posted by admin on May 9
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
Ways to Move your Appliances Safely
So you’re getting packed for the big move? Packing all the small non-electrical items seemed easy, but now you’re ready for the appliances. You’ll take some appliances with you, and leave some behind. Either way, you should know how to prepare your appliances for safety and protection during your move. Prepare Appliances in Advance Before moving or leaving an appliance behind, clean and dry it thoroughly. It’s important that it remains dry to prevent mildew and unpleasant smells. Also, moisture can cause a problem if the appliance is being moved through extremely cold temperatures due to freezing. Remember: Unplug appliances before cleaning to prevent electric shock. Washing Machine To prepare your washing machine for the move, unhook and drain the hoses. Clean and dry the machine inside and out. Vacuum or dust away any cobwebs or dust build-up at the back of the washing machine or underneath. The metal connectors of the hoses can be wrapped in a towel and placed in the washer after it is clean and dry. If you have a manual for your washer, follow the instructions for securing the tub to prevent swaying during the move. If you don’t have instructions, contact a professional repair man or appliance retailer to find out how to do this. Clothes Dryer To prepare your clothes dryer for moving, unplug it and clean the lent screen. For a gas dryer, contact someone qualified to disconnect it and turn off the gas line. Before connecting the dryer at your new home, make sure the electrical outlet provided is compatible with your dryer plug. Stove and Oven Clean both your stove top and oven thoroughly, giving it plenty of time to vent if using oven cleaner. Remove burners, burner plates and oven racks and store them in a safe place during the move. Don’t forget to remove any baking pans if your range has a storage drawer. If you have a gas range, contact a technician for proper disconnection and reconnection. Dishwasher Clean and dry the dishwasher thoroughly. Then disconnect and drain the hoses. Keep the dishwasher door open for a few days before the move. Wrap the hoses with towels and put them inside the dishwasher. Refrigerator Getting your refrigerator ready for a move will take a little more work than other appliances. First, clear out everything. All perishables should be thrown away as these cannot travel with you anyhow. Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Remove drawers and shelves for a thorough cleaning. To keep the refrigerator fresh-smelling and mildew-free during the trip, check with your local hardware store for products meant for this task. Throw out ice and give time for any accumulated ice in the freezer to melt so you can dry it prior to moving. Pack all loose items separately after cleaning. Vacuum the compressor or condenser, and clean and dry the evaporator pan. If your refrigerator has a built-in ice maker or water dispenser, unplug the hoses and allow time for the lines to dry out. For older models, you might need to bolt down the compressor or motor. After arrival, allow your refrigerator to sit unplugged for 24 hours before operating. The oil needs time to settle so there is no damage to the compressor. You might need to contact a technician to reconnect your icemaker and water dispenser. Once operating again, allow the ice maker to run through several cycles before using the ice. The lines may become dirty or dusty during the move. Microwave Ovens A microwave oven can be packed in its own box if you still have the box. If not, you can pack it in a moving carton. Before packing, remove the tray and pack it separately along with any other loose items. Pad wrapping might be necessary if your microwave oven is large. When installing it at your new home, be sure the exhaust vent is not blocked. Appliances are vulnerable when moved out of place, especially for long trips. Taking special care of your appliances before a move can help ensure that you’ll be able to use them when you arrive.
Mr. Nick Ajang is an experienced person in the field of transportation and logistics,and currently manages the online resource related to transportation,shipping,movers,cargo. - www.1iml.com
Holland America Explores Europe and the Mediterranean
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Because of its history, Europe and the Mediterranean are two of the most wondrous regions to explore. From the windmills of Amsterdam to medieval castles of Norway, this curious continent delivers the stuff fairy tales are made of. Holland America calls this region home. Launching her first ship from Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America has positioned herself as the leader in premium-class cruises to Europe, the Mediterranean and other exceptional ports.
Serving up Europe as only a local can, Holland America combines popular tourist spots with out-of-the-way ports for an in-depth look at all that makes Europe grand. The Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Russia and others are available from two- to 108-night voyages on 46 itineraries encompassing 136 ports.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Probably most famous for hillsides full of tulips and windmills, Amsterdam is an enchanting city. You’ll find yourself face to face with classic creations from van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer, as you stroll through numerous museums. Tour the canals, ramble through festivals filled with music and culture, and discover the inner workings of live windmills. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase, so you can bring home a pair of wooden shoes!
Paris, France
Truly the city of love, Paris, France, is a delight for all your senses. Take in the sites including world-famous monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, this structure is as beautiful as it is historically significant. The Arc stands on four support bases that commemorate the triumph, the resistance, the peace and the departure. Paris is also home to the Eiffel Tower. Absolutely breathtaking at 300 meters tall, the Tower encases 1652 steps from bottom to top. And you must partake of the food while in Paris. From sidewalk bistros with champagne brunches to mouthwatering bakeries filled with warm breads and luscious pastries, you haven’t experienced Paris until you’ve dined here.
Tallinn, Estonia
This little-known gem is quite a find by those who travel on Holland America. Wedged between Russia and Latvia, Tallinn is across the sea from Finland and Sweden. Red-tiled rooftops are significant of Tallinn as are water and cobblestone streets. This ancient city offers some truly unique excursions, which can be booked during your Holland America cruise. Castles, sculptures and vodka are the cornerstones of one walking tour that unfolds interesting sites in this medieval city. Spend the day discovering the most romantic aspects of this charming town or take in the local shops and boutiques while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
St. Petersburg, Russia
With its rich imperial past, St. Petersburg has some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the world. Catherine’s Palace, with its grandiose design of blue, white and gold, is a must-see while in St. Petersburg. Museums are also worthy excursions if you have a love for art. A truly regal city, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into the days of royalty.
Cairo, Egypt
The Mediterranean is also an exciting and intriguing port of exploration. Amid the wonders you’ll find in and around Cairo are the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Nile River. As the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World, these pyramids are something everyone who visits Egypt should see. Cross the desert and discover exotic wildlife or fill the shoes of Cleopatra, as you take a riverboat tour of the Nile. It truly is a unique experience that won’t be quickly forgotten.
If touring Europe and the Mediterranean in style is your idea of a grand vacation, Holland America has the ships and itineraries to make it happen. Discover the best these destinations have to offer when it’s time for your next getaway.
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 <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm">Alaska cruises</a>.
Cruising Reunions
Cruising Reunions by Dr. Earl R. Smith II Over the last couple of decades, as Executive Director of Nautical Options, I have arranged a wide variety of events on cruise ships. Many participants have experienced the wonders of cruising for the first time when we organized their friends and family reunion at sea. Often it had been held at a resort or some family members house. We helped them take it to sea . In almost every case the reunion, once taken to sea, remains at sea year after year. There are a whole raft of reasons why this seems to be the case. Here are just a few: 1. Ease of organization: Reunions typically depend upon one or two individuals who bear the burden of organizing and coordinating the schedules of widely dispersed family members. Even if the reunion is held at a resort, the coordination of air and ground transportation can be daunting at particular times of the year. Then there is the issue of arranging menus, meeting rooms and having the resort accommodate the scheduling needs of the group. Cruse based events are comparatively simple to organize ” particularly if you employ one of the companies like Nautical Options which specializes in them 2. Cost: Two things quickly become apparent after you have decided to take a family reunion to sea. The first is how much less expensive the event is. If you go through an organization which specializes in such events and can access the best rates, the cost of a cruise based reunion will be somewhere between 60 and 70% of the cost of the same event on land. The second thing you will notice is that a cruise based event is, by and large, a one line cost. By that I mean a single payment buys the cabin, all you can eat and unlimited, high quality food (watch out for the midnight chocolate buffet!) and all the distractions and entertainment that one could wish for. For the most part individual travelers will end up paying for their drinks, shore excursions, gambling losses and purchases in the many ports of call. 3. Onboard Entertainment: Cruise ships provide a wide range of on board activities. Every evening there is a Broadway-class show in the main lounge. In addition there are always musicians in the various smaller venues. Each day all sorts of organized activities are on offer. These range from dance classes and wine tastings to trivia games, art auctions, bingo, lectures on the next port of call and a myriad of others. In short, there is never a shortage of things for members of your group to do while onboard. 4. Meeting Rooms: This is where a company which specializes in organizing crews based events can really shine. At Nautical Options we handle all the arrangements for the meeting rooms as well as the arrangements for catering, entertainment and special events. We have managed birthday parties complete with cakes, karaoke competitions, special lectures and a whole range of other activities. 5. Ports of call: A cruise ship is a resort hotel that changes location every night. Each morning you wake up in a different place than where you went to sleep. Some mornings you wake up to a day at sea and the wonderful experience of enjoying the ship. On others you wake up in a new port of call and to all the amazing options that are available. Cruise lines organize a wide range of shore excursions in every port. All of the vendors are carefully screened and the shore excursions are carefully reviewed. In other words, you don t have to worry the cruise line has already done the worrying for you. In each port your group will disperse ” some on shore excursions, some just heading for the beach and others looking for bargains that are always available in the shops. Dinner becomes a wonderful sharing of experiences and a chance to wear that new shirt or goofy hat that you just could not pass up. 6. Having fun and building memories: Memories that live on and on: over the years I ve noticed one thing above all else. There s something about the experience of having a reunion on a cruise ship that keeps the memories alive year after year. I have had clients tell me that five or six years into a series of reunion cruises they still reminisce about the first ones. Other groups post their pictures on the internet and share them with friends and family. Cruising is an amazing experience by itself ” but, with your friends and family members, a reunion makes memories that endure. IMPORTANT - Publication/Reprint Terms - You have permission to publish this article electronically in free-only publications such as a website or an ezine as long as the bylines are included. - You are not allowed to use this article for commercial purposes. The article should only be reprinted in a publicly accessible website and not in a members-only commercial site. - You are not allowed to post/reprint this article in any sites/publications that contains or supports hate, violence, porn and warez or any indecent and illegal sites/publications. - You are not allowed to use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email) or SPAM. This article MUST be distributed in an opt-in email list only. - If you distribute this article in an ezine or newsletter, we ask that you send a copy of the newsletter or ezine that contains the article to drsmith[at]lngvw.com (replace [at] with @) - If you post this article in a website/forum/blog, ALL links MUST be set to hyperlinks and we ask that you send a copy of the URL where the article is posted to drsmith[at]lngvw.com (replace [at] with @) - We request that you ask permission from the author if you want to publish this article in print. The role of iSnare.com is only to distribute this article as part of its Article Distribution feature (http://www.isnare.com/distribution.php ). iSnare.com does NOT own this article, please respect the author’s copyright and this publication/reprint terms. If you do not agree to any of these terms, please do not reprint or publish this article.
About the Author: Dr. Smith is Executive Director of Nautical Options. You can contact Dr. Smith at drsmith@lngvw.com to arrange a free consultation.
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>.
The Master of Design: Joe Farcus, Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Architect
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Who in the world came up with these ideas? Aboard the Carnival Celebration you’ll find yourself transported into the heyday of New Orleans Mardi Gras. On Fascination and Hollywood, you can step back into the golden era of ocean liners with vintage designs throughout the ships. But who thinks up and executes these amazing design plans? Joe Farcus, that’s who!
Joe Farcus is the ship architect for Carnival Cruise Lines. It is his vision passengers see each time they step foot onto a Fun Ship . Raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Farcus always fantasized about ships. His constant sketching of ocean liners was no doubt part of the reason he pursued an architectural degree. After graduation from the University of Florida in 1967, Farcus landed his first Carnival project - the redesign of the Carnivale - while employed for a local architectural firm.
Described as bold, daring and sometimes even brash, Farcus creates interior designs from his heart and his imagination. Working from an initial central concept, Farcus expands from idea to application, as his vision touches every part of the ship. From atriums to restaurants to staterooms, full control of the aesthetics of the ship is placed in the hands of this one man, as he gives each ship its own distinct personality.
Miracle is whimsical with an array of fictional characters splashed about throughout her common areas. Spirit is refined, featuring a Louis XIV-inspired casino and Chippendale Internet Caf . Destiny is dazzling and bright with a towering mirrored atrium elevator that stretches nine-decks high.
Where do the ideas come from? The Amber Palace show lounge (on Glory) was fashioned after the Amber Room in Russia while the Starry Night Jazz Club (aboard Pride) was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting of the same name.
What lies ahead for future ships? Freedom, set to debut in 2007, will carry a central theme of Decades Through the Centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the Victorian era to 1970s disco and beyond, passengers will walk through time, as they sail the sea. When asked about the concept, Farcus replied, “I thought it would be interesting to go back in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms. As always, I tried to use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect the central design idea.”
And other ships? What does Farcus hold in store for them? Splendor is slated to enter service in the fall of 2008, and Carnival has a super liner (yet to be named) under construction and scheduled for delivery in fall 2009. “I design each ship to tell a story, and it gives me great joy to be able to share these stories with guests.” So much so, in fact, that Carnival will soon be broadcasting videos aboard ship highlighting Joe Farcus and his design process.
With a seemingly never-ending supply of brilliant design concepts, Joe Farcus will surely continue to contribute to the fun that the Carnival Fun Ships have become so famous for.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
Cruising - New Luxury Gigayacht Posted By : Henri Boulanger-7925
Cruising is increasingly popular around the Caribbean and Mediterranean - but for the ultra rich nothing beats a new yacht built in Monaco that can travel the world in comfort and security.