posted by admin on Jul 5
Transatlantic Cruising - A Regal Route from England to the U.S.
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
There is something that every person should experience at least once in his/her life a transatlantic cruise. While the experience in and of itself is amazing, the grandeur is increased all the more when you choose a vessel suited for majesty, such as the Queen Mary 2.
In the tradition of the great ocean liners of the past, you’ll find yourself surrounded by splendor at every turn aboard a vessel that can only be described as “royalty afloat.” As feelings of relaxation and complete security wrap around you, you’ll begin to explore the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) and discover all there is to do during your six-night voyage.
Enrich Yourself
Onboard, you’ll find the world-famous Canyon Ranch SpaClub and a state-of-the-art gym. In addition, QM2 also offers delightful programs designed to help you enrich yourself by expanding your horizons.
Learn the art of acting under the instruction of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Discover the worlds of space and the sea through seminars held onboard at the first planetarium at sea and lecture halls. From culinary classes to book signings to workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, every passenger will find a world of interesting and imaginative activities to participate in.
Indulge in All the QM2 Has to Offer
Exceptional cuisine awaits while dining onboard with 10 restaurants serving a wide variety of food from classic to exotic. The main dining room plays host to some amazing meals created by world-famous, award-winning-chef Todd English. From casual buffets to full-service Asian, Italian or American restaurants, you’ll find dining to be one of the many pleasures the QM2 has to offer.
Your stateroom boasts amenities not normally found aboard other vessels. Over 75% of the ship s cabins offer balconies, decks and/or ocean views, meaning you can enjoy even more of the transatlantic experience. From affordable interior cabins to expansive “Queen” suites with abundant luxury, you can select the stateroom that offers the amenities you most desire.
As your body and mind begin to unwind and settle, you’ll relish in the feelings of pampering and utter safety knowing you and your family are secure onboard an ocean-faring vessel.
A Unique Experience for Children
Children will enjoy cruising onboard the QM2, too. With two children’s centers - the Play Zone and The Zone - kids from ages 1 to 12 will find age-appropriate activities and games. Supervised entertainment is available, including board games, computers, a splash pool and other interesting and enlightening activities. Authentic English nannies are also provided to care for the toddlers.
Transporting People and Packages
Not only an elegant way to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, but a transatlantic cruise is also practical as well as relaxing. With no weight limits on baggage or other goods (such as the ones airlines impose), passengers can easily transport thousands of pounds in the storage areas of the ship.
Works of art, souvenirs, antiques, furniture, personal belongings and more can be stowed onboard at no additional charge. This feature makes transporting such items much more affordable and aids with ensuring the safe arrival of your valued belongings.
Four-legged Friends Are Welcome
The QM2 also accommodates pets. Unlike with airline travel, your pets will be housed in approved kennels operated in conjunction with Pet Travel Scheme to ensure they are comfortable and well cared for. Of course, during the voyage, you are welcome to visit with and walk your pet daily. How comforting it will be for them to see a familiar face regularly during their cruise.
What a delightful, safe and entertaining way to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Why book airfare between the U.K. and the U.S., when you can travel in regal style?
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.
A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations
An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.
What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?
The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.
If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?
No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.
Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?
Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.
Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?
Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.
Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?
No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.
Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?
Here again, use the air deviation plan.
How do I get from the Airport to the ship s pier?
If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.
Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don t book your flight through the Cruise Line?
If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you
use your transfer.
How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?
They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.
How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?
You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.
What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?
If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.
There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.
The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.
There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you d pick for yourself.
You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.
The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.
Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.
When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.
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