posted by admin on May 8
Single Cruisers Can Go With A Group Or on Their Own
Single cruising is a lot of fun because of the friendly people you meet. Many cruise lines have special parties for single cruising passengers so that you can get to know your other single cruisers.
However, if you are a first time cruiser it is recommended that you go on an organized single cruise. There are a lot of reasons for this. First of all you are guaranteed that there will be other singles on board. As a group you will have all kinds of special activities. The first night of your cruise the group will hold a cocktail party. It is a kind of getting to know you soiree for the entire single cruising group. There are other advantageous, sometimes they arrange a hotel stay the night before the cruise so you will already know who your fellow single cruisers are. During the cruise they will host games, organize group tours and of course, group dining. The organizers sometime set up message boards so the group can talk before the singles cruise begins.
Don t try to go around the travel agency that is organizing the singles cruise because you think you can get it cheaper. Yes, you will be on the cruise with all the singles, but you won t be able to participate in the activities. The organizing travel agency will issue identification for the group of single cruisers and will have security at the functions so there will be no crashing the party. I spoke to a guy once who tried to do this and found out to late that he would be excluded. He even tried to pay to get into the activities but that was not allowed, so he missed out.
There are always questions on whether or not you should book a single cabin or take the risk of a roommate assigned by either the cruise line or the organizing travel agency. This depends on how agreeable you are. Of course, you might end up with someone who is rude, so you are taking a chance. If you don t want to take the chance, book your own cabin which will be a bit more expensive.
The travel agency will try to pick someone that is compatible. Criteria such as age, a smoker or not, and naturally, sex are used when trying to match cabin mates. If you opt to let them choose a cabin mate they may supply you an email address to contact the cabin mate so you can set some rules in advance. Find out what your cabin mates sleep habits are. If you re an early riser and your cabin mate likes to party, there will be a problem. Be flexible, the other person may want to set some rules too. The biggest problem with a stranger in the cabin on a singles cruise is that they might meet someone special and want to use the cabin for a few hours with you not in it.
The organizing travel agency will set up the dining arrangements. If after the first night you are uncomfortable with your table talk to the Maitre D he will help you. From the information I have gotten, the organizing travel agency will usually mix the tables up every night so that everyone has a chance to interact. That is the ideal solution. If you have taken the plunge solo and booked your own cruise the same goes for you, speak to the Maitre D and he will help you. Many ships now have a variety of dining options where you and pick where you want to eat and when.
Younger single cruisers should stick to three and four day cruises. One, because they re cheaper and two, you don t use up a lot of vacation time. Pick a three day cruise on a weekend that falls on a holiday and you won t use up any vacation time at all. Three days is a short time to meet people, but single cruisers are sailing with the intention of meeting people so they won t be shy. If you booking this on your own, research which cruise lines offer special single cruising dates. The over 40 crowd will be on longer cruises because they have more money and time.
If you are a single parent and you want to cruise with your kids choose a line that has a good children s program. That way your kids are supervised and you are free to do what you please. Many travel agencies are catering to this need and are setting up single cruises for parents and their kids. So do some research to find agencies that are offering a program for single parent cruisers with children.
If you are a single cruiser and you don t want to go on an organized single cruise, there are message boards out there where people post that they are looking for a roommate. It s a gamble, but if you really want to take a cruise and need to save money it is an option. There are two ways to do this. Choose a singles cruise; get the prices and the post a message to see if there are any takers. Or pick a date or an itinerary, do your post and see if anyone else is interested. It s risky but if someone answers your post you have plenty of time to talk over the internet to see if you are compatible.
Single cruising is fun but don t set your heart on finding that special someone. Take a single cruise with the idea of having fun and meeting new people that may become fast friends. Chances that you will meet your life mate are very small but it will be fun trying. Maybe, when you least expect it, your dream will come true.
For more mature female cruiser, look to the fancier cruise lines. They are a bit pricier but they usually have dance hosts and will seat you with the single gentlemen for dining.
Some cruise lines have seen the advantage of attracting single cruisers and have lessened the single supplement. In the past Crystal, Radisson and Sliversea have reduced their single cruisers supplements. These are all luxury lines.
For you single cruisers who want to brave it on your own here are some cruise lines that offer single cabins.
Cunard’s QE2 was built with 122 single cabins, the new Queen Mary 2 has none. Besides the QE2, only Costa, Peter Deilmann Cruises, Holland America, NCL, Orient Line and Swan Hellenic still have a few single cabins on some of their ships, and these tend to be the older ships. One exception to the rule is Discovery World Cruises. While their ship MV Discovery has only two dedicated single cabins, 169 double cabins are also designated as singles and sold at a single rate. Peter Deilmann Cruises also offers a single rate on double cabins on most of their river ships.
Call your travel agent and talk about single cruising and what s best for you.
Happy Cruising!
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.
Mary 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
A World Cruise - The Grandest Voyage On Earth
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Who doesn’t dream of one day taking a trip around the world? Practically everybody! With a planet filled with so much glorious wonder, most people long for faraway places they usually see in magazines or on television. Considering two-thirds of the earth’s surface is water, there simply isn’t any better way to accomplish this “one day” dream than by cruise ship. If you plan to travel in regal style, the Queen Mary 2 is the way to go.
Since 1922, Cunard cruise line has been sailing the world via channels, passages and open seas. So much more than a cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 are legendary ocean liners designed for service to royalty, heads of state, celebrities and the wealthy. Calling on ports others won’t even consider, Cunard allows you to explore to your heart’s content.
Crossroads of Civilization
Crossing the Gulf of Oman, you’ll spill out into the Arabian Sea and then the Red Sea. Navigating the Suez Canal en route to Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt is an exciting adventure in and of itself. Founded by Alexander the Great and deemed the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria possesses a more modern feel than Cairo or Giza. The setting for one of the greatest love affairs of all time - that between Cleopatra and Mark Antony - Alexandria is also home to Pharos’ lighthouse, formerly one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea takes you to world-famous ports including Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy before heading up the Strait of Gibraltar to catch a glimpse of the renowned Rock. A jaunt across the Atlantic Ocean delivers you to Le Havre, France (within close proximity to Paris and Normandy) before arriving at your final destination: Southampton, England.
Dynasties of the Orient
If exotic ports are more to your liking, then a tour of the Pacific Ocean and East and South China Sea may be in order. After exploring Sydney, Australia, embark on a journey that takes you across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea to New Guinea. An unspoiled tropical paradise, New Guinea is home to several active volcanoes, many of which you can tour. Its rugged landscape is a contrast of lush, green mountain ranges set against calm, blue waters. With an amazing array of wildlife, New Guinea is an adventurer’s dream.
With ports including Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; and Bangkok, Thailand, your exotic tour of ancient, mystical cities on the Asian continent will be one you won’t ever forget.
While onboard the Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth 2, you’ll find white-glove service at every turn, reminiscent of the golden era of ocean travel. With exhilarating activities for the entire family and cuisine truly fit for crowned heads, you’ll simply be as awe-struck by the vessel itself as the destinations she lays at your feet.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including cruises on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm"> Queen Mary 2</a> aboard <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm">Cunard Cruise Lines</a>.
Finding a Good Boat Repair Shop
If you own any kind of boat, you should be aware that at some point you will be needing a boat repair shop that you can trust. As it is, there are quite a few reasons why you would have someone work on your boat for you. You can sustain damage from just enjoying your boat, you could have electrical issues, mechanical, the list really goes on and on. The engine could cause issues even if it is a brand new boat. But, just like I mentioned earlier, you should definitely look for a shop that you can trust. The general perception is that someone who owns a boat has a lot of money to spend so it is imperative that you find someone to work on your boat whom you can trust. Easier said that done right? Right, taking your time to find the best shop is the way to go. Do your homework, get quotes from different places. Choose with extreme caution and definitely use your gut feeling for the shops you talk to. Some of the things you should look for in a boat shop are: 1. Check their reputation. Find a way to get in touch with past customers and clients. You certainly don’t want to trust your boat investment to anybody out there. It is a great idea to discover how long they have been in business and by all means, talk to their past customers. If the shop is unwilling to give you contact info for past customers, take them off your list and move on to the next shop. 2. Equipment. You want to be sure that the shop that is going to take care of your boat has what it takes to get the job done. Make sure they have the proper tools and that they are not going to send parts off elsewhere because that would make it even more expensive for you. That’s about all as far as choosing a shop. The other important thing that is worth mentioning is that you can prevent a lot of the problems that boat owners may face just by taking excellent care of your boat. It is important to know you can trust the business that is doing the repairs on your boat. Otherwise, not only can you waste a lot of money but it can put you in a bad position if something that you thought was fixed ends up not being repaired correctly. Choosing a good repair shop will make a big difference in the boating experience that you encounter.
Marcio has taken dozes of sites from 0 to hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales. He specializes in developing comprehensive web marketing plans that make the most of every visitor to your site, growing traffic and more.
Celebrity Cruise Line Review
Every year when I take my vacation, I use Celebrity Cruises. I choose Celebrity Cruises because they never give me any trouble, and they are simply fabulous. Celebrity Cruises aren’t just about cruising, they have enrichment programs, which means I can learn something new on holiday. Last year I took a wine tasting class, and I am looking forward to sampling some of the lecture series, which are either informative or inspirational. The programs are very well developed, and the instructors are experts. My sister learned more computer skills when she took part in the program, and she really liked the instructor. My bridge instructor was also an amazing bridge player, I learned so much. I really appreciate the religious services that are offered on Celebrity Cruises. There are church services every day, and there is always a Roman Catholic priest on the ship as well. I didn’t really use the services, but if you are religious, your needs are well taken care of by Celebrity Cruises. When it comes to shows, Celebrity Cruises is great. There are so many different shows you can see, even one called ‘A Taste of Cirque Du Soleil, I’ve never seen it, but I love Cirque Du Soleil, and I bet the show is great. The shopping is awesome too. I have purchased some mementos from Celebrity Cruises that I treasure very much, like a silk flower arrangement that came from the Emilio Robba store. There’s also always a guide to let me know where to shop at the various ports we visit. The guide is so useful, and its just another way that Celebrity Cruises helps guests enjoy their vacation. When I relax on board, I love to do it at the Martini Bar. They have 26 different Martinis, and they’re always served in a chilled glass. There are several different bars on every ship, and the atmosphere is just brilliant when you visit them. Celebrity Cruises are experts at creating a beautiful ambiance for guests to enjoy.
To read other great articles on all of the different cruise vacation options avaliable to you then check out: http://www.enjoythecruise.com
Transatlantic Cruising - A Regal Route from England to the U.S.
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
There is something that every person should experience at least once in his/her life a transatlantic cruise. While the experience in and of itself is amazing, the grandeur is increased all the more when you choose a vessel suited for majesty, such as the Queen Mary 2.
In the tradition of the great ocean liners of the past, you’ll find yourself surrounded by splendor at every turn aboard a vessel that can only be described as “royalty afloat.” As feelings of relaxation and complete security wrap around you, you’ll begin to explore the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) and discover all there is to do during your six-night voyage.
Enrich Yourself
Onboard, you’ll find the world-famous Canyon Ranch SpaClub and a state-of-the-art gym. In addition, QM2 also offers delightful programs designed to help you enrich yourself by expanding your horizons.
Learn the art of acting under the instruction of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Discover the worlds of space and the sea through seminars held onboard at the first planetarium at sea and lecture halls. From culinary classes to book signings to workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, every passenger will find a world of interesting and imaginative activities to participate in.
Indulge in All the QM2 Has to Offer
Exceptional cuisine awaits while dining onboard with 10 restaurants serving a wide variety of food from classic to exotic. The main dining room plays host to some amazing meals created by world-famous, award-winning-chef Todd English. From casual buffets to full-service Asian, Italian or American restaurants, you’ll find dining to be one of the many pleasures the QM2 has to offer.
Your stateroom boasts amenities not normally found aboard other vessels. Over 75% of the ship s cabins offer balconies, decks and/or ocean views, meaning you can enjoy even more of the transatlantic experience. From affordable interior cabins to expansive “Queen” suites with abundant luxury, you can select the stateroom that offers the amenities you most desire.
As your body and mind begin to unwind and settle, you’ll relish in the feelings of pampering and utter safety knowing you and your family are secure onboard an ocean-faring vessel.
A Unique Experience for Children
Children will enjoy cruising onboard the QM2, too. With two children’s centers - the Play Zone and The Zone - kids from ages 1 to 12 will find age-appropriate activities and games. Supervised entertainment is available, including board games, computers, a splash pool and other interesting and enlightening activities. Authentic English nannies are also provided to care for the toddlers.
Transporting People and Packages
Not only an elegant way to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, but a transatlantic cruise is also practical as well as relaxing. With no weight limits on baggage or other goods (such as the ones airlines impose), passengers can easily transport thousands of pounds in the storage areas of the ship.
Works of art, souvenirs, antiques, furniture, personal belongings and more can be stowed onboard at no additional charge. This feature makes transporting such items much more affordable and aids with ensuring the safe arrival of your valued belongings.
Four-legged Friends Are Welcome
The QM2 also accommodates pets. Unlike with airline travel, your pets will be housed in approved kennels operated in conjunction with Pet Travel Scheme to ensure they are comfortable and well cared for. Of course, during the voyage, you are welcome to visit with and walk your pet daily. How comforting it will be for them to see a familiar face regularly during their cruise.
What a delightful, safe and entertaining way to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Why book airfare between the U.K. and the U.S., when you can travel in regal style?
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for super deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm">Hawaii cruises</a> and other destinations from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
Before You Book Your Luxury Cruise
Before booking a Luxury Cruise or any cruise for that matter, ask yourself, with whole world out there to visit, where in it would I like to go? Luxury Cruises are no longer for the rich and famous or the upper crust for that matter. Nowadays they are relatively affordable to anyone who wishes to go.
Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Fleetwide Upgrades
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Carnival Cruise Line has always offered excellent value in cruising, but, these days, passengers will find even more to love. Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced several fleetwide upgrades, including more comfortable beds, shipwide WiFi service, a new loyalty program and more.
Carnival Concierge Club
As a way to reward past cruisers for their loyalty to Carnival, the new Carnival Concierge Club has been unveiled. For passengers who are platinum cardholders and have sailed with Carnival 10 times or more, certain privileges and perks are available, including:
One delivery of petit fours and/or canap ©s to your cabin
Personalized stationery
One specialty Carnival logo item
Guaranteed dining or supper club reservations
Waiving of $20 entry fee to blackjack tournament
Priority reservations and free treatment upgrades at Spa Carnival
Free wash-and-fold laundry service
Preferential embarkation and debarkation
Fully staffed concierge desk, at your service
and more!
Carnival Comfort Bed Sleep System
Developed exclusively for Carnival, this sleep system will all but guarantee you the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long, long time. With a premium Bonell-spring inner core and high-density foam, these quilted-top mattresses can only be described as plush and luxurious. Add to that a set of high thread count, ring-spun, ultra-soft cotton sheets and fluffy faux down pillows that cradle your neck and head, and you’ll drift away to dreamland in sheer extravagance every night.
Personal Cell Phone Usage
For some people, getting away from it all means turning off the cell phones and every other form of communication to enjoy complete rest and relaxation. For others, not having access to a cell phone just creates more stress in their lives. That’s why Carnival has taken special measures to afford guests the ability to use their own personal cell phones while onboard any Carnival ship. This service is currently installed on the Carnival Triumph and will be retrofitted on the other 21 ships by early next year.
Provided your call plan allows coverage in the areas in which you are cruising, you can place and receive calls using your own mobile phone throughout your cruise.
Wireless Internet Access Fleetwide
Another technological advancement is the “100% bow to stern” installation of wireless Internet access (WiFi) on all Carnival ships. Whether on the deck by the pool, in the casino rolling the dice or relaxing in your suite, you’ll have full wireless Internet access to use with your wireless-enabled laptop. This project is roughly 75% complete. Shipwide WiFi will be fully installed on every Carnival ship by the end of 2006.
Recognizing its guests’ needs and making every attempt to accommodate requests for new features, Carnival is certain these new upgrades will thrill its past and future passengers. The Fun Ships are now also the most comfortable and most technologically advanced ships at sea.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for super deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm">Hawaii cruises</a> and other destinations from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
