Welcome to the First Cruise Best Cruise Resources Blog. Here you will find consistent and up-to-date information on Cruise Travel and Cruise Tips. Check back often as we at First Cruise Best Cruise will be constantly scouring the net to find the best Cruising Tips information for you and your family. http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/ en-us abblogger Stingray City Back To Snippet  Cruise to the Cayman Islands and See Stingray City Author: Mary Hanna Everyone has their favorite Caribbean Island but if you don’t know, cruising the Cayman Islands is a highlight of a Caribbean Cruise. The three islands hold many attractions some that are unique to these islands. The world’s only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm is located here and is an interesting tour. Other attractions include the National Museum, Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park and Garden, Bird Sanctuaries, Nature trails and Wetlands Preserves. And, of course, for those who can’t live without it, shopping is abundant without the hassle of street vendors (prohibited by law).One of the most famous natural attractions in Grand Cayman Island is Stingray City. This is an area in the ocean not far from the northern tip of Grand Cayman where tourists can get up close to hundreds of friendly stingrays. Stingray City will be one of the organized tours from the cruise ships visiting Grand Cayman as a port of call. There will also be tours available from local operators in Georgetown where the cruise ships dock. The cruise organized tours will almost always be the more expensive option but you will save a lot of shore time.Scuba divers can book specialized dives at Stingray City through one of the many diver operators in Grand Cayman. The scuba diving at Stingray City is at a deeper section away from the tourist crowds who are usually brought to a very shallow area. Certified scuba divers and even snorkelers are recommended to take the dive trip option with the dive shops to experience Stingray City with fewer crowds. For non-divers, the sandbars here are shallow enough to stand and feed the stingrays. It is believed that many years ago, sailors visiting the area while cleaning their catch threw fish remains overboard and soon noticed the stingrays coming into the cove for the free food. These particular stingrays became conditioned over the years to humans and the food handouts unlike stingrays elsewhere in the Caribbean.The stingrays here are friendly enough that people could touch them and local guides have been known to even hold them. The guides will warn everyone that even though these stingrays appear to be quite friendly, they should still be regarded as wild animals so it is never recommended to touch them by their razor sharp tails or abuse them in any manner. It is possible to feed them with the squid parts provided on site. The mouths of the stingrays are located underneath their bodies and people are instructed to hold the food in their palms flat facing up. With their keen sense of smell, the stingrays will hover towards and over the food to collect their snacks.The guides, a devilish lot, usually target in on the squeamish of all the passengers. As soon as those passengers are in the water they throw food around the hapless folks to attract the stingrays to that area. So seem brave and you won’t get picked on.Although Stingray City can be crowded at times due to its popularity, it does offer a very unique experience to see these wonderful sea creatures up close. Stingrays are usually very shy animals and will swim away from scuba divers and snorkelers but not at Stingray City in Grand Cayman.This is a tour that all members of your family can enjoy, you, your children even the grandparents. It is easy to get on and off the boat and the water is only about chest deep, depending on your height. Life jackets are available for all. I highly recommend this outing but book early as word has gotten around and this is a very popular excursion.Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Why Cruising is the Best Vacation Value Taking a cruise is now one of the hottest vacations around. Why? Because cruising is one of a great vacation values available. You pay for your cabin and all the food you can eat for 3 4 7 days or longer of luxurious pampering before you leave on your cruise. That alone should put your mind at ease. Think about it. Not only dont you have to worry about keeping enough money for lunch or dinnCaribbean CruisesCrystal CruisesRoyal Caribbean Cruises http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2145070.html Carnivals Single Cruises Back To Snippet  Cruise Ship Dining - Explained Author: Mary Hanna There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choice Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called “Rotational Dining”. They have you and your tablemates rotate through the three restaurants each evening.TIP: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don’t like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening. This means you don’t have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don’t want to do the formal nights you don’t have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun. You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos. There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge.In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don’t want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them.If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don’t think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously. If you don’t want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido café where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It’s one of the many choices if you don’t want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnivals single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships the Lido is open 24 hours a day. On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine.All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets.To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings.Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do!Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Cruise Activities On Board your Cruise Ship Once you step on board you will begin to discover all that your ship has to offer. The options are endless? Given the size of many cruise ships and options offered on all the ships and in port youll find it very hard to get bored or feel confined. Todays shipboard entertainment includes iceskating musicals laser sound and light shows and orchestral performances backed by technologieRiver Cruises EuropeCruise Ship VacationLuxury Cruise Vacations http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2143331.html Cruise Ship Back To Snippet  Cruise Activities On Board your Cruise Ship Author: Mary Hanna Once you step on board you will begin to discover all that your ship has to offer. The options are endless? Given the size of many cruise ships and options offered on all the ships and in port, you'll find it very hard to get bored or feel confined.Today's shipboard entertainment includes ice-skating musicals, laser sound and light shows, and orchestral performances backed by technologies on par with the best of Broadway and Las Vegas. On the newer Princess Cruise ships they even have movies under the stars. A gigantic movie screen on the pool deck shows the movie as you sip your cocktail while perched on a lounge chair.Every ship has a Cruise Director whose job is to make sure each guest makes the most of the cruise. In fact, there are so many things to do that you will probably book a longer cruise next time.Each day can be a different adventure aboard your floating resort. The "DAILY PROGRAME", delivered to your stateroom the evening before, will offer something for everyone.* discover the ship and its many different settings* explore new ports of call * relax in a lounge chair, soak up the sun and the fresh sea air* try exercise classes* take dance classes * enter sports contests * practice your basketball, golf and tennis shots * swim or use the Jacuzzi* stretch out in the sauna * go to the movies * attend a lecture * attend a cooking class* workout in the gym* get a massage in the spa* play bridge and/or backgammon* take a chance at the casino* try the alternative dining choices * watch a Broadway show* go for a jog* attend a wine tasting* tour the kitchen* browse the duty-free shops* read that book you've been putting off* check your e-mail at the Internet Cafe * go dancing under the stars * listen to live entertainment in the lounge* attend the Captain's Cocktail Party* go rock climbing* play miniature golf* sleep late* stay up late* play bingo* see a magicians act* enter a passenger talent contest* disco* party with your new friends* take a nap on your balcony * attend the sail away party as the ship leaves each port* attend an art auction* go ice skating* shoot some hoops* or do nothing at allIf you are cruising with kids, they will have activities of their own. Almost all of the major cruise lines have “youth counselors” for different age groups. Your child would be put in the appropriate age group and the counselor will keep them busy all day with age geared activities. If you want to go get them for lunch you can. If you want to see at dinner you can do that too. Each time your child goes to their special area on the ship, a parent must sign him/her in and out.For some passengers, cruise ships have become floating art galleries. These days, nearly every cruise ship visiting the United States has art auctions so vacationers can take home something to hang on the wall. Hallways, lounges and dining and recreation rooms at sea contain an assortment of original paintings and prints. These artworks are the subject of free art walks and lectures that cruise lines arrange during the course of a voyage.On many cruises the line will have a wine tasting or what they call food pairing. Wine tasting is self explanatory. The food pairing is when the chief wine steward sets up several different kinds of wine and then has you taste different types of food with each bottle of wine. We did it on a Celebrity cruise and it was quite fascinating and enjoyable.No, you do not have to participate in the activities onboard. You do what you want to. You can do everything or lie back and do nothing at all. That's the beauty of cruising, it's your choice.Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Why Cruising is the Best Honeymoon Vacation Your honeymoon vacation would be wonderful on a cruise. You can even get married on some of the cruise lines. On one cruise vacation we were on there was a couple that got married on land at the point of embarkation and then had the reception on the ship. Another time it was funny when we were on the Grand Princess in the Casino and in walked a bride in full bridal regalia. We took our HomeRoyal Caribbean Cruise ShipsAlaska Cruise Line http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2141235.html Cruise Line Back To Snippet  Arrive Safely and On Time For Your Cruise Vacation Author: Mary Hanna When you are flying to the port to board the cruise ship keep several things in mind. Use the cruise lines airfare program whenever possible. They will know when have you arrived or haven’t arrived because of an airline delay. If there many other passengers on the plane they will hold the ship. There is however, as in most things, a down side to using the cruises air program. You have no decision on which airline you fly, you most probably won’t get a direct flight, and you may get some oddball times to fly. You can fix that by calling the cruise lines Air Deviation Desk. You can work with them to get a better flight, or airline, or flight times. They will charge you, usually around $50.00 per person. The Cruise Line will provide transfers from the airport to the ship. If you are making your own airline reservation be sure to inquire if the cruise line will sell you a transfer from the airport to the ship. If you make your own air reservations follow these rules: Make sure you book it on the right date. Don’t laugh, this does happen. Leave plenty of time between the planes arrival and the ships departure. If you use your own air you must collect your baggage and get it to the ship. The cruise line will not do this unless you use their program. Count your bags when you leave, when you arrive at the destination airport and when you get to the cruise ship.At the end of your cruise vacation make sure there is PLENTY of time between disembarkation and the time your planes takes off, including the time it will take you to get to the airport and check in. Because of today’s threat of terrorism you must get to the airport 2-3 hours before departure. A lot of airlines overbook and late comers are the one’s that are bumped. If you have a problem where you will always be screened by the security, arrive even earlier. I have a titanium knee and even though I have documentation from the Doctor and the manufacturer of the knee, I am always pulled aside and searched. We know this will happen and budget our time accordingly. You should now know what not to pack in your carry on. Don’t pack them-they will be confiscated. Airport security takes all of this very seriously and so should you, for your own safety. Check the date of your arrival to the ship and the day you are departing the ship to make sure neither dates fall on a daylight savings day. It makes a difference since you will either be losing an hour or gaining an hour, crucial in timing your flights. A little fact like this can make a big difference.If making phone calls with a phone card from the airport be very careful when punching in your numbers. Crooks will stand behind you and rip off your calling card number. You won’t know anything about it until that $2,000.00 bill arrives at the end of the month. This has happened to us and although we were not responsible for the charges it was still a hassle. When you’re finished with one call and you want to make another, don’t hang up just press the pound button after your party has hung up and a new dial tone will come on. This is much easier and safer then re-entering the calling card number. When you get to the ship there will be lines to check in and there is nothing you can do about it so please be patient. There will be lines for the x-ray machine (don’t put anything in your hand luggage that will need to be confiscated – it will take even longer), then there will be lines to actually get your boarding pass. As you make your way to the gangway there will possibly be another line while the ship photographers take your picture (no purchase necessary). When you pass from into the ship you will be greeted by the cruise director and a member of the crew will take your hand luggage and escort you to your cabin. Hoorah! You’ve arrived. Stow your valuables in the safe, get the layout of the ship, and go make your appointments, then make your way to the buffet for lunch or vice versa depending on the time you arrive. You’ve just started your best vacation yet.Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Trip Insurance for Cruising Or Other Adventures Yes or No? Travel insurance for your cruise vacation is an optional expense. The cruise lines will offer you an insurance policy but it will usually be more expensive than other outlets. Your travel agent should know all the options that are available to choose from. Included here are some tips on how to obtain insurance why you need it and the way to collect on your insurance if you have a claim. Disney Cruise ShipsCelebrity Cruise ShipsCruises Only http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2139135.html Cruising Back To Snippet  Answers To Money And Shopping Questions While Cruising Europe Author: Mary Hanna Money matters can be confusing when traveling but maybe this article will help you out.We always take lots of single and five dollar bills with us on every cruise. They come in handy for taxis, tips for tour guides, tips for the staff, and little souvenirs at craft shops. They are handy if you run across a bartender on the ship that is really treating you well. Europe has now changed to the Euro in many countries making it easier to travel from country to country. The countries that are now using that currency are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Montenegro, and Kosovo.Thanks to the miracle of the ATM machine, it is now easier that ever to get money in foreign countries. Use your ATM card in the machine to get the appropriate amount of money for the days you will be in each country. This eliminates carrying lots of Traveler’s Checks but take a few in case of emergencies. Never carry big wads of money no matter where you travel. It makes you an instant target.Always keep in mind that you will be unable to reconvert coins so spend them liberally. It will be necessary to know the exchange rate so you can figure out how much you will need. If you are doing a cruise in the British Isles you may make three stops in Ireland so plan for three days of the local currency if you don’t want to keep finding an ATM machine.If you are cruising around the Caribbean, every merchant takes dollars and credit cards, I recommend using Credit Cards. If you don’t use the above suggestion about using the ATM’s the ship will provide a service to change dollars into Euros or any other currency necessary. You should have some of the local money for buying small items such as soft drinks or a snacks, tips or local craft items. Any other purchases should be charged to your credit card because this protects you if there is something wrong with the item or it is not what it is purported to be. The very best way to find out where the good shopping is, ask the crew. Some of the shops actually “sponsor” the cruise lines shopping lectures. The cruise lines will receive a commission from the stores they recommend. It’s a great big commercial to a captured audience, but if there is a problem the cruise lines will stick to their policy and get you a refund. So it’s a matter of comfort level, go on your own if you think you are savvy enough or go with the cruise lines recommendation to be safe.The days at sea the cruise the ship’s boutiques will have “sales” so wait until then to see if what you want has been reduced.If you know what you want to buy when you are cruising, check out the costs at home before you go, including the discount stores. Sometimes you can get a better deal at home with the comfort of knowing it’s returnable if it is defective. If you buy perfume open the sealed box before you leave port to make sure the perfume has not evaporated. At one of the islands we visited I purchased some perfume and just out of curiosity opened it when we returned to the ship. The seal was still it tact but the bottle was three quarters empty. Since we were still in port I was able to return it to the store for another bottle.I’d like to add just a word on traveling to different ports everyday and credit cards. When we were traveling in Europe I purchased several things in different ports on different days. By the third day the credit card company would no longer honor my card because they were suspicious of theft. For that reason, I always carry two credit cards and make sure both companies know I will be traveling extensively. This is a very good tip to know.Follow this money and shopping advice and you should get along fine no matter which country you visit. Happy Cruising.Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has cruised the world on almost all of the top cruise lines. After over 60 cruises she has decided to compile her expertise into an e-Book for either first time or seasoned cruisers. Mary has written other eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Cruise Ship Dining Explained There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining Norwegian Cruises or Choice Dining Prince Cruise line available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called Rotational Dining. They have you and your tablemates rotate through the three restaurants each evening. TIP There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with thHow To Book Your First CruiseCaribbean CruiseCruisesonly http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2137210.html Why Cruising is the Best Honeymoon Vacation Your honeymoon vacation would be wonderful on a cruise. You can even get married on some of the cruise lines. On one cruise vacation we were on there was a couple that got married on land at the point of embarkation and then had the reception on the ship. Another time it was funny when we were on the Grand Princess in the Casino and in walked a bride in full bridal regalia. We took our Royal Caribbean Cruise ShipsNorwegian Cruise ShipsCrystal Cruises http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2134979.html Cruising Back To Snippet  Why Everyone Can Enjoy The Cruise Travel Experience Author: Mary Hanna Today cruise travel is not just a travel experience for rich people. Cruisers come in all shapes, sizes, and walks of life. And now, with the abundance of Mega-liners there are many berths (cabins) to fill and deals to be had. Because the ships have become so large and plentiful, cruise lines are very affordable. Usually less than the price of a hotel room which does not include:* Transportation* Transfers * Breakfast * Lunch* High tea* Dinner* 24 hour free room service* Sports* Entertainment* Parties * Discos* Nightclub shows * AirfareSo yes, absolutely cruising is a great vacation value. In some cases it is more inexpensive to take a cruise vacation than to take a land vacation. There are many two-for-one and early bird specials if you take the time to look (or have your Travel Agent do the leg work). And if you book a year in advance the savings can be huge. If your schedule is flexible or you live near a port, last minute deals are available. If the cruise isn’t sold out, the cruise line will drastically reduce the rate. You will be a revenue source on board that they would not have had if the cabin remained empty. Here's a cruise tip, you can also save by booking back-to-back cruises with up to 50% off the second week. Check to see if the second week itinerary is identical to the first week. Some ships will do the Eastern Caribbean one week and then the Western Caribbean the second week, making a much more interesting voyage for you.The thing about cruise travel is that it is all inclusive. This includes all meals (and this can go on all day) entertainment, all kinds of lessons-take some dance lessons, they’re fun-, bingo, high tea, sports activities even health and fitness. If you go to a hotel you pay extra for each of these activities and you have to find them and schedule them yourself. For instance, I just spent a couple of days at a Resort in Boca Raton on business. To use any of the spa facilities you had to pay forty dollars per day and that was just for the steam and sauna rooms. Cruises give you a list of activities each and everyday so you can plan your day in advance. Carry this with you so you know what activities are planned for that day, what time they are scheduled, and where they are located. Be practical; don’t try to do them all, you’ll be exhausted. There is so much to do there is no time to be bored. And then of course, you always have the option of sitting by one of the many pools and just relaxing. Here is what is not included in your cruise vacation:* Alcoholic Beverages* Beverages except coffee and tea* Beauty Salon and spa packages* Casino* Golf Simulator* Shore Excursions* Computer services* Bingo* Telephone Calls* Medical services (if not insured)There are also activities that require a nominal fee such as wine tasting and some crafts. Port Charges and Government fees and some air taxes are not included but should be quoted to you by your travel agent and will be charged to your credit card when paying for the cruise. To keep track of your spending on the newer ships there is interactive TV and you can keep on top of your ship board expenditures with just a one or two pushes of a button. If the cruise line you chose doesn’t have that amenity, you can go to the purser’s office and ask to see a copy of the bill to date. I hope this has given you a glimpse into a cruise vacation. So, call your travel agent and get ready to Set Sail.Happy Cruising!Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Why Cruising Is A Perfect Fit For A Family Reunion Cruising is an ideal way to bring families together for that family reunion or to celebrate an event such as an anniversary or wedding reception. Family reunions can be a pain in the butt. Whos going to host them? Whos going to make all the arrangements? Whos going to make all that potato salad? Getting out of those duties is one big plus of having your reunion on a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean Cruise LineDisney Cruise VacationsCruise Ship Vacation http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2132529.html Cruising Back To Snippet  Why Cruising is the Best Vacation Value Author: Mary Hanna Taking a cruise is now one of the hottest vacations around. Why? Because cruising is one of a great vacation values available. You pay for your cabin and all the food you can eat for 3, 4 7, days or longer, of luxurious pampering before you leave on your cruise. That alone should put your mind at ease. Think about it. Not only don’t you have to worry about keeping enough money for lunch or dinner on your fourth or fifth day of the vacation, but you don’t have to worry about trying to find a place to dine. There are a several choices for dining when you are cruising. On most of the large ships there are a multitude of restaurants to choose from. You can go casual, formal or just have pizza or hot dogs. And don’t forget that there is always room service – 24 hours a day. Picture having your breakfast brought to your room, sitting on your balcony, and dining alfresco while you arrive in a new port. This is quite an exciting way to start your day no matter where you are arriving.Some people shy away from using this great vacation outlet because they are afraid they will get bored or feel confined while they are having a day at sea. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are activities all day, every day that cater to everyone’s interest. And the best part of that is, if you want to play bridge and your spouse wants to do aerobics, your both free to do what ever you like and meet up later for a margarita or rum punch at the pool. Now all of the ships have children’s programs so that the kids can go off with other children in their age group, (with youth counselors), and you don’t have to worry about them or if they are having fun. These aspects afford everyone a good time without anyone feeling guilty.Another bonus to cruising is that you get to visit multiple destinations. If you cruise the Caribbean you will go to several islands, depending on the length of the cruise. At night while you are sleeping peacefully in your bed, the captain and crew are taking you to a new exotic location for you to explore the next day. If you cruise in Europe (after you have flown to the port of embarkation) you will find yourself in whole new countries from one day to the next. For example, if you cruise the Baltic, you will be visiting Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia and either Croatia or Estonia. If you choose to cruise Asia, some ports you will visit are Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and even China. You could never cover this many places on a land tour or at resorts. If you tried to, you’d run yourself and your family ragged. And, yes, European Cruises are great for families too. What better gift could you give a teenage son or daughter then to introduce them to other cultures and countries? Right here, I want to dispel any fears that you would have that Cruising is for the “newly wed or nearly dead”. It is simply not true anymore. On cruises we have taken over the holidays, many families do reunions that include Grandparents, Children, Great Grandchildren, Aunts and Uncles. What better way to spend the holidays then with your family on a vacation that will cater to everyone’s needs and tastes. You should know, that if enough of your family reserves cabins, you can ask for a discount, particularly if over five cabins are booked (in travel agent lingo that’s a Group Rate).So set sail, find out what you have been missing.Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Cruising With Children Cruise Tips Answers To All Your Questions Are there onboard activities for children on cruises? Absolutely! A very high percentage of those cruising are families. Here are cruise tips and cruise reviews on the cruise lines for your comparison. Families with young children are welcomed and encouraged to cruise. In fact certain cruise lines cater to young people offering cartoon characters the whole family knows and loves! Many hDiscount Caribbean CruisesCarribbean CruisesLast Minute Cruise Deal http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2130133.html Honeymoon Vacation Back To Snippet  Why Cruising is the Best Honeymoon Vacation Author: Mary Hanna Your honeymoon vacation would be wonderful on a cruise. You can even get married on some of the cruise lines. On one cruise vacation we were on there was a couple that got married on land at the point of embarkation and then had the reception on the ship. Another time, it was funny when we were on the Grand Princess in the Casino, and in walked a bride in full bridal regalia.We took our honeymoon vacation on a cruise which was fabulous. Ask your travel agent about cruise ships that leave on a Sunday or Monday if your wedding is on a Saturday. By taking a Sunday cruise for your honeymoon vacation you have 24 hours to make it to your ship and you won’t have added stress on your wedding day. There couldn’t be a better way to have a honeymoon. You can even set up through your Travel Agent a bridal registry which will enable your wedding guests to pre-pay for spa packages or champagne. It’s a perfect gift to give to newlyweds who are frazzled after planning their wedding. Cruise Tip for the Bride: You may want to book the cruise in your maiden name. All travel documents must match your ID. You will not have had time to change your passport or drivers license to your new name and Security is very strict since September 11th. So keep it simple, book the cruise in the brides maiden name and it is one less thing you have to worry about your honeymoon vacation.On Princess Cruise Lines the following ships, Caribbean, Coral, Diamond, Grand, Golden, Island, and Star Princess, can web cam your wedding ceremony to love ones at home.Any special occasion qualifies for a cruise, birthdays, honeymoon vacations, anniversaries, or family reunions. On the newer ships that have wedding chapels there is a storage space for your wedding gown next to the main lounge. This is useful when you purchase a package to get married at one of the destinations like Bermuda or St. Thomas.On one Cruise in Norway on Celebrity, we had spent the day touring and we were tired when we got back to the ship. We decided that we would stay in our Cabin and have room service. The dinner arrived on a rolling table with a white linen table cloth, china, silver and wine goblets and we ordered off the dinner menu from the main dining room. What a romantic night that was. I highly recommend that. We’ve also had our breakfast delivered to the room and set up on our private balcony. Wonderful!! Christmas and New Year’s are a great time to cruise although they are more expensive. The ships are beautifully decorated and the air is festive. You don’t do any of the work. If you cruise at Thanksgiving, trust me here, there will be a lot of families and lots of kids. An inexpensive time to cruise is the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving; all cruise lines have deals at that time.So pick your special occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon vacation, whatever, call your travel agent and Set Sail!Happy Cruising!Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Why Everyone Can Enjoy The Cruise Travel Experience Today cruise travel is not just a travel experience for rich people. Cruisers come in all shapes sizes and walks of life. And now with the abundance of Megaliners there are many berths cabins to fill and deals to be had. Because the ships have become so large and plentiful cruise lines are very affordable. Usually less than the price of a hotel room which does not include TranspOceania CruisesRiver Cruises FranceDisney Cruise Ships http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2127569.html Family Reunion Back To Snippet  Why Cruising Is A Perfect Fit For A Family Reunion Author: Mary Hanna Cruising is an ideal way to bring families together for that family reunion or to celebrate an event such as an anniversary or wedding reception. Family reunions can be a pain in the butt. Who's going to host them? Who's going to make all the arrangements? Who's going to make all that potato salad? Getting out of those duties is one big plus of having your reunion on a cruise ship. One family member will be designated as the Cruise Planner. This person will be the one to talk to the Travel Agent and gather up the information on what is available. You have one family meeting (by email, telephone or lunch) to decide on which cruise lines, which ship and the date for the family reunion. After you reach your decision everything else is done by the Travel Agent and the Cruise Lines. Of course, you will still have to pack.Cruising offers something for everyone in the family – from supervised children’s activities to exquisite dining. The grandparents can enjoy afternoon tea while the kids play games in the arcade and the parents watch a movie or pamper themselves in the Spa, while teens lounge by the pool. Yet the family also can spend plenty of time reconnecting while they’re all together on a leisurely seven-day or longer cruise.Whether it’s a small family of 10 or a large group of 100, a cruise ship may be the best place for a reunion. Family reunion members seek accommodations they can use as a base for dining, sightseeing and socializing together. They want good children's programs, entertainment and activities. But they also want to make sure everyone in the group has personal time to pursue their own interests.Most cruise lines will help plan family reunion cruises including special events, sightseeing arrangements and dining reservations. Following is a sampling of options.While small ships offer intimacy and a private ship experience, large ships offer a wealth of amenities. Carnival Cruise Lines estimates it welcomed somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 family reunion groups last year.Royal Caribbean International launched its Royal Reunions program to cater to those interested in family travel. There are two package options for groups with eight cabins or more. For $50 per person, a package will include at least two private rock-wall climbing sessions as well as personalized door decorations, cake, activities and more. For $100 per person, clients get an additional deluxe photo package, a scavenger hunt, VIP in-room amenities and a reunion trivia challenge.Holland America Line just launched its new family reunion program, which is available to families booking five or more staterooms on any cruise. Features include special group pricing, unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise, a family photo per stateroom, a choice of dinner for the entire family in Pinnacle Grill, or free rentals of snorkel gear, swim mats and banana boat rides for all family members on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island in the Bahamas. For families booking 10 or more staterooms, the line offers a head-of-the-family reward - a complimentary upgrade from an outside stateroom to a veranda.Of course almost all of the cruise ships will make special arrangements for large groups. Have your travel agent contact the cruise lines and explain what you want to do. Cruise lines will bend over backwards to please you and your group. They love booking large groups and selling lots of cabins. A cruise tip on this subject is to start planning this reunion early so that you can block out the cabins that you want for this cruise vacation. For example, if you are traveling with your kids you may want to book an Ocean View cabin for yourselves and then book the inside cabin across the hall for the kids. The further out you book this the more options you will have.In the many cruise reviews that I have read people who have held family reunions on a Cruise ship raved about their experience.So what are you waiting for? Contact your family members and Set Sail!Happy Cruising!Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. About the AuthorMary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com ... Why Cruising is the Best Honeymoon Vacation Your honeymoon vacation would be wonderful on a cruise. You can even get married on some of the cruise lines. On one cruise vacation we were on there was a couple that got married on land at the point of embarkation and then had the reception on the ship. Another time it was funny when we were on the Grand Princess in the Casino and in walked a bride in full bridal regalia. We took our IcruiseLast Minute Cruise DealLuxury Cruise Vacations http://www.firstcruisebestcruise.com/2125890.html