posted by admin on Jun 10
Experience An Alaska Whale Watching Cruise
An Alaska whale watching cruise is one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. When you take this cruise, not only will you view the some of the most majestic sites in the world, you will also see some of the world’s beautiful whales in their natural habitat.
The largest schools of Orca, Humpback, Beluga and gray whales are found in the waters of Alaska. On an Alaska whale watching cruise, you can see these incredible creatures frolicking in their native waters. Although all these types of common to the Alaska waters, only the Orca and Humpback whales can be seen frequently.
The Humpback whale has a long tail flipper with edges that are oddly shaped. Their color is usually black with a white patch on their throats and bellies. Their size is extremely large, and when they are seen with humpback whales whose favorite trick is to jump in the air, it is a sight to behold.
Orca whales are also known as killer whales. They can be recognized from a distance from their black and white markings and their tall dorsal fins. They can also be identified from a distance by the vapor that is present when they surface.
When you are out on an Alaska whale watching cruise, it is almost a certainty that you will see the whales do some tricks while they are frolicking. A trick that the whales perform often is called skyhopping. This trick is done when the whale projects itself into the air nose first from the water to stand vertically in the air. If the whale is really strong, it can hold up half of its body weight.
Another trick that you are likely to see on an Alaska whale watching cruise is call lobtailing. This is when a whale lifts its massive tail and slaps the water to create a large splash. This is similar to what dolphins do.
Another favorite trick that whales perform is to do a breach or lunge. This is completed when the whale lunges out of the water and slams the surface of the water on its side. Lunging generates more power then the other routines performed.
Although whales are what draw curious tourists to take an Alaska whale watching cruise, there are many other types of natural Alaska wildlife to see. You will see bears and moose grazing in their favorite fields to millions of birds in the nesting habitat. Sea lions and otters are abound in Alaska; you will enjoy watching their playful games. You will find interested and exotic wildlife wherever you turn.
One of the most unforgettable sites that you will see is the incredible glaciers in Alaska. These magnificent mountains of ice will capture your attention with their beautiful reflections of the suns rays.
When you are planning the perfect Alaska vacation, do not forget that there are plenty of recreational activities in Alaska. The favorites being kayaking and fishing.
An Alaska whale watching cruise is one of the most unforgettable experiences that you will ever have. It offers you the sites of all of nature’s creatures both big and small living together in harmony and beauty.
An Alaska cruise is the experience of a lifetime. With the fresh, natural landscapes and wildlife, Alaska cruises continue to grow in popularity. In fact, Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations of all the cruise lines worldwide. Read more about <a href="http://www.enjoythecruise.com/alaska_cruise.htm">Alaska cruises</a> here => http://www.enjoythecruise.com/alaska_cruise.htm
Carnival Cruise Line's Chairman Heats Things Up
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Standing on the deck of the ship Carnivale in 1984, Micky Arison (then president) announced a new direction in the Carnival Cruise Line advertising program. The theme? “We’ve got the fun.” It was the following campaign that released the slogan that is still used by Carnival today: Fun Ships . This shifting of direction - at the leading of Arison - was one element that catapulted Carnival from a line with one 950-passenger ship to the fireball that it is today.
Turning Up the Heat
That’s not surprising when you consider Arison is often associated with heat. He’s turned up the heat on many other lines as he progressed through his merger and acquisition plan over the last several years. Some of his conquests include Princess Cruise Line as well as luxury icon Cunard Line.
At the time he bought Cunard (in 1998), Arison had a vision of taking this once regal line and restoring her to the glory for which she had become famous. In 2004, Arison announced the christening of the largest, longest, highest and most expensive ship ever built: The Queen Mary 2 amid a flurry of worldwide media coverage. With the complete refitting of the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the upcoming addition of the Queen Victoria, Cunard will have three queens ruling the high seas.
But putting the heat on the competition isn’t all Arison is known for. He is also the managing general partner of the Miami Heat basketball team, which he inherited from his father, Ted. Arison will quickly tell you, however, that his management style is anything but hot. Joking about not being exciting, Arison said he purposely does little to draw attention to himself.
Owning the Heat
Unlike other NBA team owners, you won’t see him rushing the court to have words with a referee or launching his own Internet blog to voice his opinion about the state of NBA affairs. His idea of going crazy at a game? Wearing a “Go Heat” t-shirt or glaring with folded arms at a ref he disagrees with. Arison proclaims he simply is not out for attention.
Creating Some Heat
A major contributor to reinventing the cruise vacation, Arison is partially credited for breaking down the previous stereotypes and roadblocks average people faced when it came to cruising. The image of cruising has shifted from one of sheer exclusivity for the upper class to a fun-filled, family outing that is both thrilling and affordable.
Arison has expanded his empire by allowing practically everyone to experience the excitement and adventure cruise vacations offer. By attracting flocks of middle-class people who want to explore the world via sea, Carnival Cruise Line has managed to invent and capture an entirely new customer segment that has rewarded it with enormous growth and profits.
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/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
Take Your Cruise Vacation From The Philadelphia Cruise Port
There are now cruise lines that depart the Philadelphia cruise port from early spring to late fall. All of the cruise lines are now making cruise travel a close to home event. The Philadelphia cruise port has undergone a $15 million dollar upgrade to enable it to handle cruising using state of the art facilities. Normally if you mentioned cruising, the Port of Philadelphia would never come to mind, but thanks to the new cruise lines marketing of close to home cruise travel, the Philadelphia cruise port has become very popular. Since this new concept of cruise travel, thousands more people have chosen a cruise vacation.
The Philadelphia cruise lines include Norwegian Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises, both offering cruise vacations to Bermuda. The Philadelphia cruise port is uniquely situated; 62 million people live within a five mile drive. And Philly has so much to offer. There are first class hotels, good transportation, colorful neighborhoods and lots of history. All of it is within walking distance. As the tourism board says when it is touting the Philadelphia Cruise Port, it is Americas “Berthplace”.
The United States Constitution was written in Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell lies directly across from it. In Independence Hall the chair that George Washington sat in and Thomas Jefferson’s walking stick are on view. A short distance away is the house where Betsey Ross sewed the American flag. At Penn’s Landing is the Independence Seaport Museum, a delight for people who love the sea. There is also the Reading Market, the oldest continually running marketplace in the US. The Amish people bring their homemade items to sell Wednesdays through Saturdays. Don’t forget to eat a Philly Cheese steak then run up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like Rocky.
For people who choose to take their cruise vacation from here, the Philadelphia cruise port is five minutes from interstate 95. Parking is plentiful and will run you about $10.00 per day. If you fly in to take your cruise vacation, taxis are a flat rate of $20.00 from the airport to Philadelphia’s Cruise Terminal.
After boarding one of the cruise lines, you will most likely leave the Philadelphia cruise port at 3:00 PM. Use this time to explore your cruise ship and to unpack and settle in. Make any appointments you want on this day as spa and beauty appointments go fast. Tonight will be a causal night for dinner. The next day you will have a leisurely day at sea to do what ever you want. This night will probably be formal night and will be billed as the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
The next day is exciting because you will land at St. George Island at two o’clock. Head to St. Catherine’s Fort, built in the 1600’s, it has spectacular views of the ocean. Go inside to view a replica of the British Crown Jewels and various military paraphernalia. St. Catherine’s Beach is at the foot of the Fort and is one of the nicest beaches around.
Bermudas oldest church, St. Peter’s, contains many relics. You will have to climb many steps but it is worth it. Don’t forget to visit King’s Square where you can view pillories, stocks and whipping posts the favored form of punishment in the 16th and 17th centuries.
You will overnight on your cruise ship at St. George Island, departing the next day at 7:00 AM for Hamilton, Bermuda, arriving there at 9:00 AM. You have the whole day and night to explore the historic Churches, Forts, Lighthouses and Museums. You may just want to go to their beautiful blue water beaches. Wonder over to the Royal Naval Dockyard or opt to experience swimming with the dolphins. Once again you will overnight on the cruise ship and depart the next morning at 8:00 AM.
You will have another day at see before returning to the Port of Philadelphia
Now that you know about the Philadelphia cruise port and their cruise lines, call your travel agent and book a cruise vacation.
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
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.
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.
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!
