posted by admin on May 17
Quick tips to plan your travel to Croatia from Italy
After many years of conflict throughout the former Yugoslavia, the area is now enjoying a period of peace and stability and has become a very popular tourist destination indeed. In the last ten years Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, and it is not surprising really, if we consider what Croatia has to offer to travellers.
There you will find the Mediterranean as it once was, framed in a total coastline of over 6000 km of mild climate nature, beautiful mountains with forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, friendly and simple people, inexpensive and convenient
Croatia boasts some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe: the Croatian coast is an absolute wonder to behold! The country has a long and colourful history, and this is most evident in the various architectural styles on show in its towns, cities and islands. Some of the country’s most beautiful buildings, many of them former churches, have since been renovated into hotels and guesthouses, offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to get a real taste of Croatia.
WHAT TO DO THERE
Once there, all you have to do is choose where you’re going to stay and what you’re going to do with your time. Accommodation wise, Croatia caters for all budgets and all tastes, from five star city-centre hotels that cater for your every need, to basic camping sites up in the country’s numerous national parks. As for activities; you can hit the beach and go diving, sailing, or just take it easy and while away the hours sunbathing; hit the shops and take advantage of the good exchange rate; go sightseeing and learn about Croatia’s rich history; or be adventurous and go rafting along the river. And, if you are a gourmet and a connoisseur of fine food, or simply like tasty and healthy food, you will certainly more than enjoy Croatia. the choice is yours.
TRAVELLING TO CROATIA
Due to the long, narrow shape of the country, much of Croatia’s land is situated by the sea. As a result, boat and ferry travel has become an important means of transport to both local people and visiting tourists, and it can be considered a relatively comfortable and enjoyable way of getting around Croatia. There are plenty of ferry services operating in and out of the various ports. Many of these simply run domestic services up and down the coast and across to the beautiful islands dotted around the Adriatic, but a growing number of routes are being established that link Croatia with other countries, with Italy being the best served with a number of good services running daily.
Getting to Croatia from Italy by Ferry, there are a few things you should take into consideration, like the frequency of the Ferry services, booking rules, and places where buy tickets
Although passenger and car ferries do operate throughout the year, Car ferries to and from Croatia get extremely busy during the summer and it is advisable to book your ticket well in advance. This can be done at the various ticket offices located in travel agencies, but what we strongly recommend is to get in touch with a professional agency, to get all you need in one simple stop. That’s what Traghetti Croazia, can do for you! General information’s, timetables, tickets, travel assistance and much more, to help you booking with ease your ferry tickets from Ancona, Venezia end Pescara ports. Traghetti Croazia Agency is now open 24/24 and this will speed up and simplify the whole process for you.
Roberto Gardenti is a travel enthusiast and has to travel frequently to places like Croatia, Corsica and other popular tourist destinations. To find out more about what he suggested here regarding ferries to Croatia please visit <a href="http://www.traghetti-croazia.it">Traghetti Croazia</a> at <a href="www.traghetti-croazia.it">www.traghetti-croazia.it</a>
You Don t Cruise, You Lose!
Mexico offers a wide variety of options for cruisers Cruises to Mexico aren t what they used to be they re much, much more. Whether you re single or married, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008! While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world s top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year. According to recent statistics released by Mexico s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico s ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico s Communications and Transportation Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006. Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone s throw from the country s leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public s desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three or four different destinations. According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico s newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006. As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises. Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings: Sun salutations The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix. Food & wine The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York s Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting. Mickey on board Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico s western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded fitness and spa center for adults. Low carbs and smart kids Carnival s Fun Ships will make more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness. Gay travel Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Clothing optional For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico. Blind cruises Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for the blind to Mexico. Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. # # # Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com
Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.
Activities for Children under Twelve on a Cruise Ship
This article will help give you information about taking a cruise vacation and having fun with children under twelve. It explains what the children of this age will have to look forward too. Enjoy reading the article. Every year, a great number of folks make the choice to take a cruise. Cruise ships are a wonderful place to have your next vacation. If given the chance, a lot of parents would prefer to take a cruise all by themselves. This isn t due to a lack of love, but because of a common misunderstanding among parents and cruise ships. Many folks, including parents, think that cruise ships are not intended for children, but that is basically not true. If you are the parent of a child under the age of twelve, you may be thinking about whether or not they should go along with you on your next cruise. If you are able to financially afford an extra ticket, you are urged to think about bringing your child along. Not only will a cruise be unforgettable to your child, but it will be thrilling. That is because a great number of cruise lines have customized their cruise ships to kids of all ages, definitely for those under the age of twelve. If you have until now to reserve your cruise ship reservations, you are urged to keep cruise ship activities in mind. The activities for kids, below the age of twelve, will differ from ship to ship. That is why it is imperative that you investigate every ship before making a decisive conclusion. Regardless of the fact that activities will differ from ship to ship, there are a lot of activities geared to kids, below the age of twelve, which can be located on roughly all cruise ships. One of the many well-liked activities located aboard a cruise ship is gaming. Arcade rooms are customary on the majority of cruise ships. They present kids, below the age of twelve, a secured place to have fun and be a child. A lot of cruise ship arcade rooms are employed with cruise ship workers but this should not discourage you from keeping an eye on your child. When leaving them unaccompanied in an arcade room, you are urged to use your finest judgment. So far you have read a little on some cruise activities for children twelve and under. Does it answer your question on whether it makes sense to bring your child or children? Read on and learn more about cruise activities for your children. Another fun activity for kids, below the age of twelve, includes swimming. All vacation cruise ships are outfitted with a swimming pool. Additionally wading pools and an adult sized swimming pool can regularly be located aboard a number of well-liked family themed cruises. As with the arcade room, you are urged to use your best judgment when letting your children swim unattended. Lifeguards will be on duty; although, they can t always assure the security of your child. In addition to an arcade room and a swimming pool, a majority of cruise ships have an onboard performance stage or a movie theater. A great number of cruise lines present family friendly plays, movies and other performances. Children, below the age of twelve, may notice that these movie showings and performances are fun and exciting. To decide if performances and movie showing are aimed to those below twelve, you are urged to verify a cruise ship s schedule. A ship s itinerary can be inspected with or without earlier booked reservations. Cruise ship dining facilities and restaurants are likely to accommodate children below the age of twelve. A lot of restaurants present children s menus. These menus are likely to contain tasty but kid sized meals. The expense of your children s meals will differ from ship to ship; but many cruise ships present discounts on meals for children below the age of twelve. Cruise ship childcare centers are services that help both parents and their kids. While on a family vacation, even you need to relax. For a small fee or even free, you should be allowed to leave your children in the care of an experienced and trained childcare employee. Because a cruise ship is likely to have travelers of all different ages, a lot of childcare facilities are arranged together by ages. As with a majority of other ship services, you will find that a cruise ship s childcares rules may differ from another s. The above mentioned services, facilities, and activities are just a small number of the many that are aimed at children, aged twelve and below. If you are pleased with the above mentioned facilities, activities and services, you may want to think about arranging your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship. This article should have given you the information you needed for your decision on whether to take your young children with you on your cruise. Hopefully that decision is an astounding YES. You can take your children on a cruise where you and the children will have a lot of fun and no worries.
A cruise can be a luxury vacation without the luxury costs. For more information on budget and cruise traveling visit us at http://www.quickcash2u.com/Cruise.html. K Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is an excellent source of cruise and travel information and much more key financial information.
Celebrity Cruises To Launch Two Retrofitted Ships In 2007
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Celebrity Cruises has recently been bestowed with two established ships as a result of parent-company Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of Spanish Pullmantur. These intimate-size vessels will each undergo retrofitting in dry dock before taking to the seas under the banner of Celebrity Cruises.
The ships will be very similar in size and amenities, but will differ greatly in their itineraries. Outfitted with the standard Celebrity Cruises compliments, each vessel will provide open seating in restaurants, a casually elegant atmosphere, two specialty restaurants plus:
Michael’s Club - A piano bar serving cocktails of all types.
Martini Bar - Offering over 20 types of martinis.
Aquaspa - A unique Celebrity inclusion designed to provide the utmost in pampering including acupuncture at sea.
Sensory Heaven spa treatments by Elemis.
Enrichment Activities - Take a culinary class, speak one to one with prominent authors and more.
Gourmet cuisine provided by world-class chefs.
Celebrity was recently voted “The Best Cruise Ships In the World” for the fifth consecutive year by Conde’ Nast Traveler. Living up to its reputation, Celebrity will spend over $70 million dollars on upgrades, the most impressive of which will include:
15 different classes of cabins.
In-cabin spa treatments.
Butler and concierge service for every cabin onboard (not just suites).
With a capacity of just over 700 passengers and one staff member for every two guests, these two new ships will give visitors plenty of opportunities for exceptional services.
Celebrity “Journey”
Previously deemed “Blue Dream” while flying the Pullmantur flag, Celebrity Cruises has renamed this ship “Journey.” She will set sail in May 2007 with a Bermuda itinerary, which will continue through October. “Journey” will then set course for truly unique destinations including Antarctica, Brazil and Chile.
Celebrity “Quest”
The second of the siblings sailed under the name of “Blue Moon” prior to the acquisition. Named “Quest” by Celebrity, this ship is scheduled to launch in October 2007 with a schedule of Caribbean itineraries. Her destinations will change several months after her maiden voyage to more exclusive ports of call including St. Barts, St. John, Santa Marta, Grand Turk and others.
For those who prefer a cruise experience that is more intimate, but still holds a high level of excitement and intrigue, Celebrity promises “Journey” and “Quest” will deliver.
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/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
Alaska Cruises Are The Ideal Way To Visit Alaska And Experience The Unique Alaskan Cruise Wonders.
Have you ever wanted to go to Alaska and explore the unique beauty of this state? Try planning your vacation by taking an Alaska Cruise. An Alaskan cruise can take you to the great wonders of this majestic place.
Most of you have not experience the Alaskan cruise experience. This is because when someone talks about cruises, people tend to think about beautiful and exotic beaches of the tropical paradises of the Caribbean. Cruise vacations in Alaska also exist, and anyone can enjoy a relaxing Alaskan cruise with all the amenities and services you would get on a cruise vacation in the Caribbean.
Alaska cruises offer a lot of things to vacationers or tourists different from what you would usually find on a regular cruise in a tropical paradise. If you want something different for your vacation, why not consider taking a vacation cruise in Alaska.
One great feature of Alaska cruises is that most cruises to Alaska give you the chance to experience pleasurable things onboard and also view the incredible glaciers and varied wildlife unique to Alaska. This type of vacation is perfect for the whole family.
Alaska is the 49th state in the U.S. It is known for being cold. There are so many things that someone can enjoy and witness in this state. Most people feel that Alaska is incomparable especially for cruising and discovering. It is the largest state of the United States of America with lands reaching up to 586,000 square miles. Just imagine the many things that you will enjoy on an Alaskan cruise.
Here are some of the attractions available that will fill you with fun and awe.
Wildlife
Helicopter trip
Train rides
Bus trip to Denali State Park
King Salmon fishing
Most people would say that it would take two lifetimes to experience all of these things. But on an Alaska Cruise, you will experience them in a week or two.
With the Alaska s huge wilderness, it will give you the chance to viewing nature from up close or from a distance. For instance, cruisers will have the chance to witness the large eagle population in this part of the world. It will definitely amaze you, whether you re a nature lover or just a curious person who wants to see these wonderful birds in flight. Alaskan cruises offer a view of huge glaciers and snow capped mountains.
This incomparable trip on an Alaskan Cruise will be a memory that you will cherish. Witness the glacier formations and the remarkable waterfront towns. An Alaskan cruise will certainly invite you to discover and observe Alaska s unique beauty and magnificence.
One of the best means to view this incredible state is by cruising the Inner Passage. Being on one of Alaska cruise ships is the best and easiest ways to discover the wonders of Alaska in comfort and style.
In addition, on an Alaskan cruise all the basic needs such as the meals, transportation and accommodation have already been handled and cruisers have the choice of selecting any events and activities in which to participate.
You will also have the opportunity to go whale watching or have a helicopter ride that lands on a glacier. It all depends on which town you drop by. Another fun excursion is to take a ride on the amazing White Pass Railroad. Or you could experience a jeep trip on different roads and off road trails.
Each town you visit will have their own unique culture and beauty with many historical events. Museums are also available where you can find out all about Alaska s history and culture.
Visiting Alaska in fall will let you experience the fantastic light display of the Aurora Borealis.
Many people believe that Alaska got all the wonders that the nature can give, from the world s most popular parks and volcanoes to the mighty glaciers and Fjords.
Because of Alaska s unique beauty it is expected that Alaska will soon become one of the most famous and favorite cruise vacation destination of every cruiser. Make Alaska a destination that you have visited and enjoyed.
What are you waiting for?
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.
About the Author Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida which allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Gardening, Cruising and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseGold.com, and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com
Marine Radar Posted By : Vikram Kumar
Boaters equipped with radar can more confidently expand their cruising grounds without feeling completely at the mercy of darkness or the sudden approach of squalls.