The Caribbean, with all its beauty, may leave one in a bit of a quandary regarding which bits are absolute musts. Here's a very short summary of some of the star attractions that the Caribbean has to offer; use it to help you choose which places are a must to include in your Caribbean cruise itinerary!

Everyone has dreams of finding hidden treasure, and in Grenada you get to play real life pirates. An underwater adventure that shouldn't be missed, Grenada's coast is host to the biggest shipwreck in the Caribbean and with plenty of dive schools you can investigate it for yourself. In addition, whilst you have the oxygen tank, why not check out the underwater volcano - a true must on your Caribbean cruise.

St. Thomas, part of the Virgin Islands, offers further diving opportunities, this time in the Cinnamon Bay National Park which boasts shallow water ecosystems all year round. If you prefer a little solid material under you, you might prefer St Croix, also in the Virgin Islands where you can enjoy a night-time kayak adventure and visit Columbus' first landing site.

St Kitts offers a water experience of an entirely different type; here you have the opportunity to swim with turtles off the pink sand beaches. Alternatively, you may prefer bamboo rafting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, or even tubing down the Layou River, Dominica.

For a completely different experience, the Virgin Gorda in British Virgin Islands boasts natural baths formed from the unique geological makeup of the area, whilst the rain forest of Puerto Rico provide superb hiking trails. To say that this is a modest list of the Caribbean's treasures is to understate the point, however it does portray just how rich the choices are, and some that you must bear in mind when booking a Caribbean Cruise.

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I am looking for any sailing experience or deck work in the Caribbean from now until the 26th of March?

I am 19, from Wiltshire in the Sout West of England, and very willing and fun!
I have: RYA Basic Sea Survival, First Aid, Power boat level 2, competent crew and am planning on doing my day skipper on the 20th of february. I am around untill the 26th of march and at the moment I am in the BVI's and will probably go to Sint Maartens around the 27th

Your best bet is to check in the Sailing magazines and put a card in your local sailing club or Marina,be careful though make sure you check out the people who may offer you a job first ,and make sure someone else gets to meet them with you so they know what they are like too. ,good luck and have a great time.

Here's a Video about caribbean sailing bvi:

Sailing - British Virgin Islands, BVI part 1

Why not do something different this Xmas? Beat the stresses of the festive season and the cold, miserable weather by going on a Christmas cruise! Your every need will be catered to, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy! Many cruise ships cater for families, with some travel companies offering free child places. Going on an Xmas cruise with the family is a great way to spend quality time together over the festive period, with none of the associated hassles and stresses.

Many cruise ships even offer the usual Christmas festivities on board. These include having Santa aboard ship and serving the traditional Christmas dinner, and some liners even hold midnight mass on Xmas eve. The advantage of going on a cruise is that a cruise ship is big enough to accommodate all passengers' needs: if you wish to join in the festivities of the season, fine - but if you wish to forget about Xmas and simply 'get away from it all,' you can do this too.

Once you have decided to book an Xmas cruise, the next decision involves choosing the destination. Here are some:

The Mediterranean. You are guaranteed the lovely hot weather, and, as it is surrounded by many countries, the Med is the perfect location to explore lots of different cultures. Visit the beautiful classic cities of Athens; Barcelona; Rome; Cannes and Nice, with all their historic landmarks, to make your holiday one you will never forget.

If you love everything about the festive season, why not consider a luxury river cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers, taking in the sights of Germany, Austria and Hungary? This will give you a chance to take in the sights of this beautiful part of the world, whilst also giving you the opportunity to visit the many festive Christmas markets in Austria and Germany- ideal for buying your delicious festive treats and gifts. Places to visit include Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest.

What better way to beat the winter blues than to take an Xmas cruise in The Caribbean? The Caribbean is a popular destination during December, as the weather is glorious. The Christmas spirit is also kept well and truly alive, so tourists get the best of both worlds. Take in Jamaica's stunning scenery and visit Montego Bay's Dunn's River Falls. A warm welcome awaits you in Barbados, where the people are very friendly. .

Hawaiian Xmas cruises are always a popular choice. There really is something for everyone on the islands: the idyllic beaches of Maui, the waterfalls of Big Island and the volcanic Kona. The natives are extremely friendly and welcoming, and there is something very special about Hawaii which is not found anywhere else. If you really want to push the boat out, consider Hawaii.

Other popular destinations for Xmas cruises include Asia and Fiji

Some people are put off booking Xmas cruises because they think they cannot afford it. However, this is not the case, especially if you wait to the last minute to book: travel companies often offer substantial discounts on cabins as the departure date approaches. Booking your dream Xmas cruise need not cost the earth at all.

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Any advice for things to do ashore on St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua?

We are leaving April 14 for a 7 night southern Caribbean cruise. We have never been to these 3 islands. Suggestions for onshore acitivities are welcome.

On St. Lucia the Pitons are always quite a spectacle. They're large hills in the south of the island covered in jungle and look spectacular. There's also lots of banana groves in the middle of the island. Barbados grows more sugar cane and uses most of it to make rum. There's some big, old plantation houses in the hills in the middle worth checking out. Crane Beach in the southeast corner of the island is absolutely breathtaking. Pictures of the pool there are often used for promotions. In Antigua go south to Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights. Built in the 1700's as the Caribbean headquarters of the Royal Navy a lot of it has been restored and preserved. Captain, later Admiral, Horation Nelson who died beating the French at Trafalgar, was in charge at one time. Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square in London commemorates him and his victory. Dickenson's Bay is great if you just want a beach but there's so much history in Antigua.

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise barbados:

caribbean cruise 2006

Introducing Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, and Catalan is the most widely spoken language. The history of the region and its dealings with the other parts of Spain is often fractious but always fascinating.

Barcelona port hosts many Mediterranean cruises and Barcelona city makes a brilliant tourist destination at either end of your trip. The city has lots of things to do, from gazing at spectacular Gaudi architectural masterpieces to relaxing and people-watching at a sunny Las Ramblas cafe, and offers visitors a seductive feel for the laid-back Spanish lifestyle.

Barcelona Port

Ships dock at Port Vell, which could not be more conveniently situated, being just a mile or so from Barcelona's major sights. Today the port has become a tourist attraction by itself with a large Maremagnum shopping mall with an IMAX theater, and Europe's biggest aquarium. Port Vell leads directly on to Las Ramblas, the main Barcelona boulevard packed with cafes and street entertainment that leads into the center of the city (Las Ramblas is alternately called by its singular form, La Rambla).

There are eight terminals at the Barcelona port, divided into 3 quays.

1 Adossat Quay

Cruise Terminals A, B, C and D are located at the Adossat Quay and are furthest away from the port entrance. Terminal D also has the name Palacruceros. Shuttle buses make the short trip from these cruise terminals to the start of Las Ramblas.

2 World Trade Center Quay

There are 3 terminals in the World Trade Center quay called North, South and East terminals. From these it is an easy walk to the start of Las Ramblas.

3 Sant Bertrand Quay

Sant Bertrand Quay is just across from the WTC terminal. This terminal which normally handles ferries is only occasionally used for cruise ships.

5 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Editor's choice!)

It takes even an enthusiastic tourist several days to explore Barcelona, so if you have only a day or two, it'll be a manic rush. Be sure to include well-known spots like La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's astonishing church, the romantic and medieval Barrio Gothic area, and the Picasso museum. Finish your whistle-stop tour by heading up to Montjuic for a wonderful view over the whole of the city and the surrounding countryside and sea.

1 Las Ramblas

A magnificent promenade connecting Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya, right in the middle of of old Barcelona. The street is packed with shops, cafes, florists, street entertainers, and the not-to-missed Boqueria, a colorful market. You'll also pass by the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's magnificent opera house. Las Ramblas end ups at the Placa de Catalunya, a large square surrounded by offices, restaurants, and shops.

2 La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona's funky church was designed by the famous Antonio Gaudi. Work began in 1883, and the intriguing building is still to be finished. Don't miss features like the nativity theme of the frontage, the towers decorated with mosaic work, and the massive doorways inscribed with designs representing faith, hope and charity.

3 Barri Gotic

In Barcelona's gothic quarter the buildings date back to the thirteenth century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with busy life. At the center of the Gothic Quarter sits the Museu Picasso, featuring the works (unsurprisingly!) of Picasso. Also worth visiting is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent example of early-European architecture.

4 Parc Guell

A big treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is an intriguing public park. The planting is imaginative and colorful, but the premier attraction is Gaudi's hard landscaping, like concrete arbors and mosaic lizards.

5 Montjuic

The pretty village of Montjuic rises 700 feet above the city's port and is home to museums, art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Don't miss the Museu Arqueologic with a diverse range of items from prehistoric civilizations from Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Another excellent museum is the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, featuring an excellent collection of early works.

Picking a Cruise from Barcelona

The most popular itinerary is a circuit circumnavigating the beautiful Western Mediterranean. Other ideas include the Canary Islands, North Africa, or longer trips to the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands.

Typical itineraries would be: Eastern Mediterranean (from NCL) calling at Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Piraeus, Izmir, Alexandria, La Valletta, Barcelona and Spain, Monaco, Tunisia (from Costa) calling at Barcelona, Monaco, Livorno, Olbia, Naples, Tunis, Port Mahon, Barcelona.

Travelling to the Port from Barcelona Airport

By public transport

Catch the Bus to Placa Catalunya in Barcelona, next travel by metro from Catalunya to Drassanes. From Drassanes walk to the statue of Christopher Columbus at the port entrance. Wait for the Blue bus which shuttles to and from the cruise terminals.

Taxi

The simpler method for travelling from the airport to the port is a cab. The trip will take you about twenty five minutes and costs about 30 Euros in total. This price will include per-bag extras and additional airport and cruise port levies.

Also Worth Knowing

Currency: Euro

Language: Catalan and Spanish (though English is widely spoken)

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Planning your Caribbean honeymoon shouldn't be as complex as planning your wedding... Right! But with so many enticing options, where do you start? Well, start here of course and let me help you discover the best of the best honeymoon destinations.

Certainly you're looking for a romantic adventure where you'll experience many "first time" events together and every couple wants something a little different. I had a fabulous Caribbean honeymoon and have taken some great trips in my lifetime. Check out these top picks and what makes them special. One of them is perfect for that memorable trip you've been dreaming of!

Barbados

This island is absolutely gorgeous and you will definitely leave feeling spoiled. Stay at the secluded 110-year-old Crane Hotel for nostalgic romance or at the Peach & Quiet for a budget honeymoon. It's the adventurous couples dream with clear blue waters for scuba divers, windsurfers, and sightseeing from the air in a helicopter or underwater in a mini-sub. You'll find decent beaches here, but not the best of the bunch.

Turks & Caicos

If you like small secluded luxury hotels with world-class spas and great restaurants, then you'll love it here on any of the eight inhabited islands. The uncrowded beaches are absolutely fabulous. You may even end up sunbathing next to a movie star as many vacation in the Turks & Caicos. Go horseback riding, sail to one of the many deserted islands and play "Lost" for the day, see flocks of flamingos or thousands of iguanas on Little Water Cay. The scuba diving and snorkeling are phenomenal as is the deep-sea fishing and bone fishing. Kite-boarding, windsurfing and other water sports are also popular. A definite favorite for a perfect beach honeymoon vacation!

St. Lucia

This island is straight out of a fairytale with lush tropical scenery and twin mountain peaks covered in rain forest serenity. The locals are very friendly and seeing the St. Lucia Soufriere volcano from the inside will leave you in awe. Taking a day to tour the island on horseback is one of the major reasons this is in the top ten places to take a Caribbean honeymoon. Also, many hotels really cater to honeymooners with all-inclusive packages. Go in May and you'll catch the Jazz Festival, which is way fun!

Dominican Republic

A great choice for a budget honeymoon that still had beautiful beaches and lots to offer. Taking a catamaran ride to the enchanting Saona Island is just one of the ways to enjoy this romantic getaway. Add a visit to the 600-acre Ecological Park enjoying a dozen blue lagoons is nothing short then a romantic getaway in heaven.

Martinique

A great romantic get-a-way, yet for some reason it's still underrated compared to the rest here. Inhale the French culture along with the tantalizing scents of the beautiful flowers that consume the entire island. Take a canopy tour and go hiking in the rain forest canyons before getting a taste of superb Creole cuisine, going shopping and sampling the fairly lively nightlife.

Anguilla

When people choose a Caribbean honeymoon this island is over-looked more times than not. I have no idea why because it's built for couples to enjoy. You won't find much commercialization here, the nightlife is pretty low-key and water sports are not a big draw. But you'll have dozens of fantastic beaches to explore and the fine dining is possibly the best in all the Caribbean.

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

You have several islands to choose from with many hotel options for a secluded romantic retreat. Ride a yacht to the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda or find a hidden beach for you and your loved to enjoy all alone. The beach bars on Jost Van Dyke are a fun hangout popular with sailors.

US Virgin Islands (USVI)

All beautiful areas here, the fact that they're all considered part of the United States makes things more convenient. St. John has the best beaches and diving while St. Thomas is known for excellent dining and shopping. Of course, St. Croix is cheaper and also has casinos, so you pick or hop around. The variety of USVI makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations.

Jamaica

I absolutely love Ocho Rios. The Dunn's River Falls has got to be the coolest adventure climb on any island. Climb the waterfall and jump back down into the water... amazing! Horseback riding on the beach, a little reggae music and rum at sunset and you've got yourself a nice romantic getaway plus it's great for a budget honeymoon.

Cayman Islands

Saving this for last simply because if you want to take a romantic Caribbean honeymoon and still feel like your back home this is the closest thing you'll come across. With many American themes you won't feel too far away, but taking in some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean will be breathtaking. Also, if you are into shopping and eating well, then the Caymans have got to be a top pick for you Caribbean honeymoon.

Now that you've got some good ideas, you just have to decide which is the best honeymoon destination for you. Hopefully this list has got you excited and also helped narrow down your choices too. Good luck and have fun. Whichever one you decide on, I hope you two have a wonderful wedding and a romantic honeymoon!

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A volcano spewed thick clouds of ash into the air today? What island in the Caribbean is it on?

Montserrat - the dome collapsed today

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Montserrat Tribute

One of the most frequent holiday searches made on the internet is for holiday homes in Spain to rent. For winter villa rentals in Spain holidaymakers often choose one of the Canary Islands especially the fabulous island of Fuerteventura. A lot of people now use the internet to book their own self catering apartments to rent in Spain direct from the owners. One of the features which draw people to Fuerteventura is the plethora of long beautiful beaches and the watersports which are available. If you are looking for holiday homes in Spain for rental this winter, the three main resorts of Jandia, Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste cater for every budget.

Fuerteventura's coastal ledge contributes to the shallow depth of the water and the astonishing light blue colour with a tint of green which is not quite turquoise. Windsurfing is the island's foremost sport albeit the majority of participants are foreign. Fuerteventura's coasts do attract hundreds if not thousands of enthusiasts as this combination of a regular warm wind and sun makes it ideal place to participate in this sport and the experts in their field rank it as one of the best places in the world to practice windsurfing. Renting holiday homes in Spain in Fuerteventura can be expensive when the windsurfing world championships take place, these are held on the Jandia beach and as long as these unique conditions continue Fuerteventura will be for a long time the Mecca for wind surfers.

Another popular water sport in Fuerteventura is scuba diving. Fuerteventura is perfect for a diving holiday with its clear waters and consistent temperatures (the water temperature around the Canary Islands ranges from 18 to 22 degrees). The clear blue waters around the island are a delight for those who enjoy swimming amongst the sea life. There are many diving centres on the island and they all run courses for divers with different levels of ability. Self catering apartments to rent in Spain or villa rentals in Spain booked direct are ideal if you wanted a base for a diving holiday in Fuerteventura.

Travelling to the Canary Islands is relatively easy and many of the budget airlines have flights available to Fuerteventura, with a flying time of about four hours from the UK. The only airport is situated near to the capital of Puerto Rosario - on the east coast. Holiday homes in Spain especially self catering apartments to rent in Spain are readily available in the main tourist resorts of Corralejo, Caleta del Fuste and Jandia.

If you rent your holiday homes in Spain in Fuerteventura for a family holiday you will find that there are plenty of great days out to be had. Family attractions include the Baku Water Park and village near Corralejo and the Fuerteventura Zoo in the south of the island (about an hour and a half by car from Corralejo). For those who are interested in natural attractions, why not visit to the Dunes (El Jable) just outside Corralejo or the Jandia National Park in the south of the island.

The main town in Fuerteventura is Puerto del Rosario, which is on the eastern side of the island. Many tourists look for privately owned holiday homes in Spain to rent here, as they find it very convenient for local amenities. If you choose villa rentals in Spain in this town you should visit the old harbour area which has some interesting architecture typical of the Canary Islands.

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Where would be the cheapest place in the caribbean to buy a vacation home?

We just got back from St. John and loved it. The homes where a bit $$..but also can make a lot of money renting them out. Any suggestions?

I agree about Belize. The Mexican construction is headed all the way down the Yucatan coast almost to the border. Belize is an up and coming destination. The economy is stable and they accept dollars routinely in transactions.

Here's a Video about caribbean vacations homes:

We'll Sea Luxury Vacation Home - Cayman Islands

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How Do I Fix This??

OK, I got a Mac last week. So yesterday I decided to download some cool, fun fonts. So I did. I downloaded one called "Caribbean Island", the Pirates Of The Caribbean font. Only after I installed it, I could not find the file. I didnt think anything of it, until I went on Y! Mail and BAM! there it is (not the file) it showed Caribbean Island instead of Times New Roman! And I don't know how to fix this. Please help me. Once again, this is on a Mac, using Safari, and it only shows up while I am on Safari. By the way, I deleted this font off of my computer.

Thanks again whoever answers this question.
OK, Int the preferences, I have the fonts set to Areal and Helvitica Neue.
but I had already done that before I asked the question.

open safari and go to the file menu at the top left
go down to preferences and click
when the preferences window opens click the "appearence" tab and change the font in the font window

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Sparrabeth - 24

Las Vegas at sea? Today's cruise ships host a variety of gaming options ranging from games for first timers to high stakes gambling tables for more seasoned players. Most of the medium to large ships offer Blackjack, countless slot machines, Caribbean stud poker, Roulette and craps.

Casino size and choice of games ranges from basic to large and lavish Vegas style casinos. It is important to know that while ships are permitted to open their casino in international waters, they are closed while in port.

If gaming is a particularly important part of your cruise, keep in mind that on some itineraries such as Bermuda, where you dock for several days, gaming time is limited. Also, note that due to Hawaii laws, there are no casinos on NCL America ships based there, including Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and Pride of Hawaii. Similarly, casinos can stay open when cruising Alaska's Inside Passage unless they are within three miles of a port.

Tournaments

Tournaments continue to gain popularity on most cruise ships with larger casinos. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal, NCL and Princess are among those that feature slot and blackjack tournaments.

In the last several years the growing popularity of Texas Hold-em Poker has induced some of the lines to add live poker tables and conduct "no-limit" gambling tournaments one or more times during the cruise. And last year, the finals of the World Poker Tournament were held on board a Holland America ship.

Princess Cruises recently added automated Poker Pro tables to some of its ships. And don't forget about Bingo which is making a comeback due to new games and higher jackpots.

Special Promotions

If you enjoy gaming, ask your cruise specialist to research any upcoming promotions or gambling tournament that may be of interest to you. And when you get on board, be sure to introduce yourself to the casino floor manager to get an update on casino happenings on your particular cruise.

Alas, the "free" drinks of Las Vegas are not a tradition on board cruise ships but the pit bosses CAN buy you the occasional beverage if you are spending a lot of time (or money) trying to beat Lady Luck. For information on upcoming gaming cruises, check out CruiseJungle community boards.

Players Clubs

The Ocean Players Club, is operated by Carnival Corporation on the ships of the World's Leading Cruise Lines consisting primarily of Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Costa Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn. Membership in the Ocean Players Club is free and enrollment is coordinated on board with the casino host.

This club has something for everyone,regardless of the playing level. There are awards for playing the slots and adjustable betting limits for the high rollers. Players can earn points used for free gifts, discounts on onboard services, complimentary beverages and discounts on future cruises.

Celebrity Cruises has something for novice gamers and high-rolling enthusiasts alike. In addition to standard games, such as blackjack, American roulette, Caribbean stud poker, three-card poker, craps, Texas hold 'em plus video and slot machines, the line also holds black blackjack, poker and slot tournaments on each voyage.

In fact, Celebrity has its own VIP player program called the "Blue Chip Club" for certain guests who qualify. They can earn points, which translate into rebates on future cruises and at various onboard areas. Each voyage also features bingo, where you can compete for money and prizes.

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Princess cruises: Caribbean Princess VS Royal Caribbean: Mariner fo the Seas. Which is best?

Mariner of the Seas-
Ice-skating rink
Rock-climbing wall
In-line skating
Royal Promenade (open 24 hours)
Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Café Promenade
Ben & Jerry's® ice cream
Vintages wine bar
Boleros Latin-theme lounge
Themed bars and lounges
Casino RoyaleSM
Golf simulators
9-hole miniature golf course
Adventure Ocean® youth facilities, including teen-only areas, Fuel and Living Room
ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center
Full-size basketball court

Ship Facts
Maiden Voyage: November 16, 2003
Passenger Capacity: 3,114
Godmother: Jean Driscoll
Gross Tonnage: 138,000
Length: 1020'
Max Beam: 157.5'
Draft: 29'
Cruising Speed: 22 knots

Caribbean Princess
3,100 passengers
881 staterooms have private balconies
Full deck of mini-suites
300 square foot Movies Under the Stars outdoor movie screen
Wedding chapel featuring wedding-at-sea program officiated by the ship's captain
Sports bar
Art gallery
Nine-hole putting course and golf simulator
Wrap-around promenade deck
Four pools - including one swim-against-the current pool
Sports court and jogging track
Asian-themed Lotus spa with ocean-view gym
Three dining rooms
Themed Café Caribe featuring local specialties
Two specialty restaurants - Sabatini's Italian restaurant and Sterling Steakhouse
Outdoor hamburger grill, pizzeria and ice cream bar
24-hour buffet/bistro, plus round-the-clock room service
A wide variety of bars and lounges, including a wine and caviar bar
Three unique show lounges
One of the largest casinos afloat
Expansive child and teen centers
24-hour Internet Café
Skywalkers nightclub and observation lounge suspended 150 feet above the water
Easy wheelchair access staterooms and most public areas

If you like lots of things to do anytime of the day it looks like Royal Caribbean with the Ice rink and rock wall would be the better choice, but with the reputations I would go with Princess.

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Sea Princess video "7 nt Southern Caribbean Cruise" ex Fort Lauderdale

There are many thousands of vacation rental properties available on web sites, through rental agencies, and listing sites. Finding the perfect one for your vacation can be quite a challenge, and sometimes even when you feel you have found just the right one for your family, there is a good possibility that someone gets there before you, and you lose the week you want.

Here's a few secrets from vacation rental owners that may help you find the perfect place, create a great relationship with the owner, and have the most amazing vacation.

1 Remember that you are not reserving a hotel room. Owners who rent out their homes are real people who have spent much time and effort on making the place comfortable, ambient and fully equipped for their rental clients. A good rental will provide you with all the comforts of home, a well decorated environment, entertainment systems, a kitchen with everything you need to create family meals, and comfortable bedrooms. The owners are likely to be very proud of their home and only want to rent to people who will appreciate it. This means that if you treat them as you might a hotel or resort reservationist, they might just turn your request down. From my own experience, I like to have people in my cottage who I think will respect and enjoy the experience of staying there, so I want friendly renters that I can chat to on the phone and assess if they are right match for my property.

2 When you speak to the owner or agency, don't be vague about the number of people in your rental group. When they ask 'how many people do you have', don't reply with, ' I'm not sure yet', or 'we haven't decided how many people will be coming', as this will start alarm bells ringing in the owner's mind. One of the greatest fears that a vacation rental owner has is that they will rent to a group of people who see the property as a 'party house' and invite all of their friends to come along and share the accommodation. Be specific about the people who will be in the rental group and respect the owner's accommodation limits.

3 Accommodation limits are usually determined by several factors. Firstly, the owner may simply decide to set a limit on how many people he will accept in the property based on the potential for wear and tear. This is his choice, and should be respected. So even if the property listing says it has five bedrooms, however the accommodation limit is set to six, resist the temptation to argue that since there are beds for at least 10 people, that is how many you will bring, as this will not endear you to the owner who may well end of the conversation there and then. The second factor is one that is common to many country properties that are not serviced by township septic and drainage systems. These places will have holding tanks or septic tanks, both of which have capacity limits which will place a restriction on the number of people the property serviced by the systems can accommodate. These limits are usually based on headcount so there is no difference between adults, children or babies. We often hear rental clients saying, 'they're only babies, they don't use any water, and they are in diapers anyway'. Even though it's quite a long way in the past, I can still remember that I bathed my babies quite regularly, and usually in the bath tub using more water than a shower would take.

4 Before you start e-mailing or telephoning an owner with a long list of questions, please check that the answers are not already shown on a web site or rental listing. Many owners have comprehensive web sites that provide all the information you need, and although they are happy to answer any additional questions, it is very helpful to them if you have already read the listing. If the property is very attractive and popular the owner may be receiving numerous enquiries every day and may be very selective about who they will rent their property to. Bombarding them with questions about features and facilities that are clearly shown on the listing may not result in a favourable response.

5 Many vacation rental owners welcome pets; many do not. Please don't expect an owner of a non-pet-friendly property to accept your 'adorable, well-trained, hypo-allergenic, Labra-doodle-poo', even if it is crated, kept under control at all times, and 'never allowed on furniture or beds'. If the owner doesn't like dogs or cats, you won't change his mind by pleading or asking in a dozen different ways. It would simply be better to either accept you have to put your pet into kennels, or find another property. In any case, wouldn't you prefer to bring your much loved pet to a property where he or she is welcomed with a few dog treats?

I have owned several vacation properties over the past 20 years and have met many people, some of whom are now good friends. Along the way, I've learnt a lot about my rental guests, what they expect, and how I should provide a space that is just right for them. As a responsible owner, I work hard to create that space and offer good value for money, and in return I simply look for respect for my property and an appreciation of the special nature of a rental vacation. This type of vacation is not right for everyone, and if you are looking for the type of sterile, impersonal environment found in many hotels and resorts, then v not be right for you. On the other hand, you may find that once you experience vacation rental for your family, you will never take any other type of vacation again.

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Carnival Cruise Planning Help?!?

okay so my family wants to take a vacation on carnival cruise line for eight days in march 2011 for spring break. we wanna go to the caribbean or the bahamas. need help deciding these following questions.

need help deciding best ship and where and where not to spend our $$$.

like what room to get for 4 people and what to do on the ship.

and what is the best port to depart at.

i am 14 and my sister is 11 so we want fun and entertainment.

since we live in minnesota we were looking for more sun and less snow.

I'm 15 and I have a family of four and a little sis too! the teen clubs r really fun and you can make good friends also you don't want to spend much on board..like no one in our family drinks soda so we didn't buy the additional drinks option which saved like $10 per person per day! same with all the spa treatments and souvenirs and tax free shopping...not really worth it we went last year on the carnival inspiration and we departed from Tampa cuz we live in virginia and we got an oceanview an it's not worth it! all u get is a tiny little window in ur room and u don't even spend much time in ur room since there is so much to do on board so it's best to save the money and go in interior hope I helped have a great cruise!

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Though the pirates found in Hollywood features might be things of the past, there is a Caribbean island that is keeping the more entertaining aspects this unique culture alive. For the last 30 years, Grand Cayman and her sister islands have hosted an entire week of pirate-related festivities during the month of November. Highlighted by street parties and heritage festivals, Cayman Pirate Week is one of the island's most popular events and a can't-miss experience for visiting families. This year, the pirates arrive in Grand Cayman on November 8 and disembark on November 15.

The festivities of Cayman Pirate Week begin with the arrival of the pirates aboard replica 17th century Spanish galleons. To the amusement of locals and tourists alike, the pirates playfully capture Grand Cayman's governor at the docks of Georgetown. With the Grand Cayman's leader symbolically locked up for the week, the pirates proceed to take over the island and spread their merriment from coast to coast. The pirate landing party will take place this year on Saturday, November 8. The festivities get underway at 2 PM with live beach entertainment at Hog Sty Bay, located near the main harbor of Georgetown. The pirates make their entrance in Georgetown at 3 PM and parade through the city to the delight of local and visiting families. The festival's opening Saturday is capped off with a dazzling fireworks display and an exciting food and dance festival that has been known to spread through the streets of Georgetown.

The following day, families will have a chance to interact with the pirates at the festival's Children's Fun Fair Day. From 12 PM to 4 PM, families can enjoy the friendly street fair atmosphere and have a chance to don pirate costumes, fool around with the performers and play games worthy of the high seas. Also on Sunday, families can participate in the Underwater Treasure Hunt in Grand Cayman's West Bay. Hosted by local dive shops, the Underwater Treasure Hunt offers families a great opportunity to add the thrill of sunken treasure to a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.

From Monday to Saturday (November 10-15), visitors can participate in a number of heritage celebrations throughout Grand Cayman. The excitement starts in the West Bay area of Grand Cayman on Monday. From 11 AM to 2 AM, the pirates will treat the crowds to live music, delicious Caribbean food and plenty of contests and games. On Tuesday, the party moves to the North Side of the island where visitors will have a chance to enjoy incredible scenery while partying with the pirates. The charming village known as Bodden Town is the host of Wednesday's festivities, while Thursday sees the party return to the capital of Georgetown. At the close of the week, the heritage celebrations visit Grand Cayman's East End on Friday and the Savannah and Newlands areas on Saturday, allowing visitors to experience some of the island's lesser-known sites.

At the end of Pirate Week in Grand Cayman, locals and visitors can enjoy the lighthearted fun of the Cardboard Boat Race. Afterwards, the pirates are brought to trial as the crowds gather to see these "criminals" of the high seas banished from the island. Once order is restored and the governor is released from his cell, an immense fireworks display marks the beginning of yet another street festival. Known as the Street Dance Finale, the closing party moves up and down Harbour Drive in Georgetown until midnight on Saturday, November 15.

Throughout the week, visitors can find booths for food and drinks throughout Georgetown, while many of the local shops join the fun by offering costumes and special souvenirs. Even better for families, getting around Georgetown during the festival is a breeze and nearly all of the Cayman Pirate Week events are free.

If you and your family want to enjoy one of the most entertaining elements of Caribbean history, Grand Cayman is the place to be. As host to the only Pirate Week festival in the region, Grand Cayman offers visitors a chance to experience both an island where pirates once ran wild and characters that few get to see outside of the movies.

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History buffs!!!! I need your help!!?

Which historical narrative involving the Spanish-American War is NOT correct? Choose the narrative that does not belong in the list below:

Question 7 answers

The American war with the Empire of Spain was at a time in which the United States decided to build a Navy. However, when orders came down to send troops to Cuba, the Rough Riders illustrated that this was, in part, a military contribution of elitists caught up in the western romanticism of the cowboy.

The Empire of Spain was never the same after Napoleon’s invasion in 1808 of the Iberian Peninsula. From this moment in time, territories in the empire were rebelling and obtaining their independence such as in Latin America. By the late 19C, a few island territories in the Pacific and Caribbean remained.

From the 1880s through the 1910s the Empire of Spain along with the USA expanded into non-Christian regions such as Africa and Asia ruling them as colonies to which freedom has not yet come.

the third statement is incorrect.

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Yes, you've seen it in one of the fashionable magazines. Your favourite soap opera star, film star or T.V. personality tying the knot in some exotic Caribbean location and selling the magazine rights and pictures for an enormous fee. Your wedding is about to be planned and how you would love to be able to celebrate this special day in your life just as the star has done. Even if this was without the fee.

It may seem like the impossible dream. A far away tropical paradise, with warm seas kissing a deserted palm tree fringed beach whilst you and your beloved exchange your vows in front of your family and friends. But is it such an impossible dream? Destination weddings are no longer exclusively for celebrities or the jet set and in many cases can work out a lot cheaper than traditional home based events.

The Caribbean is a favourite location for destination weddings and the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular countries for couples seeking something really special. It is only a short flight from many U.S. cities and the legal requirements have been simplified to attract non residents to the island. There are many venues available specializing in destination weddings here but if you really want a celebrity style experience renting a private villa to host your event and take care of your invited guests should be top of the list.

Private villas specializing in Caribbean destination weddings offer all, if not more, than a 5* hotel with the added advantage that you and your party are the only guests. No competing with others for the best spot by the pool or trying to catch a waiter's eye when you want a refreshing drink or cocktail. These villas have full time professional staff trained to be at your beck and call throughout your stay. A personal chef is at your disposal to prepare your favourite menus as well as your reception dinner and a concierge to organise any excursions you want to enjoy as well as ensuring everything during your stay runs smoothly.

Perhaps more importantly most will have wedding packages available and a professional wedding planner who will have organised all the aspects of your wedding ceremony, the location, flowers, color scheme, table decorations, photographer, video cameraman, music, entertainment etc. in conjunction with your wishes so that all you will need to do is arrive at the villa, relax with your guests and enjoy the whole of your stay. No need to think about leaving after the ceremony for a honeymoon either. You are already in paradise so you can just lay back and take pleasure in the rest of your time at your villa.

So yes the dream can become a reality and now is an excellent time to look for your destination wedding venue as some villas are offering special terms and packages at discounted rates for the fall season, which has become an increasingly popular time of year for Caribbean weddings.

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