posted by admin on Jun 10
Brooklyn, New York Opens Its First Cruise Ship Port
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
In 2003, New York announced the grand opening of a new alternative port for cruise lines. Because ports in Florida were becoming more and more crowded, additional docking facilities in interesting cities on the Eastern Seaboard were needed to provide cruise lines with a new home port. The port has been wildly popular. So much so that another has been added in nearby Brooklyn.
The Red Hook terminal in a neighborhood in Brooklyn opened in April 2006 and welcomed its first permanent resident, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 (formerly docked in Manhattan). Located on the Buttermilk Channel, the Brooklyn terminal gave the first increase in New York cruise ship pier capacity in over 30 years. With the likes of Cunard and Princess cruise lines as eager residents, the terminal has already become a success. Most other major cruise lines have also assigned vessels to sail from Brooklyn.
Princess Cruise lines will launch the Crown Princess from the Brooklyn dock in June 2006 for a Caribbean cruise. From June to October, Princess will offer numerous Caribbean tours, including calls on ports in popular destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Grand Turk and Jamaica. Star Princess will begin cruises from Brooklyn in October 2006 visiting ports up and down the New England and Canadian seacoast.
But Brooklyn? It doesn’t seem like the most exciting location for a cruise ship port. On the contrary. While not normally publicized as a vibrant city with plenty to do, Brooklyn offers cruisers an opportunity to spend a few days in New York before or after their tour.
Very similar to Manhattan, Brooklyn offers a trendy nightlife as well as diverse cultures and eclectic cuisine. Bars, clubs and restaurants line the streets, offering a tremendous variety of options for visitors and locals alike.
If culture is your thing, Chinatown is always a wonderful experience. In addition, Flatbush offers the largest Caribbean population in the United States. In either place, you’ll delight in the authentic sights, sounds and tastes on every corner.
With spectacular views of many popular attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, the Red Hook terminal also offers exciting options for sightseers. However, New York City is just a short cab ride away and opens a virtual treasure trove of attractions, shows, museums and affairs.
Overall, Brooklyn offers greater value (with lower rates on hotels) and a central location, making it a wonderful choice for both vacationers and the cruise lines. If New York is closer for you than Florida, or if you’ve been longing to visit the Big Apple, consider booking your next cruise from the Red Hook terminal in Brooklyn. Your travel agent will have a complete listing of which cruise lines sail from Red Hook and the destinations available.
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 the best deals, including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
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.
Orissa Tour Operator
Eastern Wonders India has always been known for its rich cultures. The ancient traditions and mores are so many in number - it could fill volumes. Forget about the whole of India - even a small part of it has so much to say for itself. So why should one of its states be any exception? But Orissa has managed to do it with aplomb and beauty. Though there is so much to say, Pradakshina Tours Private Limited says it all through its website, which is a treat in itself. Wonderfully done, it does full justice to what the state has to offer. Set against the background of a beautiful beach, the site page presents true eastern glory. Every important tourist attraction is mentioned on the first page - whatever catches your fancy, you can enter. The thing that is really impressive about the website is the comprehensiveness with which they have put everything in without making it look crowded. They talk about the tourist attractions, main festivals, beaches, spiritual tours, wildlife-everything is so varied, but still it s all there. Quite impressive. In the midst of all this you also get hotel, transport and tour packages-talk about multitasking! Even the designing is uncluttered and very structured. All the information about the above mentioned is given as little tabs that stick out of a planner-very attractive and useful at the same time. So the verdict? Well, if you plan to go on a holiday, just log on to this site because not only will it make you want to go to Orissa, but you won t even have to ask others for information. For more details log on to http://www.orissatourism.in/
vikas is a author <a href="http://www.orissatourism.in/">Orissa Tour Operator</a>
A Cruise Review To Envision The Cruise Ship Experience
There are many vacation choices but for one with great options why not consider cruise travel. Read this cruise review to envision the cruise ship experience.
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If you want to go on a vacation with great options, you might consider taking a cruise. If you have never been a cruise ship before and you are not sure whether it would be perfect for you, read on. The cruise ship experience will be much clearer after you read this cruise review.
This article will not be endorsing or promoting a particular cruise line, but will just give you some glimpses of what cruise lines are offering to cruise passengers. This includes cruise destinations, various ranges of prices and amenities available.
In some cases cruise lines will proved an option of a pre or post-cruise stay at a hotel in the town where you embark or disembark. This is especially beneficial when you travel great distances to board your cruise ship. By using this option it actually affords you the ability to add on an extra port to explore before your cruise ship experience is over.
For instance, if your departure point is at Los Angeles, and you choose this option you will have time to visit famous places there such as Hollywood (the famous walk of stars) or Venice Beach (a funky hip beach town).
On the day of the cruise departure, you will be brought to the pier where your cruise ship is waiting for you. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to check in your luggage, get your boarding pass and board the ship. Your room steward will meet you and this is when you should tell the steward if you have any special needs or requests. For instance, I like two bath towels and a bucket of ice each afternoon. They want to make you happy so don t be shy.
It may take a couple of hours for your luggage to arrive so grab some lunch and then tour your cruise ship. Make any beauty and spa appointments now, on some days, like formal nights appointments sell out. Consider making these appointments on port days, especially if you have been to that port before. The salon/spa offer discounts if you book on those days. Roam around the first afternoon to see what delights are in store for you during your cruise ship experience.
You can enjoy several relaxing moments in the spa. Celebrity has what they call a Thalassotherapy pool, Princess has a swim against the current pool and Carnival has the giant slide into the outside pool. If you feel that you want to burn up some calories after all the wonderful meals, go to the fitness center which is equipped with modern state of the art equipment. Or you may feel like strolling around the promenade in that fresh salt air.
There are swimming pools aboard, both for adults and kids. Deck chairs and benches are also provided if you just want to watch your children enjoying the water in the pool.
Entertainment is also present in your cruising vacation. A state-of-the-art theater is provided for on-board entertainment. There will be Broadway like productions and children-oriented programs that are new and different everyday..
In case you are looking for a different entertainment, you can go to several theme bars or disco with live music open until the wee hours of the morning.
If you want to try your luck during your cruise travel, then there is an on-board casino where it features different games similar to what you see in Las Vegas.
There is a shopping center where you can find personal items and other things that you need while you are on-board. Here s one cruise tip, try to pack things like Rolaids, bandages and toothpaste from home; they are expensive on the cruise ship
Library and recreation centers are also found on the cruise ship. Almost all cruise ships have a lending library and most have a room for playing bridge.
Food is one of the vital services offered by cruise lines. The best chefs from around the world are hired to prepare and cook excellent meals to ensure that your on-board dining experience will be truly memorable.
There are formal dining areas, which have a formal dress code on certain nights.
If you are looking for more informal style of dining, there are snack bars, cafeteria, and a pizza parlor on-board, which generally are opened for meals on extended hours. Many times the cruise lines close down one half of their Lido caf © (this is where they have the buffet lunch and dinner) to offer a casual place to dine but they still use a menu and servers. All of the food, no matter which style you choose are covered in the cruise prices.
Cruise itineraries generally include stops at different ports each or every other day, depending on the schedule of the cruise ship you chose. You have the option of either staying aboard the ship or you may disembark to join other passengers on a guided tour. You are also free to explore on your own at each stop, but make sure you know the departure time of the ship.
Booking a cruise is simple. To get the best advice on cruise ships use the services of a travel agency. Read cruise reviews that you can find online to familiarize yourself on what each cruise line offers. Or, if you are already savvy to cruising, log on to the official site of a particular cruise line to check on itineraries and prices.
You will be provided information about destinations and cruise packages that are affordable. Discounts and special offers are also available for passengers.
Hopefully, this cruise review will give you some insight into what delights you will find during your cruise ship experience.
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
Cruise Food: Personal Choice Dining Makes A Big Splash
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
In the golden era of ocean voyages, everyone was called to a single seating of dinner in the main dining room of the ship. Whether you were hungry or not, whether you liked liver p t or not, you came and you ate when and what you were told. Special requests from first-class passengers may have been accommodated, but they were done so at the quiet protest of the chef. Dining aboard cruise ships today has made dramatic improvements in both variety and service.
Cruising is now broadly accepted among the masses as a cost-effective and fun vacation alternative. What was once reserved for only the wealthiest is now available to practically everyone. Catering to the masses, especially families with finicky children, has become the delight of chefs, rather than an insult. Stretching their creativity, most of those on the kitchen staff take pride in developing new dining alternatives that suit their guests.
Options In Cuisine
Princess Cruises is a good example. With the advent of Personal Choice Dining , Princess has not only taken the restrictions off typical cruise ship dining, it has also expanded options for its passengers. With “Anytime Dining,” guests find most of the eight restaurants open all day. Some are open 24 hours. While the main dining room still has two seatings, it is open for Anytime Dining during breakfast and lunch hours. This allows passengers to eat when they are hungry rather than when the cruise line dictates they should dine. But time isn’t the only advantage to Personal Choice Dining .
Options in cuisine have become much more diverse. Making concessions for every age and appetite, Princess offers a little something for everyone. From an onboard, upscale Italian restaurant to a refined steakhouse to burgers, dogs and pizza at the caf , adults and kids alike can enjoy what suits their fancies. In addition, guests can curb those midday (or midnight!) snack attacks with a 24-hour buffet, featuring finger sandwiches, aged cheeses, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream sundaes and more.
For those who prefer a more private way to dine, 24-hour room service is available with a full menu. Simply fill out the card provided in your stateroom, and any cuisine you desire from the dining room - including steak and lobster - will be delivered to you at the time you indicate. If you desire to dine on your balcony, your server will be glad to accommodate.
Dressing For Dinner
While the main dining room does have nights where formalwear is required, other dining options onboard allow passengers to dress in whichever attire they choose. Visit the buffet in your swimsuit and flip-flops, throw on shorts and a tank top for the late-night bistro or don your khakis and golf shirt for the steakhouse and other onboard restaurants.
If you’ve been under the mistaken impression that cruising means tuxedos and entr es with names you can’t pronounce, relax! Those days are long gone. Princess Cruises and other lines now have much more casual options you and your family can take advantage of. Eat when you want, where you want, what you want and make everybody happy!
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/princess_cruise_line.htm">Princess cruises</a>. Visit them today!
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>.
Resolving to Get Fit for the New Year? Cruising Is the Way to Go!
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Countless people make New Year’s resolutions to get into shape and lose weight. Many of them fail reportedly due to lack of motivation, support or a viable plan. There is a new trend developing among fitness enthusiasts, however, that overcomes these three obstacles while delivering luxury, scrumptious food and fun. What’s the trend? Cruising into shape.
Cruise ships have offered well-equipped fitness centers on their vessels for years. However, with fitness and nutrition experiencing an increase in popularity, many ships have taken great strides to create an atmosphere that nurtures a healthy lifestyle without compromising the lavish cruise experience. With onboard fitness instructors, innovative and fun exercise opportunities and healthy gourmet meals, a cruise ship has become the perfect starting point for your New Year’s resolution.
Fun Is the Key to Exercise
If you don’t enjoy exercise, chances are you won’t keep up any fitness routine you establish. But with exciting activities available to you 24/7, you can quickly discover new ways to keep moving while having a blast.
For example, instructor-led aerobics, stretch and cardio classes are available on most cruise ships as are jogging tracks, volleyball (on deck or in the pool) and dancing. With professionally created fitness sessions designed to be fun, it doesn’t seem like exercise at all. Royal Caribbean offers ice skating, rock climbing, trampolines and even boxing. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) provides a bowling alley and basketball while Holland America offers personal trainers plus yoga and Pilates classes.
Each cruise line has its own key fitness features, so check for the one(s) that pique your interest.
Exceptional Dining for Those on a Diet
But what about the food? One of the greatest pleasures of cruising is indulging in gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs. Fitness buffs are often nervous about entering a den of food sin and blowing everything they have worked for. The question that is often asked is, “Can I indulge and not regret it later”? The answer is a resounding yes!
The cruise lines constantly have their pulse on public opinion. That includes requests for amazingly delicious meals that offer less fat, sugar and other undesirable carbs. These flavorful meals are just as luxurious, just as tempting and will have you feeling just as spoiled. All without any guilt.
You can even make special dietary requests before you embark on your voyage. Check with your cruise line for details.
What better way to get into shape than while surrounded by a staff that can pamper and spoil you 24/7? Would you rather suffer through the beginning stages of shaping up or be counseled and aided by personal trainers? Would you rather starve yourself with rabbit food or dine on scrumptious meals prepared by professional chefs? Would you rather pound out mile after mile on a gym treadmill or take part in activities that get you moving while having the time of your life?
If you’re serious about shaping up, then you won’t find any better place to begin (or to maintain!) than a voyage at sea.
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>.
Know The Ins And Outs Of A Cruise Vacation, Part 1
Author Michael Podlesny explains: This article is the first part of a 3 part series on choosing a cruise as your vacation destination. The author goes into detail about important points before you even book it.
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.
