Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Cheap Cruise - Top 10 Tips for Finding a Cheap Cruise Line Deal

Today it has become much easier to take a cruise vacation to almost any destination in the world; it has become extremely popular among vacationers to choose a cruise, and especially for the fact that prices have fallen. I have listed the top 10 tips on how to get a cheap cruise line deal.

1. When planning a cruise vacation, try to find someone else to go with like a good friend; rates sometimes can go up as high as 200% if you book a cruise by yourself.

2. If you want to get a cheap cruise deal, you must be willing to act fast on such deals; why? Because someone else may get your spot!

3. Nowadays you can shop online for a cheap cruise deal by searching for last minute deals. A great time to search for cheap tickets are 60 days before the cruise starts.

4. Another tactic: book on an out-of-season cruise in order to get a great deal. Book for example, peak hurricane season in the Caribbean which is September to the middle of November, or before and after Christmas, or other major holidays.

5. Consider going on a cruise during shoulder season. For example, on an Alaskan cruise you may save up to 50% when departing the week after peak season. But you must plan ahead.

6. During the course of your cruise, do not register for shore trips; these will handsomely make your overall cruise line bill higher.

7. Consider repositioned cruises: these cruises may offer discounts when the cruise lines modify the itinerary of the original cruise.

8. Try searching for a cheap cruise deal during the spring break for a lower discount rate.

9. To reduce the normal going cost for any cruise ship, consider going with more people and asking for a group rate; or, you can ask for a family rate.

10. Here’s another trick: Search for eleven-hour repositioning. Believe it or not, such cruises can be quite cost effective.

Bear in mind that Two Bermuda cruises can provide two very different experiences; so carefully choose your next cruise.

Find cheap cruises at http://www.topix.net/forum/business/travel-tourism/TISS9RHGUP3640H2P

Read reviews of 5-starred cruise ships that offer heavy discounts or visit http://cheaptravelwebsite.globaltravel.com to book a Bermuda cruise at a heavily discounted rate.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Choosing the Right Room on Cruise Ships

Your first cruise is a trip that you will never forget and it may be a little overwhelming, too, because you do not know what to expect. Going on a cruise gives you and your family time to spend quality time together, without stress, but it is important that you take your time to allow you to enjoy your first cruise travel, rather than trying to do everything.

Your cabin on board the ship is a very important facet of whether you enjoy your trip or not. The quality of the cabin that you choose can make a big difference in how large the room is and whether you have a quiet and relaxing room. For example, some cabins may be directly under highly traveled spaces, like the dining room or atrium, and the noises that you may hear may be quite irritating. If you are only interested in saving money, then a stateroom at or under sea level can be the best choice for you, but you need to realize that for just a little bit more money, then you may find that you get a room that you will enjoy a lot more. This decision needs to be made when booking, so that you will not be disappointed when you get on board.

If you have a steady stomach, then you might want to choose a cabin at the rear part of the ship. These rooms may cost a little more, but they are also more luxurious than the other cabins. These aft or rear cabins normally have a porch or balcony, too, which will allow you to enjoy the view as you are moving across the ocean. You may feel the motion of the ocean a little more in these cabins, which is why you want to make sure that your stomach can take it.

At the bow of the cruise ships, there are also staterooms. These rooms may or may not have a balcony and while sitting on your balcony, you may even feel a bit of the ocean spray as the ship is moving. Seasickness can be a big problem here, since the cabins are located high over the sea, but if you do not have a problem with this, then these cabins may be the right choice for you.

If you prefer more luxurious travel, then the higher level cabins may be what you want. These are not for people who have fragile stomachs, however, because they are high above the sea. They do have many benefits over other cabins, including being closer to the pool, lounge, sundecks, and more. Noise may be a little more noticeable here, but you will not find anywhere that is completely quiet all of the time on a cruise ship.

If you are afraid of being seasick and you have a little more to spend on your room, then a mid-ship stateroom is the best choice for you. These are arranged much like the standard rooms, but they are closer to the elevator, which will cut down on your walking. Some of them even have a porthole or window for you to enjoy the view out of.

Being specifically interested in Alicante and Spain, Johnathan Bakers was authoring plenty of reports on the subject. His comments on Costa Blanca can be encountered on his webpage and also other web sites.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Help! I Have No Idea What to Wear On a Cruise!

Don’t know what it is about going on a cruise that compels some to pack like they were joining a one year expedition to Siberia. But they typically pack twice as much as they need. Showing they are painfully unaware of what to wear on a cruise.

Naturally it helps if you know what to expect. And if you’ve spent time on a cruise ship previously you should be better prepared than someone leaving the dock for the first time. Since from experience you’re aware of what to wear on a cruise. Or at least should know what goes and what doesn’t.

Of course for some the most exciting part of the get away is the build up to the departure date. Looking forward to that and planning what to take and so forth is more than half the fun for them. And if that’s you don’t let me put a damper on your enthusiasm.

Yet it’s also true that “He who packs light packs best”.

Then too, there are those who argue that since you only have to unpack once, what’s a few extra things? Aside from the space they take up in your probably less-than-spacious cabin, and the extra suitcase or two, it’s probably no big deal. But why bother when it’s not necessary?

Okay let’s cut to the chase. In case you missed it - when packing for a cruise “Less Is More”.

Also you really don't need to bring something just in case. If you're unsure whether or not you need to bring it, do not. You can always pick up anything vital in port. So another rule is "When in doubt leave it out" - of the suitcase.

Naturally what you will wear also depends on the published dress code. On most cruises what you’ll be expected to wear to dinner is spelled out for you. It may be all formal. Or a mix of causal and formal wear.

And casual can mean shorts - or not.

Denim jeans are typically out. Especially in the dining room where you may find them to be taboo. It might be better to go with clothing you can mix and match. For the gals tops and skirts. While guys can do the same with shirts and pants.

Where you’ll be cruising also determines what to wear on a cruise. As someone in Alaska wouldn’t dress the same the same as someone on the Mediterranean. For the former a coat with a removable liner might be smart to bring. Yet that wouldn’t be good in Greece. Where a light weight nylon jacket could come in handy.

Hopefully this helps give you a better idea of what to wear on a cruise.

With packing and what to wear out of the way those booking cruises to Bermudaare drawn to the beaches. But did you know many people cruise to Bermuda for the snorkeling? Learn more about that plus get the other ideas on under-water adventures.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Tips About Cabins on Cruise Ships

If you are planning your first cruise ship experience, there are a lot of things to consider. This trip, and the accommodations available will not be like the travels you have experienced in the past.

The biggest thing you need to keep in mind is the location where you will be enjoying your holiday, will also be the same place you will be sleeping. It’s much like having your hotel follow you from one destination to the next, always just a little walk away. Even though there are no rooms that are too far away from one another, small changes in location can make a major difference in your ability to enjoy your trip. For example, if you have an outer cabin that is near a high-traffic deck, you may be forced to hear people stumbling by your door, or talking loudly outside your room all night. Likewise, if you have a cabin that is just below a stairwell, you will hear the clomping of people walking up and down the stairs. This is a decision you should not take lightly.

Let’s look at other locations on the ship. At the rear of the ship is usually where the higher-priced rooms are. Many come with a balcony so you can relax outside your own room and watch as you pass through the water. Keep in mind though, these rooms are also a bit above the surface level of the ship and when the seas are choppy, you are going to get quite a bouncy ride. These rooms are not for those with a weak stomach.

At the front of the ship, or the bow, there are other higher-end cabins. These often also have balconies where you can watch a sunrise or sunset and see what lies ahead. But these have the downside of the rear cabins, and then some. Since these are usually even higher above the surface, they are an even rockier ride when there are big waves on the water.

Another area to consider when deciding which cabin you want may have to do with how social you are. If you would love to be near where things are happening, the higher deck cabins are very close to all the activity venues. Usually you are just steps from the lounges, pool, restaurants, and other attraction areas. But you once again have to consider that every time you move to a room that is above the surface level of the ship, it may be a shiftier ride if the seas get rough.

If you have a weak stomach and are concerned about the possibility of getting seasick, the best place for you is in the middle of the ship. These will be more economic cabins as well, as they are the standard staterooms. If you really are prone to seasickness, you may want to pay a little more to ask for a mid-ship cabin. The closer you are to the center, the less you will feel the rocking of the boat.

The scriptwriter Peter Wilson is really interested in ideas dealing with Spain and Alicante. You can discover his writings on Alicante and Costa Blanca over at http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html