The art of finding cheap cruises is relatively easy today. In fact, it's often said it's too easy.

The term cheap cruises has almost lost it's meaning because the simple truth is, cheap prices for cruises today are almost standard.

There has been a revolution in recent years with companies putting bigger and better ships on the water enabling more people to be able to take advantage of cruise holidays.

Finding Cheap Cruises

However, there are still some "secrets" to nailing cheap cruises which many won't be aware of. One of the best times of the year to look for cheap cruise deals is the second half.

If you have a little patience and can be flexible with your travelling times then waiting until the last few months can be very lucrative in terms of making savings.

With the presence now of online booking facilities and information websites the competition is fierce for the vacation dollar. This is also true among the various cruise lines who simply want to fill their cabins before their ships leave port.

Closeout Cruise Deals

Towards the end of the year you should be on the lookout for what are termed as closeout deals. Some of the savings one can make are substantial.

Closeout deals are basically so-called because the end of the year is approaching and with so many cruises scheduled to depart from the various ports around the world, cruise lines look for a last minute rush on cabins.

This is especially so in the northern hemisphere with winter in full flight and the festive season approaching. Many people prefer to stick around home with family and friends and cabins are usually much more available.

Where To Find Closeout Deals

You could simply phone the cruise lines themselves however, a prudent shopper of cheap cruises will head to their local travel agent or simply phone around.

In fact, you don't have to leave this until the last minute as you could talk to travel agents earlier in the year and let them know what you're after and how much you want to spend.

The other excellent source of closeout deals are the online booking services and websites. Like office-based travel agents you also have the option of being alerted to possible deals via regular newsletters.

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will royal caribbean cruise line change our staterooms?

Our family booked a cruise on RC through our travel agent. RC sent out booking confirmations via e-mail and on them they have our stateroom numbers listed. There are three couples going together as this is a family cruise, but they have put each one of us on different floors and at different locations in the ship. Does anyone know if we can call customer support and plead our case for this being all one family to try to get them to adjust rooms so that we can all be together? Or is there a better way to get ahold of them to try to get this taken care of.

First off did you let your travel agent know there were 3 families? if so they should have made arrangements to get adjoining rooms or at the very least rooms on the same deck (as long as you all booked in the same catagory). If you didn't tell your agent, call them right away, the longer you leave it, the less chance you have of getting on the same deck (it will also depend on how soon you are leaving, if its soon & the ship is full, chances are it wont happen) but cruise lines are usually very good about trying to keep you happy, so if your agent isn't willing to try for you (dont use them again) then go ahead and call Royal Caribbean.
Good luck, and have a great cruise!

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San Diego Travel Agents Caribbean Cruises San Diego Travel Agents Cruise Blossom Valley Travel

When you are getting ready to go on a cruise you may find yourself overwhelmed, not knowing what to pack and what to leave behind. It's a delicate balance of making sure you have all the things you are going to use, but not lugging along a lot of things you don't need.

When many people prepare to go on their first vacation cruise, they have a lot of questions about what they should not forget and what they can be comfortable leaving behind. They don't know what items are going to be easy to get a hold of onboard and what they won't have access to.

So when you are sorting out what to pack for your cruise vacation holiday, here's a little list of things to keep in mind:

Necessities

If nothing else, here is a list of things you MUST remember to pack and have on hand when you take off on your cruise vacation:

Passport - For the majority of cruises, you will go to at least a few countries, and therefore you must have a passport and/or state identification card or drivers license to be able to move from country to country.

Car Insurance - If you are planning on renting a car at any of your holiday destinations, you must have proof of automobile insurance to make the process go more easily.

Clock - Since your travels will likely take you from one time zone to another, you will want to have a watch so you can keep track of what time it is. This is even better if you have a multiple time-zone watch.

The Right Clothes - Think ahead to all the kinds of activities you are going to be involved in. If there are formal events planned, make sure you have some of your best outfits so can give off the look you want. Meanwhile, make sure to also have the clothes you need for all the fun things you are planning to do, such as spending time at the pool or going hiking.

Other Things To Consider

Camera - If you want to be able to get a lot of pictures of your fun event, make sure to pack a regular camera with lots of film or a digital camera with extra memory cards.

Camcorder - For even more fun memories, you may want to capture some moments on video.

Recreation Items - If you want to read a book at the poolside, bring a good read along, and if you need them, don't forget your reading glasses.

First-aid-items - If you are planning to do hiking or other risky activities you should prepare for whatever may go wrong.

Flash Light - Just in case of an emergency.

As you are packing, remember this is just a few days. You do not need everything in your home to be with you. When you first select the items to pack, look at them a few times and decide if they are items you really need.

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The Spice of the Caribbean

Family cruise vacations are a wonderful way to engage the whole family in a trip that's relatively all-inclusive and offers a range of activities that appeal to family members young and old. However, before you depart on your big family cruise vacation, you need to consider a few crucial safety tips.

To learn how to really enjoy yourself and have a fun and safe time on your next family cruise, keep reading for the top family cruise safety tips from the experts.

1. Check your ship's report card

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a department called the Vessel Sanitation Program. That program inspects ships on a regular basis for cleanliness, food preparation, hygiene, water control, rodents and disease prevention. Upon inspection, each ship is given a report card that is then made available on the CDC web site.

Before you book your next cruise, look up your specific ship's report card to check their grade.

2. Put safety first

Before you book a cruise, even a "family" cruise or a "kid" cruise, always make sure you know the cruise line's policy on child safety. If they don't have one or if it isn't readily available to you, then they are not the cruise line for you.

Ask about their daycare employees, the activity counselors and the children's guides - are they qualified to work with children? Do they have first aid certification? Have they been thoroughly screened? What background checks has the cruise line done? How does the cruise line keep track of every child when parents aren't present?

3. Be diligent, especially on shore

Admittedly, a cruise can feel very safe. It's an enclosed environment, but that doesn't mean parents can fully let down their guard. Kids can still fall, slip, get hurt, wander into unsupervised or dangerous areas and generally do what kids do.

Despite the childcare, the amenities available to you and the enclosed space, never forget that you're a parent. If you're going on shore with your children, keep a close eye on them and try sticking to cruise-ship organized activities.

4. Have your papers in order

Before you leave, make sure that everyone has a passport. If any of the children have a different last name from yourself or your friend, or if they're traveling without one parent, be sure to get copies of their birth certificates or custody agreements or a letter that states you're allowed to bring them outside the country.

Also, make sure everyone is properly insured for travel, including cruise travel which has specific legal implications because of international waters and the various ports of call. Keep all this paperwork in a safe place.

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Puerto Vallarta to Riviera Maya

With 17 cruise ships visiting 350 different ports, Princess Cruises has 120 itineraries and many one-way cruises to choose from. Since their founding in 1966, Princess has introduced several important new concepts in cruising and they're always striving to offer a better cruise experience.

Princess has extensive onshore infrastructure, especially in Alaska, so their programs ashore are well managed. And since their cruise ships range in size from 2,500+ passengers to an intimate 684 guests, there are plenty of cruising styles to choose from.

Their 17 ships sail all seven seas, which means they have lots of relocation cruises as the ships follow summer around the world. From a 1-day jaunt from Seattle to Vancouver to a 48-day voyage from Shanghai to Capetown, there's a one-way Princess cruise that's right for anyone.

Repositioning cruises aboard the Caribbean Princess.

Carrying more than 3,000 passengers, Caribbean Princess is the largest cruise ship in the Princess fleet. With almost 900 balcony staterooms and a deck dedicated to mini suites, it's easy to enjoy the fresh air. The adults-only Sanctuary is a pleasant place to enjoy some peace and quiet. And the Lotus Spa offers a variety of massages and health and beauty treatments. Those who want to stay in shape can use the fitness center, sport court, and driving range. There are also programs for kids of all ages, so everyone in the family will enjoy their cruise.

Caribbean Princess only has two repositioning cruises in 2010. She sails on May 2 from San Juan, Puerto Rico bound for New York City. She makes port calls in St. Thomas, Antigua, and Bermuda before arriving in New York eight days later. The three sea days allow plenty of time to unwind.

She returns to the Caribbean on October 23, leaving from New York and calling at St. Lucia in addition to Bermuda, Antigua, and St. Thomas before disembarking passengers in San Juan.

Repositioning cruises aboard the Coral Princess.

The 1,970-passenger Coral Princess is a mid-size ship built to be able to transit the Panama Canal. She has two decks dedicated to lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues. And you'll also find original features like a demonstration kitchen and ceramics lab. Two alternative restaurants, Sabatini's Italian Restaurant and Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse, provide additional options for diners. And there are three swimming pools, one with a retractable glass dome. After dinner, you can retire to the cigar bar for a smoke or to the piano bar for a nightcap.

Coral Princess relocates for the Alaska season in the spring, sailing from Fort Lauderdale on April 21, 2010. She visits Aruba and Cartagena, Columbia before going through the Panama Canal. After transiting the canal, she calls in Costa Rica, and three ports in Mexico before sailing up the Pacific coast of the United States. She stops in Los Angeles and Victoria, BC before disembarking in Vancouver. This voyage packs a lot of diverse destinations into 20 days.

Cruisers who enjoy shipboard life but don't have a lot of vacation time available can join Coral Princess in Los Angeles on May 6 for a five-night cruise to Vancouver. With just one port call in Victoria, this sailing is ideal for those who just want to curl up in a deck chair with a good book.

When the Alaska season is over, Coral Princess returns to Fort Lauderdale, leaving Vancouver on September 18, 2010 and doing the original trans-Canal itinerary in reverse. If you don't have enough time, you can board the ship five days later in Los Angeles.

Repositioning cruises aboard the Crown Princess.

Although it's a sister ship to the Caribbean Princess, there are some differences between the two. It's one of the newest Princess ships and it features an atrium lobby designed to be like an Italian piazza, complete with a sidewalk cafe. Another cool amenity is the sport court on the roof of the Skywalker Disco.

Crown Princess leaves the Caribbean to relocate to the Mediterranean on May 1, 2010. She sails from Fort Lauderdale and spends eight days at sea before arriving at Gibraltar. With the passengers all rested up from those relaxing sea days, Coral Princess calls at Alicante, Barcelona, Marseilles, and Livorno before arriving in Rome on May 15.

Those with more time can stay aboard and sail to Monte Carlo, Livorno, Naples, Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Athens, Katakolon, and Corfu before ending their voyage in Venice. If you've never sailed into Venice before, it's an absolutely unforgettable travel experience.

From there, Coral Princess heads for the North Atlantic for the summer season. She sails from Rome to London with visits to Livorno, Genoa, Cannes, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Dublin, Glasgow, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge along the way.

In early September, Crown Princess leaves London to return to the United States. She calls at Cornwall, Dublin, and Belfast before heading to Reykjavik, Greenland, and St. John's, Newfoundland. Passengers leave the ship in New York City.

On October 17, 2010 she returns to the Caribbean for the winter, sailing from Quebec City to Ville Saguenay, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, Norfolk, and Charleston. The voyage ends in Fort Lauderdale. This is a unique way to visit some of America's most charming coastal cities.

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Has anyone been on a rainforest tour excursion in San Juan, Puerto Rico?

I am going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in May 2008. This is my 7th cruise so I am not new to the experience. There are a few different rainforest tours offered through the website and I am wondering if anyone has been on this shore excursion. Some are cheap, some are long, some are short, some let you swim etc....

I am an environmental scientist so I love being outdoors and there is very little activity that will be too streneous for me.

Any info or experiences would help. Thanks

Yes I went on the rain forest tour in PR about 6 years ago. It was from a NCL ship and the tour I booked was on the last day of the cruise and included a drop off at the airport. The tour we booked included the rain forest and a drive through the city with a stop at the Old city and fort.

It was a kinda long bus ride to get to the rain forest, so long that we had a stop for a break on the way. The rain forest was nice. They drop you off at the entrance and there is a visitor center (and restrooms) and then a marked path around a pond and through the woods. As I recall it was about a half mile hike along the trail through the forest back to the parking lot. Then the tour went a mile or so back down the road and stopped at an observation tower which may at one time have been a lighthouse. It was about 50 steps to the top and you could see the ocean from the top.

I though it was a nice tour and it filled much of the time until our flight which was about 5:00 PM.

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise san juan:

Serenade of the Seas video "7 nt South Caribbean Cruise" ex San Juan

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After arriving at an all-inclusive resort for our first Caribbean family vacation, our group of two parents and three kids ranging from early to late teens walked out to the fabulous curving pool for a swim.

"Oh my God!" my wife suddenly exclaimed.

We all looked down at the attractive young woman we were passing and saw that she was sunning herself -- topless. She was quite open about it, and she seemed amused by our reaction.

My 13-year-old son slapped his hand over his eyes and looked away. The rest of us looked away as well. I looked away the quickest to make sure my wife didn't kill me.

We didn't know that topless sunbathing was allowed at this Caribbean resort because we didn't know any better. Many Americans aren't comfortable with topless sunbathing, especially if they are parents with younger kids. Europeans are quite comfortable with it, and it is a common site on many Caribbean islands.

Welcome to planning a family vacation in the Caribbean.

One way to start planning such a vacation is to think about children in two groups -- pre-teen and teen. Whether a family has pre-teens, teens or a mix has an impact on making the right choices.

Anyone who hasn't visited the Caribbean before and who has pre-teen children should consider a cruise as a great choice. A cruise has enough events, facilities and excursions to fill an entire week.

The events take place both indoors and outdoors, and they are planned all day long. Indoor events include singers, dancers and other entertainers at the main show theater. Outdoor events might be as simple as more performers, contests, etc.

Typical facilities on many major ships range from tennis and basketball courts to jogging tracks, putting greens, swimming pools, spas and fitness centers.

But it is the excursions that create the most memorable family vacations. Although an off-ship excursion costs extra, there are at least a few on every cruise that stay with a family for a lifetime, such as swimming with sting ray (Cayman Islands), sea turtles (Barbados) or dolphins (Cancun, Bahamas and others).

Families with teens should consider going to an all-inclusive resort at places such as Jamaica or Dominican Republic. Resorts often have hundreds of acres of space, usually within tall security fences, for teens to wander, socialize and get away from mom and dad. However, these all-inclusive destinations tend to have fewer things to do nearby.

Likewise, there are destinations such as Aruba and Cancun that have fewer resorts but more hotels. These locations have quite a bit more to do nearby, including more shopping, which tends to appeal to older teens.

Whatever the makeup of the family, a great Caribbean vacation comes down to some relaxation, a fair amount of fun and at least a few special memories -- better the good ones than the bad ones. The good ones come with good planning.

- For help with vacation planning, click, Caribbean family vacation.

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Can someone recommend me a good all inclusive resort any where in caribbean?

Ok, so I just stayed in the bahamas and didn't enjoy myself too much because the hotel served rot gut liquor and was really run down.

I paid 1200 for a trip that I was dissatisfied with.

For personal satisfaction, I am starting to plan a trip for the winter.

Can someone PLEASE give me some places that you think would be good for me?

I am 20 years old, straight male looking for some females and to party out a little bit. Preferably, it would be a safe place. A nightclub inside the resort would be beautiful ( IF PEOPLE ACTUALLY GO, NOT LIKE MY LAST ONE).

I'm willing to pay 1400 at MOST. Can someone PLEASE give me up suggestions and help me with my future vacation. I want a VACATION, not something where I feel my money was wasted.

Anyone please? THANKZ

** I've been to dominican republic, mexico and bahamas.New suggestions would be nice, but if you guys know some good resorts out in these places it would be helpful!

Information on Barbados
A Barbados Briefing
Barbados is a coral island, pushed out of sea by volcanic activity in a far away time. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast a lively surf is blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

When you visit Barbados, you will see it is mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes which provide an excellent supply of drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world. Geologically Barbados is unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the years. This and other anomalies make this Caribbean Island quite phenomenal, and there are geological structures that you will find only in Barbados.
Barbados Expectation
Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, night life, music, history and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. But what makes Barbados even more special, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. Barbadians make you feel welcome and special, in this lovely Caribbean Island. You will feel its your home and will want to come back again and again to Barbados: A unique Caribbean paradise, surprisingly sophisticated, friendly, fun and always Naturally Charming!

http://barbados.org/

Some all-inclusive resorts are here including Almond Casuarina which is very near to the night life (St. Lawrence Gap). Included in this is the adult-hotel which is the Club and Spa.

http://www.almondresorts.com/

Alternatively there is the Crane Hotel which has one of the top 10 best beaches in the world. http://thecrane.com/

http://www.barbados.org/crane.htm

These are some other all-inclusive

http://www.barbados.org/allinclusive_vacations.php

Read a little about our nightlife especially in St Lawrence Gap.

http://www.barbados.org/stlaw.htm

http://www.barbadosvillavacations.com/barbados_holiday_rentals_list.cfm?rate_restrict=1|100

You should also take a trip to a popular fishing village (Oistins) on a Friday night where you can get some grill fish, grill potatoes and tartar sauce. Afterward, you can go and see the locals and visitors dancing in the open air to some vintage oldies. This is a sight to behold. There is also craft sold at this location.

http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Oistins+Fish+Fry-Barbados-nightlife--Barbados:164:298996

http://www.funbarbados.com/search/CalendarSearch2.cfm?Word=Crop%20Over

Here's a Video about all inclusive caribbean resort vacations:

Vacation At Sandals Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica

Caribbean cruises are all the rage these days. When you consider the range of amenities and facilities, the varied ports of call, and the range of activities on offer, Caribbean cruises are pretty good value. They offer much more than any one Caribbean resort can offer, and can be great fun no matter what the weather is like. Modern cruise liners are huge and can usually handle rough weather in stride without the passengers on board even noticing. The popularity of Caribbean cruises has resulted in several cruise lines operating in the region, as well as several different routes to choose from. So how do you decide which cruise line and route?

Firstly, let us take a look at the Caribbean cruise lines on offer. The big names are Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian, and it makes sense to look at these three first. They have made their names based on their reputation of reliability, service and range of amenities, services, activities and routes. The pick of these would have to be Royal Caribbean. They have the largest and most modern fleet of cruise ships in the Caribbean, and, despite normal fares being a tad expensive, have some surprisingly cheap Caribbean cruise package deals especially in the off season. However if you are planning your vacation for a high season, book well in advance as Royal Caribbean is often sold out months beforehand. Norwegian is also a great cruise line and a little cheaper than Royal Caribbean, while Princess is another good option for those looking for a deal. There are several other Caribbean cruise operations that work on theme-based cruises, such as Celebrity, which may suit certain travelers' tastes.

Now, on to Caribbean cruise routes. Generally cruises take place in a certain area of the Caribbean, visiting the ports of call particular to that region. Basically, the Caribbean Sea can be divided into Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern areas. Depending on the length of the cruise, one or a few of these regions can be explored. There are also cruises just to one destination, such as Bermuda or the Bahamas (both of which are technically not actually part of the Caribbean, but close enough!). Personally, I think the Eastern and Southern routes are the most interesting. The Eastern routes usually stop in at fantastic places such as Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, all of which are steeped in history and have the friendliest people. These routes may also take you through the French and Netherlands Antilles, which have their own distinctive cultural atmosphere and magnificent sights. The Southern cruises also take you to magical islands such as Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao, Aruba, Barbados and Bonaire. Those with enough time and money can easily combine these two regions into one cruise, seeing what I consider to be the best of what the Caribbean has to offer!

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What is the weather like in the first two weeks of July in the Eastern Caribbean? (See islands below)?

Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Croix, St. John island areas?
Is the weather sunny? Or rainy season?

Puerto Rico:
Still relatively early in the rainy season on Puerto Rico, July sees a slight increase in precipitation from June and a greater probability for severe weather, although still unlikely. Travelers should not be deterred by the rainy season however, as there are still warm temperatures and plenty of sand and sun to enjoy.

http://puertorico-guide.info/weather/july/

St.Lucia:
Traditionally the latter part of the rainy season generally sees the most rainfall, but this has not been the case in recent years. The beginning months of June and July are beginning to see increased amounts of rainfall early in the season. Vacationers should not be concerned however, because although it is likely that they will see some rainfall during their stay, it will generally be scattered and short-lived.

http://stlucia-guide.info/weather/july/

St.Croix and St.John:
The Virgin Islands does not have a rainy season, however there are month to month differences. The rainiest months in the Virgin Islands are November, October, September,August and May.
The Virgin Islands does not experience significant seasonal changes, therefore weather and temperatures are fairly consistent year round. June, July and August tend to be the hottest months with temperatures in the mid 80s.

http://www.vinow.com/usvi/weather.php

I hoe the information above helps you!

♥

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MaximsNewsNetwork: WOLRD DEVELOPMENT REPORT on CLIMATE CHANGE by WORLD BANK

"No way!" my friend Ellen's son Alex said when I mentioned it to him.

"Yes way," I said, adopting my granddaughter's phrase, "you sure can."

Alex was skeptical but after he read my article about working on a cruise ship and the fabulous bennies, (is that how you spell another word for benefits?)he checked into it, using some of my suggestions, and during summer break from the University, he worked on a cruise ship sailing the Inward Passage in Alaska.

I got a post card from him mailed from Juaneu. The writing side was covered with Xs and Os - with just Thanks, Alex. His mother showed me pictures from his cell phone and I could see he was having a blast. When he came home at the end of the summer, he came to the house and told me about his adventures and what he loved most about working on one of the finest of the cruise ships doing the Alaskan summer sailings.

He grinned, as he mentioned the partying among the crew members. Oh and yes, he did meet a young lady who was a tour escort for one of the shore excursions. Whenever he was in that port, they had a date. He thinks it might lead to something but not sure. She is a student at a College in CA. They have both signed on to go back on the summer cruises next year.

Alex was hired to work in one of the casinos as a dealer. He said the training was really easy and the hours working were minimal. He had lots of time off to enjoy the cruise and of course when the ship was in port, the casino was closed so he went on some of the shore tours. I looked at the pictures he took, listened to his stories of interesting towns he visited like Skagway and Misty Fjords. The port he most enjoyed was Sitka, a Russian style fishing village filled with beautiful art work and gold and silver icons at St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Alex thanked me again and again for telling him about working on a cruise ship. His mother thanked me for telling him because not only did he get paid but was able to save his money. All his living expenses were free while he was on board the ship. Do you think working on a cruise ship is for you? First thing you need to do is check out the types of jobs available. See if any of them fit you.

It really could be a dream come true. Maybe someday you'll thank me too.

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Travel Adventure: Dominica

Most people associate cruises with just indulging in activities on board while the ship makes its way through the waters of a sea or ocean. But, apart from the entertainment that is provided on the ship, there are lots of other activities that can be participated in to keep you occupied and to gain new experiences.

There are some companies that run cruise ships catering only to adventure sports. Adrenaline lovers can opt for this kind of a cruise instead of the traditional ones. These ships offer lots of activities like kayaking, deep sea diving, jet skiing, etc. They offer something different from the conventional and can ensure a fun stay without a single moment of boredom. It gives you a chance to indulge in activities that you may not get to experience in your daily lives.

Cruise ships usually stop at different ports, from time to time, so that the passengers can disembark and explore different cities. This enables you to soak in new cultural experiences that make your holiday a wholesome one. It also gives you a chance to indulge in shopping and visit places on land that you have always wanted to. You receive the benefit of not having to plan schedules and catch trains or flights to different destinations, as the cruise ship takes you to these places without any hassles and without you having to coordinate departures and stoppages.

Nowadays, there are a variety of companies that offer cruises suitable for different people. They are adapted keeping in mind the needs of different groups of people. There are some companies that are suitable for couples who want to travel. They also offer personalised experiences of having your wedding on board with close friends and family and a honeymoon soon after. They consist of specialised activities suitable for couples only.

Apart from this, there are also child-friendly cruises offered by companies like Disney that are suitable for family vacations involving young kids. They not only provide a variety of entertainment for your children but also provide entertainment facilities suitable for adults in the form of casinos and bars. You can have a relaxing holiday with kids involved in their own activities without facing any kind of boredom. If you choose to take a trip on this kind of cruise, your kids are likely to thank you for the experience for years to come.

A cruise should be chosen depending on the places that you want to see and the kind of weather you want to experience, as different ships have different routes all over the world. If you are willing to spend a lot of money, you can choose to go on a world cruise that fits in a multitude of destinations and lasts over a period of three months or more. This can be an unforgettable journey and should definitely be taken once in a lifetime by everyone when an opportunity presents itself. You will get a chance to see important and popular cities of the whole world at one go while also experiencing a long and rejuvenating holiday away from the stress of your daily lives.

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What is the best website to book a cruise through?

I am planning on booking a cruise in February,but am not sure what cruise line or what website to book through. We are mid-late twenties and both new to cruising. Thinking about the Caribbean to get away from the cold, Boston weather.

go to www.selectsailings.com they don't charge a booking fee and will have the lowest overall rates

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise weather february:

It's 80 degrees somewhere in the caribbean

2008 is an exciting year for cruising with the addition of 8 new cruise ships to the booming market.

o April - P&O's Ventura , MSC Poeisa

o May - Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

o July - Carnival Splendor, Ms Eurodam (Holland America)

o Nov - Ruby Princess, MSC Fantasia

o Dec - Celebrity Solstice

Each ship is being built on the promise that it will be bigger and better than its current sailing rivals, with a heavy focus on innovations at sea. Already we have ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, F1 simulators, self leveling pool tables, boxing rings, bowling alleys and 4 deck high water slides. So the big question everyone's asking is; what could possibly be coming next?

Well, the answer is grass. Real growing green grass.

Celebrity Cruises have proudly announced that their latest fleet addition, the Solstice, will feature a grassed lawn area where guests may "enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the oceans of the world". And, if all the grass isn't too much excitement, you can go and watch the hot glass show, another industry first.

Clever, or just plain dull?

Is this really the best they can come up with? Or, are they taking a brave step outside of the current innovation trend box? In reality, the ice skating rinks are a little on the small side, the bowling alleys only have 4 lanes, and does anyone really want to go boxing?

It seems the cruise companies are measuring their success on the uniqueness of their ship innovations, but I wonder if that's what today's typical cruise passenger is really looking for.

Pre 1960's cruising was all about the destination, the ship simply providing comfortable accommodation. Then came more emphasis on the actual voyage itself, with the onboard experience becoming as important as the destination. It seems we may now be facing a u-turn, with more and more cruisers wanting to explore new, "undiscovered" places which offer a more intimate cruise experience which the mega liners just can't offer.

In spite of this, the cruise industry seems to be confidently striving forward with their bigger is better approach with Royal Caribbean's mind blowing Genesis project on the horizon. Building by far the largest ships at sea, 2009 will see a vessel that has a capacity of over 5000 passengers with a gross tonnage in excess of 220,000 tonnes, compared to the current largest, the Queen Mary 2 at a mere 160,000 tonnes, it's a pretty outstanding figure.

Surely there must be concerns over the damage a ship that large may cause. For a long time, cruise ship damage seems to have been ignored, when, in reality, they are one of the world's largest, uncontrolled sources of air pollution, and surprisingly, more damaging than flying. Sewage, oil contamination and coral reef damage are all becoming increasing concerns.

Royal Caribbean have recognized this and have stated that one of the most important priorities for the new ships is energy efficiency and the minimisation of waste to make the ship as environmentally friendly as possible.

What they can't control is annoying disembarkation queues, port over crowding and inaccessible ports. But, at least there is a boxing ring to let out all those frustrations, if it's not already been booked up...

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Baffled by all the different cruise lines?

I am short listing down to Royal Caribbean or P & O's Ventura.
Any thoughts on what you think is best?

omg royal caribbean 100%
IT'S AMAZING . !

Here's a Video about caribbean cruises ventura:

P&O Ventura visits St Maarten during its Caribbean Voyage (November 2008)