the average person. People frequently ask us for advice on how they could travel more. For those traveling on a Disney Cruise, there are a few things that are important to know.

With the emergence of air travel and the convenience that road travelling has brought into our lives, people have moved away from voyages. Sea travel has declined in its importance. Although lengthy, lavish cruises nowadays offer you great facilities to make you forget about the travelling hours.

All meals, onboard entertainment, movies, gym, pool area activities, accommodations, room service and the view, are all included in the basic cost of the cruise. You only have to pay for your cabin (double occupancy) in order to enjoy a budget, yet luxury vacation. Unpack once, bring alone some movies that you might want to watch on your laptop and a good book, and you have the makings of a five, star luxury vacation, on a three star budget.

If you are tired of the cold, have little energy for all the many things to do for Christmas, then why not have a Christmas cruising experience instead? This way you get to have a lovely sunny Christmas where everyone is there to make sure you enjoy yourself and not the other way around...

Port Location: Genoa - one of the three cities that makes up the industrial triangle in Northern Italy with Turin and Milan - is located on the north-west coast of the country. Indeed, it acts to service the most northerly parts of Italy in the same way the Rome does to the central regions. Transport: When you get to the city, for cruises from Genoa, you will find that the transportation network is fairly easy to navigate and use.

Eastern Caribbean weather matters a great deal to anyone planning a cruise in that region. See the best and worst months for taking a trip there.

Discover a land of sun, sea and sand, and of course, an exciting treasure trove of things to see and do in the Mediterranean. A popular cruise destination with many, the Mediterranean boasts year round sunshine, mouth-watering cuisine and a refreshing laid-back lifestyle.

It is sometimes difficult to determine what time of year to plan a cruise. Lifestyle and careers are often the largest things to consider when picking your time of travel. Weather can also be a factor.

Man's hunger for travel never ends since there will always be new places to see and appreciate. If you visit one country at a time, there may not be enough time to see other exotic places. This is the reason why travel packages include several landmarks within a cruise itinerary.

Packing for a cruise does not have to be stressful. With a few thoughtful tips you may even find packing enjoyable!

Disney movies all have their catching points. Almost every other Disney movie that has been made has been a major success at the box office. Even though there are so many similarities between the movies, the movies tend to do great and are great commercial successes.

Growing up, I watched my fair share of Disney movies. Who can forget Lion King, with Simba and his pride and the amazing musical score? Or who can forget Beauty and the Beast with its enchanted fairytale and the amazing redemption that comes in the end?

Disney Movies have long been the staple of the entertainment industry. Whether it is the Disney princesses or the Disney villains, these characters have embossed in our minds like nursery rhymes since we were little. No matter how old we get, we will never forget these characters.

If you are looking for an absolutely fantastic and unique holiday then why not consider Amazon cruises. These are cruises around the amazon than are at once highly fascinating and unique, while at the same time being incredibly luxurious warm and comforting.

Around the world cruise is essentially one of travel's finest experiences. It is really the best of everything and also gives you dazzling places and destinations around the world. Moreover, it has the top services. It draws in tourists who would like to look into earth's societal diversity and also the planet's greatest attractions up close and personal, not to mention checking out the views of the intriguing visitors onboard. In touring all over the world, tourists get to check out awesome natives and then go back to the ship for supper and enjoyment. You'll have trouble fighting off the mouthwatering meals served by the best cooks.

Is it safer to cruise vacation through the Bermuda triangle or to walk down a busy street? The answer may be surprising to some. Find out just how dangerous it can be.

If you really want to get into the festive spirit this year, then why not get away from it all and explore the famous Christmas markets of old Europe? What better way to get into the festive spirit, and avoid the hustle and bustle of the local shops at the same time.

The capital of Italy is one of the most gorgeous and cultured cities in the world an provides a fantastic experience for any visitor. Rome is located on the peninsula's western side and sits beside the third longest river in Italy - the Tiber.

Going on a cruise can be a fun and relaxing experience. But, it is important that you take certain steps that will help to make your trip a truly safe one. Below, you will find advice that you should take in order to stay safe while on the high seas.

The concept of a cruise has become a popular holiday choice in recent years, with the hassle free mode of travel appealing greatly to millions of people every year. For many a cruise can be a completely new experience, especially if they are only used to the typical beach holiday. Here are some of the frequently asked questions for people new to the cruise line holiday.

Tours by boat are generally available throughout Italy, from the popular canals of Venice to the less known La Spezia area located in the north-east of Italy. Taking a boat will provide a beautiful and different experience from driving, and a few Italian vacation destinations will be accessible only by water, like island caves from the Ligurian Sea. Depending on your schedule, you will be able to find various boat tours which may last only a few hours to even more than seven days.