Archive for July 28th, 2008

posted by admin on Jul 28

You re Guide to Houseboat Sales
Have you thought about the idea of buying your own houseboat to either escape to on the weekends and holidays? or maybe you want to sell the house and live in your houseboat full time. If so a houseboat sale is the best option for you if you are considering this type of investment in such a prestigious and ever growing boating market.

Without a doubt one of the biggest trends to rise up recently is that of house boating. The houseboat industry is gaining in popularity day by day and more and more people are discovering the potential of a houseboat sale as a great way to secure their own unique watercraft for a very reasonable price. To help people such as yourself, I have put this article together for people who wish to look further into buying a houseboat from a houseboat sale and just what exactly you have to look for when you attend a houseboat sale and wish to make a purchase whether you re a first time buyer or an experienced boater.

When attending a houseboat sale you should also check the age of the vessel and also the manufacturer that originally built the boat, do some research to see whether the builder is a popular and reliable builder and doesn t have a bad reputation. Even call the builder up and let them know that you are attending the houseboat sale for one of their boats and verify the background of it. When inspecting the houseboat sale go over the whole thing with a fine tooth comb from checking the engine log books to making sure the oven works properly. Also look for structural integrity and make sure there are no cracks throughout the craft and major parts are not rusting. Check the engine hours and verify the service log books and generally make sure they are in good condition. Also check the hull or pontoons to make sure they are in good condition and have whether or not they have been sandblasted and repainted recently.

Although a houseboat is essentially a marine water craft you still have to approach a houseboat sale in the same way you would a house made of bricks and motor because in hindsight this is essentially what you are buying, a house. So before you get started you should do some research into a houseboat sale and get a good feel for the boating market in regards to price size brands of builders etc. You should also consider the amount of passengers also know as berths that your desired houseboat should have before attending a houseboat sale. You don t want to buy a 5 berth houseboat if there is 6 members in your family do you! There are strict laws regarding how many people you can carry on a houseboat so this is very important.

Jason Rusch is a houseboat enthusiast that writes information articles for www.modernhouseboat.com for more of Jason s great houseboat articles head on over to the site!

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 Europe On Luxury Cruise Ships For A Relaxing and Educational Vacation
Do you want to tour Europe’s coastline but feel exhausted about the daunting task of packing and unpacking many times? The perfect solution is to take a cruise along Europe’s coastline. There are numerous cruises offered for the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Baltic and other coastlines of Europe. The cruise ships that ply those waters can range from 100 to 3000 passengers. All of the newer ships cruising Europe’s coastline, while very large, offer more amenities, like private balconies. All of the cruise ships will have pools, spas and entertainment.

There are alternative ways to cruise Europe. You could for instance take a river cruise on the Danube or perhaps the Rhine. These luxurious cruise ships will gently ply the rivers passing beautiful scenery. They will stop at many ports so the passengers can get off and explore. These cruise ships are not tall like other cruise ships because they are designed to fit under the many bridges that span the rivers. They do not carry the mega amount of passengers, usually 50 to 200.

Another choice would be a barge cruise. Many small barges have been converted to luxury cruise ships. These ships can maneuver in the smaller rivers and canals. Since they carry very few passengers (6-12) they are a more intimate experience. You will need time for cruises such as these. They travel slowly and make overnight stops in small villages.

Then there is a Yacht cruise which appeals to the heart of all wanna be yachtsmen. These too are much smaller and you will experience amore intimate cruise.

But let’s go with the traditional cruise that visits lots of ports during the cruise. Since you have invested a lot of time and money to get to Europe you will want to choose a cruise that visits lots of ports in many countries. Go for a 12 to 14 day itinerary visiting countries that interest you. Review the tours offered before you leave so you know which ones you want to book when you arrive at your cruise ship. Usually the cruise ship will stop in a port during the day traveling to the next port during the night. Occasionally, a ship will overnight in a port giving you more time to tour.

A typical day aboard a cruise ship in Europe starts with breakfast being delivered to your room and placed on your balcony so you can watch as you gently glide into port. If you don’t have anything planned for that day go the restaurant deck and enjoy a hearty meal.

If you have a tour booked, head for the meeting area that has been designated by the cruise line. In most cases the tours are four to five hours long giving you the rest of the day to explore more fully. If you have planned it right you can do your tour, then return to the ship for lunch, then go out in the afternoon to hit the spots you have chosen to see.

Most cruise lines set sail for the next port in the early evening around 5 or 6 o’clock. After you have watched the sail away, you have time to get cleaned up, have a drink and then have a leisurely dinner. There is always entertainment after dinner to enjoy. The casino and the bars will be opened to the late hours but remember you have an early start the next day.

If there are a couple of days where you are not in port the cruise ship will provide plenty of activities that you can join. They have art auctions, trivia, bridge, lectures, fitness classes and much more. And don’t forget the spa. Make your spa appointments early since the sea days tend to be booked solid.

So if you have decided to cruise the coasts of Europe you need to consider a few things.
There are many destinations to choose from with the Mediterranean being the most popular. But you can opt to do the Baltic, Scandinavia or the British Isles.

Now you have to pick a cruise line that sails in to your chosen itinerary. Some of the cruise lines, like Radisson, SilverSea, and Windstar are small and intimate. These cruise lines emphasis luxury and service. The other main stream cruise lines, Princess, Celebrity or Holland America, to name a few, carry thousands of passengers, from 1500 to 3000. They are really floating resorts. Of course the costs should be considered too.

If you can afford it choose to sail on a luxury cruise line. Now you have to compare the amenities of each luxury cruise line. The cabins on a luxury cruise ship tend to be the size of a suite on the mega cruise lines. Check the cruise lines brochure for square footage.

Find out what is included on the different luxury cruise lines. Some include drinks and wine with dinner. Others require no tipping. Some include the airfare. These are all things to consider when you choosing which luxury cruise line to sail on. Spa and beauty treatments will always be paid for by you. In some cases the tours are included and in other they are not. Do your homework to get the best deal.

Talk to an experienced cruise travel agent. They will help you get all the information you need. Many times by booking early you can see substantial savings. You can save a little money if you have frequent flyer miles, so request a cruise only fare. Most of the luxury cruise lines will not allow you to book a cruise except through a travel agent.

On a European cruise be aware that you will not have time to do any in-depth studies of the ports you visit. You will get a “taste” of each port that will whet your appetite to visit the destination again at another time and stay longer. You may want to choose a cruise line that overnights in a port or you could buy one of their pr or post packages in a port of call.

Go check out what cruising Europe’s coastline has to offer. A cruise may be just right for you because it is a cross between a resort vacation and a holiday in Europe.

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

Cruise Lines Enhance The Cruise Experience By Offering Up-To-Date Amenities
With the addition of so many new mega cruise liners the cruise industry has cabin inventory with thousands of berths that they must fill each week or every two weeks. Cruisers expect these beautiful ships with a plethora of entertainment venues, shops and itineraries to choose from everyday when taking a cruise vacation. Everyone that has enjoyed the cruise experience knows that cruise lines are forever trying to come up with new ideas and interesting things to entice new and repeat cruisers. The ships are getting glitzier and the perks are getting better and better. Here are a few things that the cruise lines have added to their rosters to coax you into taking your next cruise vacation on one of their ships.

The world is health conscious today, and the cruise lines have noticed this trend. The first thing that they have decided to revamp and extend is their sports activities to cater to those cruisers who wish to indulge in the cruise experience without leaving their fitness routine behind. Royal Caribbean, for example, not only offers its rock climbing wall but has added a forty foot wave pool, an ice skating rink and a boxing arena for guests to learn how to bunch a bag. These are all very diverse activities sure to meet the tastes of almost everyone on board. On the higher end of cruise lines, SeaDreams Yachts has a retractable marina. The marina opens so that guests may enjoy all kinds of water sports including snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. The ship is even equipped with Segways for the clients to borrow to get around the ship or at tour ports when docked. Segways are high tech motor scooters rarely seen in port towns which make them doubly enjoyable.

Even non cruisers know the cruise lines reputation for good food, all of the time. Now the ships are creating activities that include the cruise guests when it comes to the culinary arts. The cruise lines want to show you how to prepare great food, present it and to savor it, a talent you can take back to your own kitchen. Holland America for one, has instituted the Culinary Arts Centers fleet wide. Each year they invite 20 well known culinary experts to sail and host cooking classes. Silversea on the other hand, has had Viking create a show kitchen on the beautiful Silver Wind. Jacques Pepin is the star of Oceania s ships doing cooking lessons, taking guests on culinary excursions in port and dining with the passengers on board. What aspiring chef would not be delighted with that?

During this time, as the cruise lines are teaching you about gourmet food what would be the perfect pairing? Well, Wine of course. Carnival has taken this step by introducing the wine-themed vacation called the Presidential Wine Club Cruise. On this wine themed Caribbean cruise they offer seminars and wine tastings from famous vineyards. They have even included the Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc to oversee culinary dishes that are wine friendly. Silversea has instituted the Slow Food Experience excursions on its Genoa, Italy itinerary. With this unique program passengers become students at the University of Gastronomic Sciences for one day and then visit the nearby Wine Bank that has the top wines produced by 200 Italian vineyards. When touring the Iberian Peninsula, Princess Cruise passengers get to create their very own cognac in Camus, France at a family owned distiller. Another Princess Cruise line offering is a trip to Leith near Edinburgh, Scotland where you can visit a Scottish Malt Whisky Society and have single-malt tastings.

When it comes to spas, some cruisers will book just for that experience. Celebrity Cruises has packages that you can book ahead of time with a variety of spa treatments. Some of their exotic treatments include the Ceremony of Milk and Ginger, the Asian Ceremony of the Stone or the pricey Daily Well-Being Ritual. With all packages you have unlimited use of the Thalassotherapy pool. Costa Cruises offers the largest spa at sea on their Concordia. In the 20,000+ square foot spa there are Turkish baths, Rock saunas and thermals. If you book a suite on the Concordia, or a spa cabin, you have unlimited access to the Ristorante Samsaru where Chef Ettore Bocchia, another Michelin starred professional, has created the menu. All of the major cruise lines have choices which include aerobics, work out rooms with equipment, saunas, whirlpools and special programs like yoga or toning and stretching.

Because of our hectic world some people just don t want to be without internet access. Well, the cruise industry has answered your concerns. It is safe to say that all of the mega liners have internet access. Some have portals in each berth while others have internet cafes. On the higher end cruise lines you can borrow lap tops to use in your cabin. Each cruise line is different, some charge for usage or some use it as a perk for repeat cruisers. For instance, Princess Cruises has free internet usage for their Captains Club members after they have sailed a certain amount of times on the Princess ships. The cruise lines clubs (once you have sailed on a particular cruise line you are automatically a club member) all have different perks for different levels of repeat cruisers but that is for another discussion.

As you can see, the cruise lines are keeping up with all cruisers demands so you have lots of options to choose from on your next cruise vacation. Check out all the cruise lines with your Travel Agent and pick the one that is tailor made for your needs.

Bon Voyage!

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.BestCruiseSites.com   http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com  and  http://www.CruiseGold.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: <a target="_new" href="http://BestCruiseSites.com">http://www.BestCruiseSites.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_new" href="http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com">http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp; <a target="_new" href="http://www.CruiseGold.com">http://www.CruiseGold.com</a>

Glacier Bay Alaska Cruise
A Glacier Bay Alaska Cruise has perhaps the most breath taking views of all the Alaskan cruises.

Glacier Bay is located in the Southeastern corner of Alaska. The sheer beauty of miles and miles of Alaskan landscape will be remembered for years to come. A cruise around the national park in Glacier Bay is an unforgettable experience. With all the activities and entertainment that is aboard ship creating an itinerary will be necessary if you want to do a little of everything.

Glacier Bay Environmental Gems

The natural beauty of the Glacier Bay Landscape is second to none in the entire world. The fresh water lakes, and tidewater glaciers have inspired many to return again and again. The regal mountains are alive with brilliant color and playful wildlife.

From the deck of the ship you will see the humpback whales and sea lions playing carefree in their native waters, and the bears lounge around in the tidal inlet. High above in the snowcapped mountains the goats and small animals frolic happily throughout the day. Indian pass is the playground for the ever playful sea otters.

There is something for everyone on a Glacier Bay cruise. For those who are avid bird watchers, there are over two hundred different species of birds to observe in their natural habitat. For the botany enthusiast, a Glacier Bay cruise is an incredible experience. From the deck of the ship, the view of over two thousand different flowers that line the shoreline is an awe-inspiring sight. If you are an adventure seeker, you can sign up for kayaking or hiking where you will observe moose, wolverines and coyote in their natural surroundings.

Alaskan Glacier Bay Cruise Activities

If you choose to stay aboard ship, there are many things to do. You can take advantage of all the ship has to offer. There is something for everyone, whether it is relaxing in the restaurant enjoying a five course meal and top rate entertainment, then taking advantage of the state of the art fitness center, sauna or steam room.

There are some cruises that have a casino room for those who love to roll the dice or the slot machines, or even try their hand at blackjack.

For those who crave the nightlife, the Vegas inspired entertainment routines are the attractions that they seek. Comedy clubs and sports bars provide a fun, relaxing atmosphere. There are a number of different activities for children including pizza parties, storytelling and video games.

The best time to plan a Glacier Bay cruise is during the summertime. The beauty and native animal activity has brought people from all over the world to observe. This is truly the most wonderful experience you will ever have and it will be remembered for the rest of your life.

If you liked this article then you will love all of our other Alaska Cruise articles that we have avaliable at our website. So please visit: http://enjoythecruise.com/alaska_cruise.htm now and experience Alaska like you never have before.

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

Have You Considered A Weight-Loss Theme Cruise? Get Ship Shape In Cruising Style
We all know that a relaxing vacation is just what you need to eliminate many of your life stresses, and if you have currently been on a mission to lose unwanted pounds, did you ever think of taking a Theme Cruise to lose your weight? If you have always wanted more information on a themed cruise, basically it s a specialized sailing with an itinerary focused on the theme established for that cruise, and in this case it would be a theme on weight-loss to help individuals lose their desired weight levels. This method of weight loss may appeal to you, and if so, your first step is to contact your local area travel agency to see if there is a theme cruise for weight-loss already established, and all you would have to do is sign-up, give your deposit, and you re on your way to shedding those pounds in a fun and relaxing holiday atmosphere with exciting cruising style! Your Local Travel Agent And Weight-Loss Clinic Can Easily Assist You! Your local travel company, or weight-loss clinic can be the first step in finding the right cruise options for you, and they can help you in creating your theme if there is not already one established by them. Who knows, you may create enough enthusiasm with your travel agent and diet counsellor to help you establish a group theme cruise on your behalf, and there are many perks involved when escorting your own personalized group themed cruise. Cruises Offer All The Top Amenities That Can Help You Drop Those Unwanted Pounds! Think about this for one moment, because right now all you re telling yourself once you get on that cruise to the Caribbean, or the Mexican Riviera, you re going to gain more weight than lose, due to all the food onboard these ships. This may be true for the majority of cruisers, but for you it s going to be different for many reasons, one being your frame of mind and your goal on this cruise. Plus many other factors that I will break down for you below: When you contact your travel service company, or go online to find the desired cruise line you want to sail with, you re going to find out which cruise ship offers a variety of healthy eating plans, and health related menu options. If you have any restrictions on what type of food you can eat, or you have food allergies, you re going to find out which cruise ship is going to accommodate your needs the best. If you find an established ship that is tailored to your weight-loss program, then they will already have a menu in place, and provide you the desired options ahead of time. The next step is to get as much information on the fitness facilities available, and also find out if there are professional fitness & health instructors onboard that will provide you the personal assistance when needed. Again, with pre-arranged themed cruises, they will have all this on their specialized itinerary with the contact information of these instructors to contact them with any questions you may have prior to going on your cruise. It s recommended to arrange your theme cruise to have as many port stops as possible. This will not only keep you occupied, but also it will expand your culture and destination experiences. Last but not least, find out all the activities that are available on the ship, and depending whether you cruise on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or the Norwegian, each ship will have different activity levels available. You want to be on a ship that offers a wide variety of cruise activities that you re interested in, and you know you will enjoy. For individuals that have not taken a cruise before, you re going to experience incredible temptations, and when you view the spectacular laid-out buffets and the variety of gourmet cuisine in the many well-established restaurants available, you may be thinking, what the heck am I doing here? Believe me when I say this, you re going to experience the best meals that you would find anywhere in five star or higher culinary establishments. The one special note to consider is that the chefs onboard these cruise ships are very knowledgeable to many dietary requirements you have, and their cooking styles and mouth watering tastes will amaze you, while keeping those uncontrollable calories down! Your discipline and desire to lose weight while on your cruise is what s going to make your theme cruise a success, and if you re still wondering how you can do it, don t worry, because when you set your mind to achieve your goals, you will do it with ease. You booked your theme cruise for one reason to lose weight, so this proves that you re committed to shedding the pounds, and the commitment is your key to successful weight loss. Having all your onboard fitness programs in place, and your excursion itinerary pre-planned off the ship, you will be amazed at how easy you can shed the pounds, but have fun doing it in cruising style!

William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site available for you to view at: <a href="http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm" target="_blank">www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com</a> Planning on <a href="http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/product%20pages/caribbean-cruises.htm"target="_blank">cruising in the Caribbean</a>? How about you cruise on by our vacation site to easily compare our list of online cruise vacation suppliers, and let them help you find the best Caribbean itineraries and ships, even if you're searching for <a href="http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/product%20pages/last_minute_deals.htm"target="_blank">last minute deals</a>.

5 Tips For The single Gentleman Cruiser
A cruise can be a great “romantic escape” for everyone - the single ladies fantasize about finding the perfect romance in the perfect setting. Just being on a cruise ship with possibly hundreds of single ladies with the same idea in mind boosts your chances of success by 100% -unfortunately your not the only guy on board -So Here are some tips to further your chances with the ladies on your next cruise.

1. Take dance Lessons( preferably before you cruise) - ladies love a man of the arts - and a man who can move can tango into any ladies heart. Why do you think they always make those leading men dance in their movies? -take a page from their book and learn to move those hips!

2. Karaoke - Or sing with the band! You’ve always suspected that you have silky pipes worthy of Sinatra or Johnny Mathis - its time to put your talent in full view. You’ll make fast friends even if you cant sing to save your life - why? people like people who take chances and they’re more likely to approach and congratulate you ( and buy you a drink) regardless of you having murdered their wedding song.

3. Dress up for dinner . Think James Bond- suave, smooth, ever stirring and not shaken. Bring a great suit and gel your hair, mind your manners and light her cigarette. ( bring a lighter even if you don’t smoke-its a great Introductory tool-however don’t take this too far -people will mistake you for a waiter if you light up everyone)

4. If you have a DVD player in your room rent some videos of movies where your favorite actors moves are on full display -and practice! (refer to tips 1-3, great moves were invented on celluloid)

5. Get a Tan - it gives you “a -man-of-the -outdoors” look. Vibrant, energetic, full of “joie-de-vivre” . It might surprise you that many guys on a cruise are still pasty after a full week! Women love a tan complexion - it again evokes movie -star associations -and hell! you just look hotter!

The key here is “role-playing’ pattern yourself after your favorite movie- star. Copy their moves and liberally sprinkle in your own style elements - were not asking you to be the perfect mimic
( you wouldn’t want to be either) but it doesn’t hurt to have a great peg in mind. Above all be natural and have fun on the cruise!

For more ” suave and savvy cruise moves” visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com

cruise with style

Cruise Travel Close To Home From The West Coast
Cruise travel from ports close to home is what passengers want now. In almost all of the cruise reviews, cruise travelers have expressed concern with long airline trips to distant lands. Now they want to cruise from ports that are close to home to enjoy a less stressful cruise vacation. The cruise lines have caught on to this trend and are now positioning their ships up and down the United States East and West Coasts and along the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s explore the ports of embarkation on the West Coast starting in Southern California at the port of San Diego and go northward.

If you can take the time before or after your cruise travel, spend some extra time in San Diego. The city of San Diego is blessed with year round warm weather and seventy miles of Pacific Coastline. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city. They have a first class, world famous zoo in Balboa Park. At Old Town State Historic Park learn about the History of California. Near the downtown area there are 15 excellent museums and gorgeous gardens.

A little further up north is Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Here is where the Queen Mary retired to in 1967 and is permanently docked serving as a Hotel. With more 12,000 sea creatures the aquarium is a delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.

If you plan to take your cruise vacation out of Los Angeles there are plenty of sights to see. A pre or post cruise package from the cruise lines will allow you to see the many cultural centers or drive by the star studded neighborhoods of Malibu, Bel Air and Hollywood. Be sure to see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Chinatown and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit funky Venice Beach and dine in the many excellent restaurants. And don’t forget to at least window shop on Rodeo Drive.

The dazzling Golden Gate Bridge will be what you sail under on you cruise vacation from San Francisco. Many cruise reviews have mentioned this city as one of the favorites from which to start a cruise. You may opt to take a side trip to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valleys for a day. While in San Francisco check out Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a cable car ride through the city. In this city there are numerous excellent restaurants. There is a ferry that will take you over to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the life of the prisoners.

Perhaps you have chosen Seattle, Washington as your embarkation port. The lovely Puget Sound area is rich with history of the maritime industries. The Olympic Mountains will leave you feeling awed when viewed from the Space Needle that is 607 feet high. For fun don’t miss the Pike Street Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are many fleets of sport fishing boats for fishing or for whale watching.

Even further up the coast you are now in Alaskan territory. Fairbanks, which was once a booming mining town, is the entrance to Alaska’s interior. If you stay here for a day or two try a really Alaskan adventure and go dog sledding. Maybe you would like to pan for gold, another part of Alaska’s history. If you want to see the Northern Lights plan your cruise vacation for late August or early September.

Choosing a cruise vacation out of Whitter, Alaska will allow you to go whale watching, and look for sea lions and bald eagles. This is a small quaint town that really lets you feel what Alaska is all about.

You will fly into Anchorage for departure from Seward, Alaska. Try to stay a few days to explore the riches Anchorage has to offer. There is the beautiful Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinney offers spectacular scenery. In Seward you can take a cruise to the Kenai Fjords as a day trip.

Any of these cruise ports will make a great start for your cruise vacation. So when planning any cruise travel pick a port that’s close to home and leave some time for exploring the town of embarkation.

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

Mystical Palawan Island
Off to the west of the Visayas, Palawan is a long thin island stretching down to the malaysian state of sabah. Things to do here are stroblgy connected to nature: Islands, Scuba, diving, caves, Cruising the many bays and wildlife. Many of the Philippines endangered species can be found here. Travelers most rate the peace and quiet and last-frontier atmosphere.

Getting there is easy as WG&A ( the biggest shipping lines in the Philippines) sails to Puerto Princessa ( palawans capital city) twice a week ( cost around $23) or you can fly in from Manila to El Nido ($180)

When you arrive you’ll definitely want to see the 8 km underground river of St. Paul in Sabang- you can get their straight by boat or walk the monkey trail through the most beautiful and pre-historic rain forest in the world.

There are many places to stay and eat in Sabang - but mostly ranging from simple and idyllic, the sea food though is plentiful and cheap Lobster, prawns, crabs , tuna and marlin can be had fresh round the day for less than $5!

For the frontiersman / Archaeologist in you go visit the South of Palawan , there’s a museum showcasing pre-historic finds from the nearby Tabon caves - home of the Philippines earliest human resident.

There is of course another beautiful beach in Tabon called -well-Tabon beach. They have fan cooled rooms there for only 2$ a night.

The most captivating place to visit in Palawan is the bay that embraces El Nido. A picturesque little village surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and great beaches like Corong-corong.

Cruise’s abound all over Palawan and you can board an outrigger and boat around the many islands for less than 10$ a day - you’ll see flying fish, dolphins, Whales and late in the day when the water has receded in some parts of the islands - you will chane upon deer and wild boar crossing the slim channels to get to their nocturnal habitats.

Palawan is for the adventurous and mystical minded traveler - wether your cruising underground caves or hiking Jurassic rain forests or simply lounging around in pristine enclaves - the unbridled beauty of this remote island will stay with you forever.

Franz von Muhlfeld

For more mystical places and adventurous cruises visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com

40 year Veteran of the travel industry