posted by admin on Jul 14
Cruise To The Bahamas - Without Getting Sick
A cruise to the bahamas can prove to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. You can spend time relaxing on gorgeous beaches, visit historical sites and soak up nature’s beauty at numerous locations … all while enjoying the amenities of a four star resort. However, some people do get “traveler’s sickness”. Fortunately, there are different ways to prevent it.
To begin with, it is necessary to know a bit about this medical condition, as it affects at least fifty percent of all tourists who visit third world countries every year. E.coli bacteria that nest in your digestive tract cause it. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition include frequent loose tools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and bloating. In many cases, people suffer dehydration and need to be hospitalized. Though there are a number of treatments for this travel disease, but none are as effective as the course of time itself.
In order to avoid this medical condition, you need to avoid drinking tap water. Almost everyone in the country drinks tap water and uses it for a number of purposes. Hence, the digestive tracts of the locals are attuned to the bacteria present in the water. But, it is not safe to drink tap water and so, it is better to boil water for at least ten minutes before you drink it. Even a tiny drop can contain the bacteria that can make you sick. Whenever you buy bottled water, make sure the bottle is sealed, as it might be filled with tap water if the bottle is tampered. Avoid eating salads in the restaurants as their leaves are generally washed with tap water.
Eating fruits with a peel or washed with bottled water is another way of preventing Traveler’s Sickness. Besides you can also avoid eating food that is sold by street vendors. The food might appear very tempting, but such food can harm you more than anything else.
The fourth way to prevent this medical condition is to avoid places that serve pre-cooked and preserved food. Bacteria form on food as soon as it cools. However, the re-warming process does not kill the bacteria formed on the food.
Some useful tips are as follows:
- Try to include safe and hygienic items like freshly prepared dishes that are served steaming hot. - Eat meats that have been cooked to order. - Eat only peeled and properly washed fruits. - Enjoy more of breads and baked foods. - Indulge more in hot beverages like coffee and tea. - Drink bottled or canned cold drinks. - Avoid ice, uncooked vegetables or unwashed peeled fruits, cold salads, buffets and roadside food.
Your cruise to the Bahamas can be an experience of a lifetime, provided you follow certain important tips.
We also highly recommend that you checkout the Travel Secrets Guide before you plan your next <a href="http://www.cruise-to-the-bahamas.com">cruise to the Bahamas</a>. This resource will show you how to save hundreds of dollars while getting better service and having a more enjoyable trip. You can find it by going to: http://www.cruise-to-the-bahamas.com In the resource you'll get all the tips and tricks from a veteran traveler. Again, we do highly recommend it and you can check it out by going to http://www.cruise-to-the-bahamas.com
Celebrity Cruise Line Review
Every year when I take my vacation, I use Celebrity Cruises. I choose Celebrity Cruises because they never give me any trouble, and they are simply fabulous. Celebrity Cruises aren’t just about cruising, they have enrichment programs, which means I can learn something new on holiday. Last year I took a wine tasting class, and I am looking forward to sampling some of the lecture series, which are either informative or inspirational. The programs are very well developed, and the instructors are experts. My sister learned more computer skills when she took part in the program, and she really liked the instructor. My bridge instructor was also an amazing bridge player, I learned so much. I really appreciate the religious services that are offered on Celebrity Cruises. There are church services every day, and there is always a Roman Catholic priest on the ship as well. I didn’t really use the services, but if you are religious, your needs are well taken care of by Celebrity Cruises. When it comes to shows, Celebrity Cruises is great. There are so many different shows you can see, even one called ‘A Taste of Cirque Du Soleil, I’ve never seen it, but I love Cirque Du Soleil, and I bet the show is great. The shopping is awesome too. I have purchased some mementos from Celebrity Cruises that I treasure very much, like a silk flower arrangement that came from the Emilio Robba store. There’s also always a guide to let me know where to shop at the various ports we visit. The guide is so useful, and its just another way that Celebrity Cruises helps guests enjoy their vacation. When I relax on board, I love to do it at the Martini Bar. They have 26 different Martinis, and they’re always served in a chilled glass. There are several different bars on every ship, and the atmosphere is just brilliant when you visit them. Celebrity Cruises are experts at creating a beautiful ambiance for guests to enjoy.
To read other great articles on all of the different cruise vacation options avaliable to you then check out: http://www.enjoythecruise.com
Over 40 New Cruise Ships Planned To Launch By 2010
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Cruise enthusiasts have been in a gleeful state over the last year due to the abundance of new ships that have launched. If that’s what makes you happy, you ought to find yourself delirious with joy over the announcements about 40+ new ships to take to the seas during the next three-years.
Practically every major cruise line has plans for a least one new vessel: Many have three or even four slated by 2010. And, just as the number of new ships is growing, so is the trend toward building bigger and more luxurious vessels.
Carnival
Although the smallest ships of the lot, Carnival has the most projects in the works over the next three-years. Ranging in size from 110,000 tons to 130,000 tons, Carnival’s highlight will be “Freedom,” a new class of ship costing about $400 million and carrying 2,974 passengers. With itineraries that include the Western and Eastern Caribbean, European tours to Rome and transatlantic crossings, “Freedom” will give cruise enthusiasts something to look forward to.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Announcing its new Freestyle Cruising campaign in 2006 was just another step in a long process of completely revamping the entire NCL fleet from the inside out. Since its buyout in 2000, NCL has made great strides in listening to the cruising population then delivering what they want. With innovations including rock-climbing walls, Garden Villas and bowling alleys, you would think NCL had run out of ideas. It seems not! “Pearl” is slated to launch in October 2007 and has gotten rave reviews thus far. The crowning glory of the NCL fleet, however, will be three ships in an entirely new class deemed “F3.”
Weighing in at 150,000 tons and carrying 5,400 passengers, these “F3″ class ships have been described by NCL as, “a further evolution of NCL’s progressive dismantling of the structure, regimentation, and constraints of the traditional cruise experience.” One of the most impressive features is that 100% of outside cabins will have balconies.
Royal Caribbean
Three projects are also on the docket for Royal Caribbean between 2007 and 2010. “Liberty of the Seas” and “Freedom” (yes, Carnival and Royal Caribbean will have ships with the same name) and “Independence of the Seas” all shine far above the rest of the fleet with a tonnage of 160,000 each. Costing in excess of $700 million each, they will accommodate 3,600 passengers respectively. While they will be exceptional vessels offering inventive features, there is one ship that will outdo them. In fact, Royal Caribbean’s grandest vessel yet will outdo every other ship built to date.
Creating an entirely new class of ship, Royal Caribbean has drafted “Genesis.” This will be, to date, the largest ship ever built by any cruise line. It will even surpass the size of “The Queen Mary,” which holds the current record at 151,400 tons.
Accommodating up to 6,400 passengers, “Genesis” will weigh about 220,000 gross tons and cost an estimated $1 billion. Royal Caribbean chairman and CEO Richard Fain brags, “Project Genesis truly is a remarkable ship. Its bold design, daring innovations and technological advancements will delight our existing cruisers and help us draw in new ones.”
Others are also jumping in on the new ship bandwagon. Keep your eyes peeled for “Emerald” from Princess Cruise Lines, “Queen Victoria” from Cunard, and “Solstice” and “Equinox” from Celebrity.
Cruise options are growing more abundant by the day, which makes this a cruiser’s market. The cruise lines are bound to offer more incentives in order to fill these new, expensive ships. Stay on the alert for what are bound to be incredible bargains to come.
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>.
Cruising to Beautiful Sitka, Alaska
The Alaskan town of Sitka has enjoyed a very unique history, which is reflected in the eclectic blend of architecture and attractions. The area which is now Sitka was originally home to the Kiksadi Cl
Cruise Tips To Maximize Your Cruise Vacation
You are getting ready for your much anticipated cruise vacation. The best way to maximize your cruise travel is to have some of these cruise tips about the little things you should know. Many cruisers have questions about phoning home, seasickness, laundry facilities, and photography while on their cruise vacation. These are not big items that should concern you during your cruise travel but helpful hints nonetheless.
Phoning home always gives one peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is natural to want to check on your children, or check into the office, just remember that ship to shore phone costs can be very hefty. They can cost up to $15 minute, so I if you must, keep it brief. You can use your cell phone but be aware that in some areas roaming charges will apply. Your cell phone will not work in Europe unless you have universal service.
It is very important that you leave the information on how to contact you at home in case of an emergency. When you receive your cruise packet there will be contact information included. Make sure you leave the name of the ship, the cruise line you are traveling with, and the itinerary that you plan to follow. Make it very clear that it is for emergencies only.
There is a way to get around this expense and that is to buy a phone card and call home from your ports of call. The connection will be far greater and your savings too. Be aware that this is where the crew members make their calls home so you may want to venture further from the dock to find a not so busy public phone.
All of the modern ships are wired for the internet so you can stay in touch with email. This is a much easier and cheaper way to but your mind at ease. On some ships if you are a frequent cruiser the internet time is free. If you are not, connections can run from fifty cents to a dollar a minute. Just keep in mind that they are not high speed hook ups so they will be slow. Compose offline and then send your message. Some ships will offer you package deals to save a little money. Here again, if you can wait until you get to port, internet cafes ashore are relatively inexpensive.
Seasickness is almost a moot point on today’s cruise ships. They are so large that you don’t even know you are moving unless you look out the window or you are up on deck. With today’s technology for weather tracking the cruise lines know in advance if any storms are approaching and therefore can avoid the area. Earlier cruise ships had stabilizers but nothing compared fo today’s technology which enables them to counter act any motion the sea has to offer.
If that doesn’t calm your fears about seasickness and cruise travel there are a number of ways to ensure a very comfortable cruise. Take a cruise vacation in an area of the world that has calm waters on a modern ship with the aforementioned stabilizers. It is best to book a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower levels. If just looking at a horizon that is moving sends you into a tizzy, book an inside cabin. A little known cruise tip is to arrange your beds in alignment with the ship, bow to stern. Rocking is always easier to handle than a rolling motion. Once, you’ve got yourself situated on board go up on deck and stare at a fixed position on the horizon to get your body use to the motion.
Your doctor may have some medication you can take, or try the acupuncture bracelets that go around your wrists. If you do feel queasy eat crackers and green apples to settle your stomach. Ginger capsules have been said to work wonders and are available in your health food store. By all means avoid any alcoholic beverages which will only make your symptoms worse.
On board laundry services are very expensive. Book a ship that has an onboard laundry room for passengers so you can do your own. These laundry rooms will be equipped with an iron and an ironing board. An alternative is to pack a small bottle of laundry liquid and a few clothes pins in you luggage, hand wash them in your stateroom and hang them from the shower line provided.
Photography is always a big question. Should you bring a camera or rely on the ships photographer? The answer is to bring your own. If you don’t want to worry about your expensive digital camera, buy a lot of the throw away types. Pick up a few waterproof ones too for when you take you snorkel adventure. Take twice as many as you think you need. If you don’t use them on this cruise vacation you can always use them at the next holiday or birthday celebration.
You could also opt to pick up a cheap digital. You can buy them for about $20.00 and you won’t have to worry about losing it since your expensive one is at home. These are usually smaller than the pricey ones so they are easier to carry around.
On formal nights you will want to get your picture taken by the ships photographer. These pictures are wonderful memories of your cruise but they are expensive. The ships photographer will take pictures of you all through the cruise. Getting on and off the ship, on deck, in the dining room at your table and when you enter the dining room on some nights. Although these pictures are fun, you are not obligated to buy them. If you are on a cruise vacation for a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary, splurge and buy them, they will be more than just memories.
These are just a few cruise tips for the little things you should know about cruise travel. Having this knowledge before your cruise vacation will help you on the way to clear sailing.
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
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
Why A Cruise Ship Wedding Is Fun For Everyone
A cruise ship wedding is an experience you will hold dear forever. Wedding on a cruise ship is unique and fun. Many cruise ships even have wedding chapels designated for cruise ship weddings or vow renewals.
A cruise ship wedding can be more fun than a traditional wedding. All cruise lines have different packages and rules for receptions and number of guests. The internet and your travel agent should have all the information about a wedding on a cruise ship for any particular cruise line. Not all the captains are licensed to marry you, but many lines will have a priest or rabbi or some other officiate that may provide these ceremonies. If you considering a cruise ship wedding, plan early so you won t be disappointed. Lots of cruise ships limit the number of ceremonies per cruise. Some of the Cruise Lines that offer cruise ship weddings are discussed below.
Princess Cruises has a wedding chapel where they perform the cruise ship weddings. The Grand Princess and her sister ships all have wedding chapels. Here the Captain is able to perform the ceremony. Wedding options start at $1400.00 per couple with receptions around $70-$80.00 per head. There will be hot and cold hors d oeuvres, drinks and an official marriage certificate, a cake and music. The ships photographer is available and the ships florist can design any arrangements that you have in mind. You can check out their packages on line. Click on the On Board link and then the wedding/special occasions link to get information on weddings on a cruise ship. They even supply you with a phone number for a wedding consultant. The Hearts and Minds Chapel is quite quaint and perfect for a wedding on a cruise ship.
A more upscale option is Crystal Cruise who will perform ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals or anniversaries. Your cruise ship wedding will be performed by the captain or a member of the clergy and includes Champagne, a Portrait, and a cake. They also have a Honeymoon Package with a cake, champagne, a picture and a certificate signed by the captain. I would discuss this one with your agent but of course you could check out their website.
Royal Caribbean s Voyager of the Seas has a wedding chapel and performs cruise ship weddings on the day of embarkation. Their wedding packages start at $800.00. They include flowers for bride and groom, a photo session, champagne and a cake. Go to their website to check out their options.
Carnival Cruises has shore side packages that are all inclusive. There will be a toast with keepsake flutes, a photograph, the wedding cake topper and an engraved announcement. You can also customize any extras for a fee. Talk to your travel agent, or, if you want to do some research on your own, go to the Carnival website.
After your cruise ship wedding take tons of pictures. Especially today with digital cameras, this helps to keep the cost of film and the film development down. Be sure to bring a lot of memory cards. Save stubs from tours you have taken, the invitation to the Captains Table for dinner, any notes you receive from the officers, the brochure that lists the itinerary, the dates of each port of call. You can make many beautiful well documented photo albums that will bring lots of smiles and many fond memories. It is highly recommend building a scrapbook from your trip; you will love it later when you pull it out and relive the experiences. It takes some time but is so worth it to have these pictures after your cruise ship wedding. On our honeymoon aboard the Volendam at the end of the cruise they supplied us with a beautiful menu from each dinner. On one side was the menu and on the other a beautiful scene from Holland.
All ships have a Newlyweds game. Go to it. It s fun and hopefully, you ll only be a newlywed once. Participate in all the activities, they are a little bit corny but they do make you laugh. Let everyone know you ve just been had your cruise ship wedding, people love that. You might even get a few free drinks.
Honeymooning on a ship is a great way to kick back and relax after that year of stressful planning for the cruise ship wedding. It is now time to enjoy you and your spouse and the journey of a lifetime. Take advantage of your time together in a luxurious atmosphere. Have fun, meet new people, make new friends and be yourself, most of these people you will never see again.
Here s to a Bon Voyage, a wonderful cruise ship wedding and great honeymoon.
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
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.
