Cruise Travel Tips

Are you planning on going on a cruise? Well if this is your very first time, you may not be very sure what to expect. Having a few tips to help you out can be very helpful to you. So, here are some important cruise travel tips to keep in mind when you go on a cruise.

Tip #1 - Have a Carry On Bag - The first one of cruise travel tips that you'll need to remember if you're going on a cruise is to make sure that you have a carry on bag. Once you get on the ship, you'll want to visit your cabin but you can't expect your baggage to show up for awhile. So, it's a good idea to have a carry on that has some clothes and a few essential toiletries on hand.

Tip #2 - Get a Map of the Ship - Cruise ships are huge. You don't want to get lost and a map can definitely be a huge help to you. Make sure you have the map and take a bit to look it over so that you'll be able to more easily get around the ship.

Tip #3 - Walk to Where You're Going - When you are going to dinner or you are going to a show on board, you may want to walk wherever you are going. You'll find that the elevators are probably going to be full and often many people are trying to wait for an elevator and they may not be in a great mood. So, just go ahead and take a stroll and get a bit of exercise walking to wherever you need to go.

Tip #4 - Keep the Noise Down at Night - If you are out late at night, make sure that you keep the noise down. You don't want to go around slamming the doors of your cabin, since it can wake many people around you up. So, have some courtesy and shut your doors as quietly as possible to avoid encounters with grumpy cruise mates.

Tip #5 - Avoid Wearing Expensive Jewelry - When you are on a cruise ship, don't go around wearing your most expensive jewelry so everyone can see it. Of course there will be some formal dinners where you will want to look great, but leave the most expensive jewelry at home. You may become the victim or a thief if you go around flaunting expensive jewelry.

Tip #6 - Tip Generously, is the last one of the cruise travel tips listed here; When you are out there on a cruise, make sure that you tip generously whenever possible. Most of the people on the ship make very little money except for by your tips. So, make sure that you are kind enough and generous to give a great tip.

Finally, make your cruise travel memorable and all that you want it to be by doing a lot of planning before you travel.

For detailed information on planning visit [http://www.your-cruise-travel.com] and for more information on cruise travel tips visit this particular page [http://www.your-cruise-travel.com/Travel-Tips.html]
By Doris Jumbe
Copyright(@)2007-2008 Cruise Travel Tips Article
All Rights Reserved

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European River Cruises - Paris and the Seine

If you're contemplating European river cruises for your next holiday, why not think about heading to Paris? Don't think it sounds like ideal cruising territory? Well, it is!

Paris - City of Lights
There's not much left to be said about the legendary attractions of this city. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysées, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur - they're all globally famous icons.

Yet what's sometimes forgotten or at least overlooked, is that there is a major river running through the centre of Paris - la Seine. Just like the Thames in London, the river is both an artery and the very backbone of the city. It provides a wonderful base for European river cruises and you'll be able to see the very best angles of many of the most famous sights.
In fact, some would argue the city is best seen from the river, as that way you don't have to worry about the traffic jams that can be an almost equally legendary part of Parisian life in the 21st century.

A small town
However, what makes Paris different from London is partly its size but more pertinently, what that means for getting out of it. Unlike London, where it can take hours to escape the suburban sprawl and reach the genuine countryside, Paris is relatively compact. That means that if you follow the Seine south, you'll very quickly enter into the real French countryside and Paris is going to suddenly seem a long way away.

On those European river cruises that specialise in Paris and the Loire to the south, you'll quickly find yourself in beautiful open countryside and able to visit incredible sights such as Melun and the Chateau de Fontainebleau.

It really gives you the best of everything French. On the one hand, you have the incomparable cultural atmosphere and romance of Paris, but on the other, you have fast access to that quintessentially French experience of the countryside and rural life. In between the two, you'll also have the ultimate in comfortable and luxurious cruise accommodation - what could be better?

What is the definition of France?
This is a question the French themselves spend a lot of time debating. The country is obviously a cosmopolitan, industrialised and largely urban society - just as is the case in the UK. Yet it's also still a society and culture with very strong rural roots and even aspirations. That is something that's quite different to the UK.

So, while many French people enjoy the undoubted delights of living in Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux (etc.), their hearts are still perhaps romantically in the countryside even if they have no practical experience of living there.

So, they're sometimes torn about what really is France - the small village or the chic city centre shopping experience? It's a debate you can think about for yourself if you book on to European river cruises that show you the best of both worlds.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for European river cruises we offer experiences in France, Holland, Italy and the UK.

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Why Choose A Cruise For Your Next Holiday

Cruising is a holiday type that is fast becoming the more popular option for travellers. We have seen a major rise in the number of cruise ships in particular fleets as well as new companies that are reaching into new destinations.

There are plenty to choose from some of which include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, P & O, Princess, Costa and so many more. Some cruisers will choose the same cruise line over and over again while others prefer to try out new ships and new companies.
But why is it becoming so popular? There are many benefits of cruising which I will outline in this article.

1. You only need to pack and unpack once. Most cruises will be visiting many ports so you get to travel to many locations without having to pack and unpack each time.
If you were to travel the traditional way i.e. flying to each of the destinations you would lose half a day each and every time you departed for the next destination. With a cruise that is not necessary.

2. All your food is catered for. This includes your main meals three times a day, plus snacks and other food services with most of the companies catering for you 24 hours a day.

3. Kids club. There is a reason so many families enjoy booking cruises and that is because of the fantastic kids club programs on board so that the adults can drop off the kids and get some time to relax themselves and the kids will have fun and be entertained themselves.

4. Entertainment is provided. There are plenty of music shows, comedy acts, dances, bingo and other games all provided so you will never be bored. There is always something going on around the ship and caters for wide range of audiences.
There are generally comedians, hypnosis, magicians, dancers, singers, bands and other weird and wonderful acts that make your cruise fun.

5. It makes a good alternative for those who hate flying. Cruise ships are fairly steady and allow those who hate flying an opportunity to head overseas without conjuring up any fears or dislikes.
While not everyone loves the open ocean over 80% of people who do book a cruise will book another one at least once more in their lifetime.

Travelling by air, by road or by sea all have their own set of benefits and really comes down to what you want to do and where you would like to see.
As far as value for money goes and the constant entertainment, food gauging and more on board it is fairly easy to see why so many people love to cruise as their preferred method of travel.

Are you looking for something new, exciting and adventurous?

Nothing But Adventure can help you to book travel, world travel tours, insurance and much more. Book Travel here to find your next holiday solution.
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Travel Tips for a Holiday in Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii, there are many things that come to mind... pristine sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, swaying palm trees, glorious sunshine, luaus and Polynesian dancing. Hawaii is indeed a tropical beach paradise. There's so much more that you can experience on your Hawaiian holidays.

Hawaii has been blessed with a diverse ecology that encompasses coral reefs, remote canyons, lush valleys, volcanoes, rainforests and countless waterfalls. The Hawaiian Islands are actually eight major islands, numerous atolls and smaller inlets. Interestingly, the Hawaiian Islands are close to 2000 miles from the nearest continent.

The islands first rose to prominence when Captain James cook visited the islands in the 17th century, naming it the Sandwich Islands. The Islands are administered by the United States of America as its 50th state. In Hawaii, whichever island you visit, there are several activities that you can choose from. You can go snorkelling, windsurfing, dancing and do many other activities.

If you are on one of the amazing Hawaiian cruises there are so many islands to look at and so much to do, if you need inspiration take a look below:
If you are wondering what to do in Hawaii then the list below might help you.

Hawaii
Often called the 'Big Island', this volcanic island is the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands. Most of its economy is based on tourism. Places of interest are Akala Falls State Park, Hawaii Volcanoes State Park, South Point at Ka Lae, Waipo Valley, Polulu Valley Overlook, Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.

Maui
When you go to Hawaii, try the Hawaiian Luau, a traditional feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. You can find some of the best Hawaiian Luau on Maui. Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island. If you are going to take a vehicle, don't miss driving along the picturesque Hana Highwayalong the east coast. If you love shopping visit Lahaina, which is widely recognized as a shopper's paradise.

Oahu
Nicknamed 'the Gathering Place', Oahu is the most populous island. Honolulu, the state capital is situated here. Oahu has over ten famous beaches. The most famous among them are Waikiki beach, North Shore Beach, Turtle Bay Beach, Waimea Beach, etc. For the culturally inclined, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Makapu'u Point and other places might be interesting.

Kauai and Lanai
Kauai also known as 'the Garden Isle' is the oldest geologically. Some important places of interest here are Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, Wailua Falls, Polihale National Park, Alakai Wilderness Area, Allerton Gardens, etc.
Lanai or 'the Pineapple Island' has many noteworthy beaches like Shipwreck Beach, Hulopo's beach, Polihua Beach and others. In Lanai City, traffic lights, shopping malls, public transportation are a rarity. Transportation is supplied by hotel contractors.

Hawaii is fast becoming a wedding destination as well. Many couples from mainland USA and elsewhere come to Hawaii to exchange vows. Or maybe you want to just chill-out on the many Hawaiian cruises and escape the hustle bustle of the city, then Hawaii is the best place for you - holiday Hawaii!

Travellers Choice is a great website to plan a fantastic crusie holiday.

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Cruises to Bora Bora From Florida

Taking a cruise vacation is the ultimate "All Inclusive" vacation. Once on the ship, everything you need is there, and almost all of it is already paid for. Just like most all inclusive packages, alcohol is not included, so if you're a drinker, you'll need to bring extra cash.

Recently, I was looking to combine two vacations into one. My wife really wanted to go on a cruise, while I wanted to experience Bora Bora in the Tahitian Islands. Because my wife wasn't very particular about where she wanted to cruise, I started looking into cruises to Bora Bora. And because we were going to be visiting my parents in Florida during the summer, I started looking into cruises to Bora Bora from Florida.

I quickly found out that these are hard to find. I finally found one cruise line that offers such a trip, and it is Holland America Cruise Line. As you might expect, this is a long trip. The cruises that are offered are a 50 night cruise, a 54 night cruise and a 55 night cruise. At first the thought of being on a cruise ship for two months straight was shocking to think about. But once I started to really think about the possibilities, the idea became more and more ideal.
First of all, think about all of the wonderful life experiences that my family will get to see. 

Obviously, you'll have to pass through the Panama Canal in order to get to the Pacific from Florida. For my kids, getting the chance to see that incredible man made feature up close and personal would be a great history lesson for them. I'm in my forties and I've only read about it in books. Going through it in a gigantic cruise ship would be a lot of fun.

Even before you reach the Panama Canal, you'll be stopping at some beautiful ports starting in the Bahamas and continuing on to South America.Then, once you pass through the Continent, the Ports that this cruise stops in are amazing. You'll see all the best spots of Mexico, then Hawaii, then the Tahitian Islands and a stop in a US city. I can't think of any better places to stop then these amazing tropical destinations.

For me, my favorite part about being on a cruise is the time spent out at sea. There's something about being in the middle of the ocean surrounded by all the amenities that the ship offers with no where to go that really excites me. With a cruise of this duration, there's plenty of time spent out at sea. I can only imagine that as soon as you start to get bored of being on the ship, it's time for the next port.

The only thing that I don't like about this vacation is that you don't get to spend very much time in Bora Bora. This Tahitian Island is so amazingly beautiful, I want to spend at least a couple of weeks there. The best way to travel with a family is to do a Bora Bora all inclusive package. 

This way your food and bungalow are all paid in advance, giving you the freedom to do activities around the resort without bringing your wallet. You can have breakfast brought out to your over the water bungalow by canoe, then go for a tropical snorkel straight from your own deck.


Cruises to Bora Bora from Florida
are one of those vacations that you'll talk about for the rest of your life. If you have the time and resources, this cruise will be one for the books!

Traveling to Bora Bora can be very affordable with Bora Bora all inclusive packages.

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Discover Paris on Your Seine River Cruise

River cruising is a holiday choice which has dramatically risen in popularity; it's an experience far more peaceful than your standard package holiday, offering complete peace of mind and the height of relaxation as you are taken to a number of the finest towns and cities which lie on the banks of the world's waterways. One of the most popular rivers to explore is the Seine, a river which carves through the city of Paris. Here are some of the great sights of the city of love you can become acquainted with during a river cruise.

We begin with the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in the city and one which dominates the landscape. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, it quickly became a cultural icon of France after it was erected in 1889. It is among the most-visited paid monuments in the world, with over 7.1 million people climbing to the observation deck during 2011 alone. While it has been documented in so many forms of media over the years, seeing it up close always promises to amaze and astound. While there is a lift service to three levels, there is the opportunity to walk to the first level - although the 300-odd steps usually puts people off!

Another popular sight is the Cathedral Notre Dame, regarded as one of the finest examples of French-Gothic architecture and as among the most iconic church buildings in the world. Boasting a history dating back hundreds of years, it was the inspiration behind The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the famous novel published by Victor Hugo back in 1831. It is known for its treasury, which holds some of Catholicism's most important relics, including the supposed crown of thorns, a fragment from the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails.

The Arc de Triomphe is also a popular location for visitors, among the most famous monuments in the city and one which always serves as the perfect postcard. Standing proudly at the Western edge of the Champs-Élysées, it was designed as a monument to all those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, with the names of all France's victories and generals inscribed on the outer surfaces. Construction originally began in 1806, with the project finally completed in 1836 after progress was halted during the Bourbon restoration (1814-1830).

Those are three superb landmarks to be discovered in Paris, but this guide hardly scratches the surface of the wealth of interesting sights which can be found in this fantastic city

This article was put together by Thom Sanders for River Cruise Line, who are specialists in offering fantastic deals on Seine river cruises.

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9 of the Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

The Mediterranean is a fantastic destination for your cruise vacation. The weather is fantastic and it has some of the most stunningly beautiful places on the earth. The Mediterranean Sea is a major body of water south of Europe, west of Asia, and north of Africa and cruise lines have been visiting this area since cruise liners have existed! With mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers the Mediterranean is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Action-packed Mediterranean cruises are a great way to explore this stunning part of the world and Below we have listed and 9 of the top ports that your Mediterranean cruise should call at.

1. Barcelona is the largest city in Spain and capital of Catalonia. Being on the Spanish mainland the weather is slightly warmer than the Spanish islands. Barcelona is a busy city but with a very relaxed atmosphere. Coffee shops, small bars, busy town center squares and shopping are the name of the game as well as glorious palm lined beaches. The city is clean and the locals are friendly and welcoming. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the city football stadium that is famous throughout the world.

2. Palma is a port on the popular Spanish island of Majorca. Majorca is one of the Balearic islands and is a popular starting destination for many European cruises. The island is an extremely popular tourist destination for European travelers. The port itself is located on the south of the island, the rest of the island is easily explored via bus or public transport but because of the size of the island, a car rental will make exploration much easier. Half of the total population of Majorca live in Palma so it is definitely worth traveling the island to see the quieter side.

3. Tunis is a city in Tunisia and will be a completely different experience to the other Mediterranean cruise destinations. Tunisia is an Arabic country and it is worth checking the beliefs before you land at port. Shore excursions will reveal an old world type city with a typical African appearance. The climate in Tunis is hot and dry and you should dress appropriately. Get your haggling hat on, everything can be bartered here. In fact the locals expect you to barter so don't be shy and grab a bargain at the many street markets that litter the area.

4. All roads lead to Rome...Or in this case, waters. Rome is a must see. You have to see it to believe it. Some of the most famous monuments and architecture in the world is in Rome. The Colosseum is just one of the famous landmarks. Rome is the capital of Italy and the largest city in Italy. Romes history as a city spans over 2,500 years and it shows. The unbelievably beautiful architecture is everywhere. Be sure to get yourself into the city when the ship stops at this port.

5. Genoa is another city in Italy but with a more traditional appearance. Parts of the old town area are inscribed on the world heritage list and as such are untouched by modern architecture. A refreshing change from the big city of Rome Genoa has a more relaxed and countryside atmosphere.

6. St Raphael is on the French Riviera and has a more tolerable climate that some of the other Mediterranean ports. Immediately West of Monte Carlo St Raphael is a lovely, quaint town on the South East of France and has some of the most stunning beach front boulevards in the world. Palm trees and little shopping boutiques are the sights you will see.

7. Another port in Italy is Naples. Being further south than Rome the weather will be slightly warmer and towards the winter months this difference will be noticeable. Naples is a known for its rich history, art and culture. Naples is over 2,800 years old and the area is steeped in lovely old architecture and historic landmarks. Eating in Naples is an experience like no other, they really put the extra effort in when it comes to their food. Five start fresh seafood is on offer everywhere, your food will be as fresh as possible, sometimes being caught a couple of hours before.

8. Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's administrative areas. Monte Carlo lies in the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco surrounded by France and close to Italy. Monte Carlo is known across the world as a playground for the rich and famous and the casinos are the main attraction. Monte Carlo is tiny. The permanent population is 3,000. If you are lucky enough to stop at the right time of the year you may be able to watch the Formula 1 Grand prix.

9. Corsica is a recently added destination to most Mediterranean cruises and is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean sea. Located west of Italy it has a similar climate to Rome. Although located closer to Italy than France, Corsica is actually French owned. Corsica is famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and there are references to him everywhere. Corsica is not as tourist populated as some of the other cruise destinations and as such is extremely peaceful.

This is by no means a complete list of Mediterranean destinations. The Med is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Cruises to the Mediterranean [http://www.123cruiselines.com/cruises/cruiseart/87/] are the best way to see this stunning area of the world without having to worry about internal flights and traveling to each location separately. Cruises to the Mediterranean may be cheaper than you think and offer more variety than most other cruise destinations.
Click here for cruise reviews and advice.

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Looking For Sydney Harbor Cruises?

Sydney, Australia is one of the world's best travel destinations. It is habitat to some of the finest restaurants, wineries, and beaches. A trip to Sydney would not be complete without seeing the fabulous Sydney Harbor showcasing the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney is known for having very friendly people, so you'll feel right at home. that is what makes Sydney the best city in the world for the most visitors.

Sydney is placed on one of the most attractive harbors in the world. The harbor provides the perfect milieu for sailing, swimming, fishing, jet boating, dining, and harbor tours by ferry or hydroplane. Climbing the Harbor Bridge is also a preferred activity for tourists, which takes you from the base to the pinnacle of the eminent bridge's arch. Sydney and its world famous harbor is a good starting point for an Australia cruise, although it is possible to start from the other Australian ports as well. Cruise routes around Australia normally concentrate on port stops along the East and North coast's takes 5 - 7 days for the round trip.

While visiting Sydney, one of the most gorgeous places, a Harbor cruise offers the great picturesque adventure for the more relaxed tour. Sydney Harbor cruises will allow you to do some sightseeing for an hour long. The sunset dinner cruises offer a romantic dinner for a couple while listening to the world's most popular music from the Opera House. There are quite a few companies offering boat rides on Sydney Harbor so you have a variety to choose from.

Sail boats are a nice way to go because they cruise along at a slower pace and allow you to really feel the beautiful surrounding of the harbor. Another choice is a fishing cruise. Sydney Harbor provides superb access to the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the best fishing areas in the world.

Whether you want to go out for a few hours or all day, Sydney has no shortage of fishing cruise companies ready to ensure that you have a great fishing cruise. Then there's the always popular whale watching cruise. Here you can really relax and enjoy the adventure of spotting these great creature of the sea. Along the way there is plethora of native birds to look for as well as Fairy penguins, seals, dolphins. A great way to enjoy party cruise Sydney Harbor is to take a lunch or dinner cruise. Many people prefer the sunset or evening cruises.

The harbor is especially beautiful at night and a scenic nocturnal cruise of the eastern periphery and the upscale Middle harbor is a pleasant and romantic way to spend an evening. Sydney, Australia's capital and the jewel in the crown of Australia's south-east shoreline, offers a whole congregation of tourism opportunities just on its own.

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River and Canal Cruises in Holland and Belgium

River and canal cruises in Holland and Belgium offer peaceful, quiet, picturesque scenes. During the spring tulip-blooming season, many of the major cruise companies run river cruises throughout Holland, with the additional attraction of heading upriver down the Rhine to Switzerland.

Holland is littered with canals, and two of the most startling sights I've seen there, is a cruise ship seemingly passing majestically through a cow pasture - and a cruise ship crossing a major highway overhead. (Scenes from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind?)

As well as large river cruise ships, many of the canals can be enjoyed on self hire boats, such as those from Boating Holidays and Leboat. Your cruiser can be moored in the marina just across from the main train station in Amsterdam and it's possible to take the little Vecht River from Amsterdam to Utrecht. However, it's not recommended for beginners in self-hire boats to compete with the traffic and huge tugs on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. Stick with the small stuff.

Individuals boating on the canals is a way of life in Holland and one can enjoy many canal-side bars and cafes. The locks are left open in the summer. Northern Netherlands has hundreds of interconnected small lakes, also just made for cruising - or fishing.

There's almost too much to see and too many places to visit. For a tulip time cruise, for instance, one can take a ferry from England and thence transfer to a CroisiEurope riverboat for a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. There some 6 million tulips, daffodils and other flowers are on display. This particular cruise, Tulip Time in Holland ventures into Belgium and ends up in Antwerp.

Holland and Belgium River Cruises offers a tulip tour, as well as cruising all the way to Brussels.
Many of these tours co-mingle the waterways of Holland and Belgium, so it's relatively simple to take a river cruise from Amsterdam to Rotterdam or Antwerp via river and canal.
While you're in the south of Holland, a visit to Maastricht is certainly in order. On the river Maas (or Meuse) it's in the hilly area. (Yes, there are hills there, but not too many) It's a neat, walkable, city that has best climate in Holland. It also has the perfect location at the junction of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. If they had asked me, that's where I would have put the "capital" of Europe, not in Brussels.

More cruises can be found at: Affordable Tours offers a 9 day round-trip Amsterdam to Amsterdam on one of the most luxurious river boats in Europe, the River Cloud.
River Cruises in Holland and Belgium takes you on a barge voyage from Amsterdam as the base, to "such enchanting, cobble-stoned towns as Delft, Haarlem, Gouda and Alkmaar."
Holland River Tours and Feenstra Rijn Lijn are two Dutch companies that offer river cruises on about a dozen ships.

Amadeus cruise line also offers Holland/Belgium tours.
However, in Holland, Amsterdam is still the main attraction. Rhine voyages begin there, cruise down the busiest canal in Europe, the Amsterdam-Rhine canal, past Utrecht and onto the River Waal near Tiel. The Waal merges with the Rhine which leaves Holland near Emmerich.
Of course, the reverse is true when river cruising from Basel to Amsterdam. I found this comment on a river cruise company's website to be rather amusing: "We will cross the border in Emmerich and navigate towards Utrecht - Amsterdam. After dinner, you will visit the red light district with our hostess. Full meals on board. Put in for the night."

Talk about a full-service cruise...
I don't know if they meant what they said, but I rather doubt it. Anyway, there are many other things to see in Amsterdam, including its museums, unique architecture, and a slow cruise through its miles and miles of canals. This is the way Amsterdam was meant to be seen.
While not as spectacular as some river cruises through hill, dale, and mountain scenery, a river cruise through Holland and Belgium can certainly be enjoyed for its own version of quiet beauty.

http://etravelbillboard.com
[http://www.cruises-via-river-or-canal.com/Holland-River-Cruises.html]

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Best Cruises for Couples

If you're planning on taking a romantic cruise with the love of your life, make sure you research the best cruises for couples before you venture out to the open seas hand in hand. Each cruise line is meant to deliver a different kind of experience, and if you happen to book a cruise with a cruise line that primarily caters to families or college-goers, your 'romantic' cruise could turn into a chaotic, not-so-romantic experience with noisy children and drunken frat guys.

This article will tell you all you need to know about the best cruises for couples so you know where to book for that romantic getaway to the high seas.
The following is a small list made up of some of the best cruise lines for couples.
So, what is the best cruise line for couples? Let's find out.

Wind Spirit
The Wind Spirit from the Windstar Cruise Line offers one of the best cruises for couples. The ship, with its luxurious, intimate design and classic French-themed decoration, will surely appease the senses.
Itinerary and destination are also important considerations in cruises for couples. Windstar Cruise Lines offers some of the most exhilarating and romantic cruising experiences, including 7-night cruises that take you from Athens to Istanbul, through the enchanting Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Kusadasi, or through the inimitable Spanish Riviera from Barcelona to Rome, with stoppages in Monte Carlo, Marseilles and Nice.

There are many reasons why Wind Spirit is one of the best cruises for couples. If you prefer a romantic and private dining experience, the Wind Spirit cruise can rekindle the romance in your life with its array of aphrodisiac foods served in the comfort of your own quarters. And if you want some romantic music playing in the background, the cabin's speakers can fill the room with sweet, mellifluous melodies to enhance the experience.

What makes the Windstar Cruise Line one of the best cruise lines for couples is the way the staff go the extra mile for guests. Case in point: the cruise's selection of fine desserts that ooze decadence. With desserts just as fancy as their names, you can indulge your sweet-tooth with some delicious and classy post-meal options.
The Wind Spirit only takes around 150 guests, so if you want to experience one of the best cruise ship for couples make sure you book in advance.

Crown Princess
Many people vouch that the Crown Princess from Princess Cruises is the best cruise ship for couples. The ship is aptly nicknamed "The Loveboat." Ready to pop the most important question of your life? The Crown Princess offers a unique marriage proposal package that makes sure you remember the moment for the rest of your lives. The multimedia marriage proposal package includes a personal videocast of your proposal on the ship's massive outdoor cinema screen. You can also enjoy cinematic romance in this giant screen called "Movies under the Stars." The Crown Princess may very well be the best cruise ship for couples who are about to take their relationship to the next level.

The ship arranges a special romantic dinner for the newly-engaged couple, and also offers keepsakes that you'll want to cherish forever. Promising eternal commitment in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by settings designed to bring out the hapless romantic in everyone. 

What could be better?
Paul Gauguin
When researching the best cruises for couples, the name "Paul Gauguin" is bound to come up more than once. The Paul Gauguin is a small ship designed and built to sail throughout the year in the remote and unspoiled waters of the South Pacific. The ship takes only 330 passengers and sports an air of sophistication and culture amid lively undertones of tropical fanfare.
If you'd rather be physically active than just lounge and absorb the sights, the Paul Gauguin is one of the best cruises for couples. You can enjoy a range of activities in the watersports platform in the stern of the ship while going through the serene waters of French Polynesia.

Apart from the food and aesthetically-inclined ambiance, the cruise offers more than a few water-based activities you can enjoy with your one and only. Kayak across a tropical lagoon or windsurf on pristine, azure blue waters, only to retire to your quarters for a healthy dose of pampering. That's just another day on the utterly romantic Paul Gauguin-undoubtedly one of the best cruises for couples.

Sea Dream II
The SeaDream II is an exceptional cruise for two from the SeaDream Yacht Club, one of the best cruise lines for couples. This cruise will evoke all your romantic senses, with its plush, intimate ambiance, fine food and spectacular service. The SeaDream II takes only 110 passengers which enhance its exclusivity and intimacy, but it also means you'll have to book well in advance, especially since it's such a popular choice for lovers young and old.

The SeaDream II has charming cabins with a staggering view of the ocean, and the luxurious Turkish cabins and multi-jet massaging showers only add to the appeal. If you're into fine dining (and what love-struck couple isn't), you'll be more than impressed with the ship's Topside Restaurant. You can have a romantic candlelit dinner in a table for two, or dine in your own cabin for an equally enchanting dining experience.

Loyalists would consider the SeaDream Yacht Club the best cruise line for couples, and with good reason-it really is one of the best cruises around. The cruise offers a bevy of activities for you to enjoy when you're not soaking in the scenes or relaxing in your room. You can indulge in watersport activities, including water-skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, boarding and tubing.

What really makes the SeaDream II one of the best cruises for couples is the view offered by the Balinese DreamBeds. These plush queen-sized loungers are set about the same height as the yacht's railings, giving sunbathers a sweeping view of the seas. And if you want to take in the night sky, you can idle away the hours, under the stars in one of these loungers out in the open. The staff will even supply you with a duvet and comfy pillows.

Silver Whisper
The Silver Whisper takes you through the blissfully serene waters of Italy for an utterly romantic getaway. Cruise in one of the most luxurious ships on sea and soak in the ambiance of large, roomy cabins with exquisite decor, soft linens, premium chocolates and charming fruit baskets.
Like many top-rated cruises for couples, fine dining is an essential element of the Silver Whisper experience. The ship has three classy restaurants, decorated with aesthetics in mind, which serve five-star cuisine. And if you can't bring yourself to leave the comforts of your lavish cabin, you can get a Balinese massage in your own private quarters or dine alfresco in a wide open verandah.

There are quite a few cruise lines that offer really great romantic getaways at sea. This list is by no means exhaustive, and if you want to find out more about the best cruises for couples, research cruise providers such as P&O, Crystal, Norwegian, SeaDream, Princess, Paul Gauguin, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity, Windstar and Seabourn. These are some of the best cruise lines for couples.

With that said, if you've been thinking about taking the plunge and booking a cruise for that perfect getaway, you can't go wrong if you go with any one of the cruise lines listed in this article..

If you are thinking about a romantic getaway, and want to learn more about the best cruises for couples [http://www.bestcruisesforcouples.info/] please visit our site by clicking on the link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eskay_Isis

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How to Get Great Deals on the Best Cruises

Cruises come in all varieties and are designed to fit all travel budgets. Whether you are cruising to celebrate a special occasion and want to splurge, or you want a nice vacation without overspending, there are cruise experiences available for you. Best of all, there are a number of great savings options available that make cruising as affordable as possible.
What are some of the best discounts available on cruises?

1. Basic Discounts
Most cruise lines offers discounted fares throughout the year. Booking during a promotional event such as National Cruise Vacation Week can save as much as 5% off the basic rate for your cruise. Some cruise lines also offer special discounts on rates based on their specific calendars. There are also times in which discounts are offered on the initial deposit for a cruise. Working with a travel agent can help you determine the best time to book to take advantage of as many of these discounts as possible.

2. Discounts Based on Your Circumstances
Another great way to save on cruising is to take advantage of discounts based on your situation. Traveling with kids? Some cruise lines offer special "kids sail free" fares throughout the year. If you are planning a special event there might be discounts available, too. For instance, if you are planning a party or getting married onboard, discounts might be offered on cabin fares or dining plans.

3. Plan-ahead Discounts
Planning ahead for a cruise is one of the most important things you can do, not just to save money, but also to ensure you have the most fun possible. Sometimes, travel agents offer pre-planning promotions if you book with them. For instance, they might cover the daily onboard gratuities ahead of time if you agree to work with them. There are also pre-purchasing plans available that are a great way to save. Paying for beverages or specialty meals in advance makes it easier to budget once you are on board. These plans might also be offered for free in some cases, so if you are planning to get a beverage or dining plan, ask about discounts and price specials when booking.

4. Loyal Customer Discounts
Lastly, some cruise lines offer customer loyalty discounts for regular cruisers. If you find a cruise line you like and they offer a loyalty program, stick with them. It can put a dent in your cruising costs.

Whether it's your first time to book a cruise or you're already an experienced cruise traveler, we at Travel Themes and Dream will help you search for the perfect cruise vacation and make the process as smooth as possible.


We'll work closely with you to guarantee you have the best cruise experience possible, for the best price available. Go to http://www.travelthemesanddreams.com

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Tips For Choosing European River Cruises

The rise in status of European river cruises is one of the real-life travel fairy tales of recent years. From an extremely niche option for a holiday, barge holidays down Europe's many picturesque rivers have become a popular choice for many adventurous holidaymakers. The myriad options on offer for European river cruises have seen a substantial amount of growth in recent years as well - one that not only meets the demand but largely exceeds it.

With this much on offer, it would stand to reason that holidaymakers interested in taking a barge cruise through one of these waterways would be slightly confused when choosing among all the available options. However, with a small amount of prioritizing and some sense of what you are after, it can become a surprisingly easy choice to make.

The first thing to do when trying to pick between the many European river cruises on offer, then, is to have at least some idea of what you want from your holiday. While all cruises of this type follow the same rough structure - about a week long, with stops in several ports along the way and space for day-trips in their schedules - the locations they touch upon are rather varied, and may cater to guests with significantly different tastes.

If, for instance, you would like to combine your river barge cruise with a bit of historical sightseeing, the Rhine, the Elbe or the Danube should be your destinations of choice. All three of these rivers flow past cities with a storied past - Amsterdam, Basel, Munich, Vienna - and the way in which they are structured will allow you to explore each of these cities to a sufficient extent to please any history buff.

If, however, your objective when taking one of these European river cruises is to primarily experience the cuisine of the destination, you may want to try cruising down the Rhone. This waterway flows past some of the most renowned wine regions in the world, and your daily stops will no doubt be seasoned with the tangy taste of a red or the more refreshing zest of a white. A dash of history is also included in these trips, making them ideal for passengers wanting to temper their gastronomic delights with a side of culture.

For sightseeing, the Douro, in Portugal, or the Seine might be your best bets. The Seine's appeal is obvious, as it flows into the magnificent city of Paris, one of the main tourist hubs of the world. As for the Douro, cruising down it will give you quaint views of the city of Oporto, which remains rather unspoilt when compared to capital Lisbon, as well as of some locations in northern Spain.

As you can see, then, there are barge holidays in Europe to fit all tastes and wallet sizes - all you need to pick the right one is a basic sense of what is most important to you, and the whole endeavor becomes much easier.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for European river cruises we offer experiences in France, Holland, Italy and the UK.

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