posted by admin on Jun 4
Review: Windstar Cruises Offers Unique Vacations Aboard Motor Sail Yachts
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
When the frantic, fast-paced flurry of most cruise vacations isn’t appealing to you, there is an exceptional alternative: Windstar Cruises.
Distinctive in every way, the most notable difference between Windstar and other cruise ships is the ships themselves. Not your standard luxury liner, Windstar voyages are aboard three stunning, intimate-sized motor sail yachts. With sails billowing in the breeze, you can head out to the far reaches of the world to many of the most sought-after destinations known to man.
Classic in every detail, Windstar cruises offer popular ports of call, luxurious amenities, access to everything onboard and a wide array of choices in dining and other options. Casinos, gourmet restaurants, spas and well-equipped fitness centers are among some of the appointments you’ll find, depending on which ship you choose. With a casually elegant atmosphere, Windstar Cruises also delivers some pleasantly unexpected alternatives as well.
Regardless of which ship you sail (Wind Star, Wind Sail or Wind Surf), these intimate-class vessels accommodate no more than 312 passengers. As you might expect, that equates to a level of personalized service unlike any other. From spa treatments to room stewards to dining staff, you’ll find your every whim accommodated with lightening speed. That’s absolute freedom!
In addition, your Windstar cruise also adheres to an open bridge policy. Stop by and introduce yourself to the captain and his crew, tour the bridge and discover the inner workings of a cruise ship. When you’re finished, make your way to the rear of the ship (aft) for skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water sports directly from the water platform of the vessel. (Did I mention they are complimentary?)
Destinations
But the ships themselves are only part of the cruise experience. Not to worry! The destinations available from Windstar offer a grand selection of classic favorites that bear visiting again and again.
St. Thomas and Barbados are frequent stops on Windstar voyages to the Caribbean. Ports in Rome, Athens, Barcelona and Nice are all called upon during weeklong European tours. Costa Rica offers a tropical playground virtually year round and is available to you at any time you choose. Or, for a regal cruise in the tradition of the majestic days of ocean travel, book a transatlantic crossing - two glorious weeks at sea. You’ll quickly discover why Windstar gets an amazing 60% repeat booking rate.
Atmosphere
Intimate and casually elegant, all the ships in the Windstar fleet give you an entirely new cruise experience. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of other overcrowded ships, Windstar’s philosophy is to make you right at home. Certainly exciting, always fun, these motor sail ships bring a more dignified air to cruising. It’s as if you’re sailing on your own private yacht with 300 friends.
Dining
As you might expect, the cuisine onboard Winstar vessels is second to none. With a restaurant and a veranda on each ship, you have a choice as to when and where to dine. Gourmet meals prepared to order by expert chefs are served daily for your enjoyment.
Generally catering to adults, Windstar proclaims, these adventures are “180 Degrees From Ordinary.” You’ll agree. With teak decking, granite-topped surfaces and elegant sails, Windstar gives every appearance of a world-class cruise ship.
If you’re a cruise enthusiast who is looking for a new direction for your next vacation, Windstar might have just what you’re looking for.
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/windstar_cruises.htm">Windstar cruises</a>.
5 Things To Consider When Planning Your Cruise
A cruise vacation is one of the most exciting activities for adventurous people. They prefer to explore different regions of the world rather than spending their time at home doing boring hobbies.
Going on a cruise vacation is more than a lifetime experience for them. Every time they go they get that satisfying feeling of experiencing different parts of the world.
Going on a cruise vacation will take your breath away! It is both a fascinating and engaging event for vacationers.
There is a lot of competition amongst the cruise ships. You will hear many things about what services they will offer to you. Because of this competition, the cruise ships have to present you with the best possible amenities.
Before going on your cruise vacation there are many things you need to consider. The primary things you need to figure out are the expenses, the cruise destination and the packaging.
As long as everything goes smoothly a cruise will always bring you enjoyment. You should have a plan. Planning out everything in advance will save you from all the hassles. Besides, a cruise it meant to be a relaxing and rewarding experience.
Planning is very important. Here are some things to help you out to ensure that your cruise will be a satisfying experience:
1. Find a package that will meet your needs - There are packages for single travelers as well as group travelers. Depending on the package, rates will vary.
If you are interested in a group package, be sure and make some inquiries into what’s available. Depending on your preference, many of the cruise lines offer several discounts.
2. Length of the cruise - This is a very important thing to include in your planning. Decide on how long your cruise vacation will be. Will it be for just a couple days or a couple weeks?
For a more thorough experience, look for a cruise that lasts a month or longer.
3. Itineraries - A cruise vacation is more exciting if you get to visit your most favored places in the world. Whether you want to spend your time alone or with your family, be sure to decide on which destination will fulfill your desires.
If you want to take your children along, choose a cruise destination that will enchant and excite them. Also, be sure to choose a cruise line that accommodates children.
Then again, if you have been going on cruises for several years, choose a destination that you have not visited before.
4. Cruise line - To learn about the amazing services that a particular cruise line offers, do your research and find out more. The easiest way to go about doing this is by surfing the net and visiting the websites of the different cruise lines.
What you need to be looking for in a cruise line is the fare (if it’s affordable) and the services and amenities it offers.
5. Ports - Make sure you plan your budget depending on which ports you plan to visit. To avoiding spending extra amounts of money make sure that the ports are accessible.
By getting yourself organized and planning your cruise vacation in advance your trip will be a much more rewarding experience. Cruising requires careful planning so that you can do everything you want to do without the headache when you it comes time to book your cruise.
If a cruise vacation is in your yearly plans, don’t visit the same destinations year after year. For instance, take your next cruise by visiting one of the more unconventional destinations. Have an open mind.
Do not limit yourself by booking the same package every year. When going on yearly cruises, one of your goals should be to experience different cultures and destinations.
Your cruise vacation can be a remarkable one. Proper planning will ensure that your cruise will be an unforgettable journey for you and your family as well as those who may come along with you.
Have fun,
Christian Baligad
Christian Baligad shows you how and where to find the best cruise deals, dealing with travel agents, the best times of year to travel, plus much more. Check it out now: <a href="http://cruisetravelinsights.theboneszone.com">Cruise Travel Resources</a>
Disney Cruise Posted By : Jack Lam
Cruising can be an affordable vacation alternative, and a Disney cruise will offer you a vacation experience like no other. Disney cruises are very popular options for families with children of all ages. Disney also handles the ship as well as the ability to charge for everything onboard, from merchandise, food, and specialty drinks.
Royal Caribbean's Freedom-Class Fleet: Newer, Bigger, Bolder
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With one of the newest fleets afloat, Royal Caribbean is beaming when it comes to their Freedom-Class ships. And with good reason! The namesake, “Freedom,” is currently touring the Caribbean and - if she is any indication - the others in the lineup will cause quite a stir in the cruise industry. Quite frankly, the Freedom class is impressive and offers some truly unique features.
At over 160,000 tons, each of the three ships in the Freedom-Class fleet carries 3,634 passengers at double occupancy. They also have several other things in common.
FlowRider - The first ever surf park at sea, the FlowRider is a blast! This exciting surfing ride gives you the feeling that you’re hanging ten on a Maui wave without ever leaving the ship. It may be wet and wild, but it’s also easy to master, so everyone can participate. Instructors are always on hand to help when needed.
H20 Zone - Kids and their parents get in on the water-filled fun, too, in the H20 Zone. Brilliantly colored hoops, mushrooms and other shapes sprinkle and splash you with water, as you cool off. No other ships have this type of innovative water park.
Solarium - If a little de-stressing is what you need, the Solarium with cantilevered whirlpools is just the ticket. With its rainforest motif, the Solarium extends 12 feet beyond the sides of the ship, so you get a view like no other! What could be more relaxing than feeling as if you’re floating across the ocean like a bird?
Rock-Climbing Wall - This massive tower is another Royal Caribbean first. Standing almost four stories high, this rock wall has 12 trails to follow. Guests of every activity level can give it a try! Your reward? Not only will you get some great exercise, but you’ll also find a breathtaking view at the top!
Full-Size Everlast Boxing Ring - Complete with safety gear, this is the first boxing ring at sea. Enjoy sparring sessions with fully qualified instructors, mirror boxing, speed bags, master bags, one-on-one training sessions and more. It’s bound to be a hit!
Ice-Skating Rink - Put on a pair of skates and chill out on this full-size ice-skating rink. It’s a great way to chill out after spending time in a tropical paradise.
Royal Promenade - Not just a glorified hallway with shops, this is Main Street U.S.A.! Cobblestone walkways, street performers and more make this a fun place to be. Shops, restaurants, bright colors, skylights and bridges are at every turn. You’ll find the unique as well as the familiar, like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
With so much in common, how could you possibly choose between these three ships? Look for their scheduled itineraries. “Freedom of the Seas,” launched in 2006, offers 32 captivating Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports of call, departing from 10 different cities. “Liberty of the Seas” will launch in May 2007 with a limited Caribbean schedule, including the wildly popular ports of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, St. Maarten and San Juan. And, coming in May 2008, “Independence of the Seas” will sail to classic European destinations.
Even if you’ve taken a dozen cruises before, sailing on a Freedom-Class ship is a must! With so many “firsts,” it will be a whole new vacation experience for you and your family.
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 on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a>.
Innovative and affordable Caribbean cruise vacation
Innovative Way In Which You Can discover the beautiful St-Vincent and the Grenadines
by Rachel Paradis
St. Vincent & the Grenadines are regarded by most as the “Jewels of the Caribbean”. Since primeval times, St. Vincent, our home base has been blessed with lush mountains, volcanic-rich soil and unspoiled landscapes of brilliant flora and beautiful crystal clear waters. Add to this the idyllic islands and deserted cays of the Grenadines and the entire country emerge as a prime eco-playground.
Health Vacation Custom Cruises offers the most innovative vacation packages available to anyone who loves to discover St-Vincent and the Grenadines, and several other Leewards and Windwards islands, very intimately, aboard the Jonalisa, a 60 foot luxurious privately owned and operated Canadian trawler yacht.
Until now you either could view these islands aboard a giant cruise vessel and from behind the ships side rails, docking now and then where the docking facilities permit it, mostly in larger commercial islands never being able to set a foot on those deserted islands and magical coves.
You can charter a boat or a Yacht locally owned and operated that comes with a captain and cook. Then if you’re not acquainted with this area you need to rely on your chartered captain for security, itineraries and food.
Health and Vacation Cruises offers a very customizable vacation itinerary that will allow you the opportunity to define the type of cruise and activities you wish to experience during your visit. Aboard the Jonalisa motor yacht you’ll enjoy one of the most unique charters and cruises experiences to be found in the world. Enjoy sunny weather and temperature averaging 85 Fahrenheit with a cooling breeze from the trade winds. Follow the sound of the wind and let experience professionals transport you to the beautiful St-Vincent and the Grenadines and several other Leewards and Windwards islands.
Dream holidays on a well-equipped, well-stocked yacht are not just for the rich and famous, they are within your reach, too. Just charter the Jonalisa motor yacht with and experienced knowledgeable staff and cruise off to your dream destinations in the West Indies. You can pick your own route, set your own pace, chose your own cuisines, chalk out your own itinerary, make stopovers whenever and wherever you feel like, and be the master of the yacht until you return to the shore and enjoy a dream vacation that will live in your memories for ever.
Ms. Rachel Paradis MA
President Health Vacation Cruises
She holds a master degree in industrial and organizational psychology. She has a vast knowledge of the Caribbeans and motor Yacht cruises.
The Health Vacation & Organizational Wellness team gathers professional practitioners in the fields of Health, Psychology, Business.
/www.health-vacation.com>
Ms. Rachel Paradis holds a master degree in industrial and organizational psychology and a professional business coach. The Health Vacation & Organizational Wellness team gathers professional practitioners in the fields of Health, Psychology, Business and Vessel management.