As the owner and sole employee of an on-location recording company, I am often asked to record someone playing acoustic guitar and singing. The question arises, should I record the guitar first and then overdub the vocal, studio style, or should I record both at once, concert style? Both are valid approaches, and which to use in a given situation depends on (a) performance factors, and (b) recording factors. Let's look at the performance factors first.

Some artists strongly prefer playing and singing at the same time, wanting to capture an actual performance of the song. They may be unfamiliar with studio overdubbing techniques, or they may be accustomed to playing the song "live" and feel most comfortable just "banging it out." Others are delighted to learn that they can record the guitar part first without having to worry about the vocal, then record the vocal without having to worry about the guitar. Or they may like the idea of sitting while playing the guitar, then standing up for the vocal part.

If the artist has a preference for one or the other approach, my suggestion is to do it the way that they are most comfortable with. You can get a good recording of the song either way, but the artist needs to be comfortable to "get in the zone" and deliver a good performance. Now, if they offer to leave it up to you which to use, I would suggest the studio-style overdubbing approach because of the additional flexibility it offers, both at recording and mixing time.

Let It Bleed

This brings us to the recording factors involved in the "Together Or Separate" decision. Actually, there is really only one recording factor involved: leakage. Bleed. Spill. Whatever you want to call it, if the artist plays and sings at the same time, the guitar mike will pick up some of the vocal, and the vocal mike will pick up some of the guitar. When you go to mix the song, you will find that you don't have total control of either element. The volume levels and pan positions interact. If you add a some reverb to the vocal, you add a little to the guitar as well, and vice versa. Same with EQ. And so on.

Luckily, none of this needs to be fatal, so don't panic if the artist is an "all at once" man. First off, there are some steps you can take before making the recording. The main issue here is microphone selection and placement. Clearly, you will want to use directional (cardioid) if not super-directional (hyper-cardioid) mikes so that you can take advantage of their sound-cancelling capabilities. Although condenser mikes can give acoustic guitars a nice, crystalline sound, you might want to use a dynamic type here because of its lower sensitivity. Condensers hear everything!

If the guitar has an electric pickup, consider using the signal from that instead of miking it at all. But beware - the pickup signal can sound quite different (and not always better) than the regular miked acoustic guitar sound. Some guitars have EQ or other controls you can tweak. If you can get away with this, you've solved half your problem! But for now let's assume you've decided to use a microphone on the guitar.

To the extent possible, point the vocal mike away from the guitar and the guitar mike away from the singer. The "null" toward the back of each mike, where pickup is minimal, will be at a slight angle from straight back - check your microphone documentation for the exact angle (or have a guess, like I do). Also, make sure both mikes are as close as possible to their respective sound sources, so that there will be more of the right sound and less of the wrong one in each. And don't forget a windscreen for the vocal mike!

With these precautions, you should end up with a reasonable set of tracks to work with when the time comes to mix the song.

Studio Style

If the artist agrees to using the overdub method, you can just use your usual studio process. Start with a click track if the artist wants one - some do, some don't. (Of course you can use a click with the all-at-once approach too, by having the artist wear headphones and putting the click in them for reference.) Here is where the flexibility of this approach becomes evident. Starting with the guitar, you can record multiple takes, do punch-ins, or make a composite track, depending on how far you want to take it. Same with the vocal!

Naturally, with the guitar and vocal cleanly recorded on their own tracks, with no leakage, you have a much better situation for mixing as well. The danger, though, is that the two parts may not "blend" the way they do when they are recorded together, bleed and all. We sometimes hear that a particular vocal doesn't "sit" properly in a mix. This is partly a consequence of having recorded them separately in the first place. Extra care is required to make it sound as if the two parts happened at the same time.

In this discussion, I have assumed the guitar is being recorded with a single mike. In fact, I prefer using two mikes in an X-Y configuration on the guitar so I can pan them part-way left and right in the mix to get them out of the way of the centered vocal and provide a nice stereo guitar sound. As always, the overriding consideration is to produce a clean, natural-sounding recording that doesn't call attention to itself in any way. If you know your gear, it is possible to achieve this result regardless of whether an acoustic guitar and vocal are recorded together or separately.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Lego Edition Continued

The best way to combat the biting cold of the winter is to simply run away, to take winter vacations to somewhere warm and comfortable; somewhere where your toes would not seem frozen; somewhere where you would not be straining your back clearing the snow off your front door and driveway. We have all heard of birds that migrate during winters. So be smart and choose mounds of sand over mounds of snow.

If lounging on the beach is your thing, then head straight for Antigua or may be to the little island of Barbuda which neighbors it. There are as many beaches in this Caribbean country as there are days in a year, yes 365 or more. The clear blue waters make it a paradise for water sport lovers. Temperatures hovering around 80 degrees make for great winter holidays, for even those of you who don't care for the beach, for you also have the choice of exploring and enjoying St. John, Antigua's capital which lies in the northern part.

Speaking English and playing cricket, both of which are part of Antigua's culture may seem to be the legacy of British imperialism, and some may not want to be reminded of this aspect of world history. For them then Rio de Janeiro is a better option. The Portuguese who once ruled here have left Brazil with the stamp of being a party loving country. Equally famous they are for being devoutly religious. This largest country of South America boasts of Samba clubs side by side with being home to the 128 feet tall statue of Christ the Redeemer which weighs more than 1000 tons, seeming to gaze down from the top of the Corcovado Peak.

If you feel like a traitor for deserting your home country in favor of this religious version of the Statue of Liberty, then head for the sandy beaches of Perth, which will give you an English speaking, homely atmosphere. Flanked by the dry sandy desert on one side and the clear blue ocean, it is an idyllic holiday destination. You can both take in the King's Park which spans 400 hectares and explore the Swan Lake, which lie in the Southern part, or head to Monkey Mia in the Northern part to swim with the dolphins. You may even settle to sight see in the centre of the city which has fabulous examples of 19th century architecture, built with convict labor.

For those of you who think that Perth is too far off, then Singapore is the next best choice. This modern city has a population of 4.8 million. This island hums with life offering you a choice of enjoying either the local cuisine of noodles and curry, or Sentosa Island, the popular amusement park, or for that matter taking in both.

Should Sentosa seem to be catering to childish tastes, then the ideal choice would be the Sunshine State of Florida. This is out and out a tourist destination for winter trips and there are sure to be great winter vacation deals to be found. All you need is a bottle of sunscreen, a book and your swim suit / trunks and you are ready to go enjoy the warm and sunshine available much closer to home!

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Caribbean View Holiday Greetings 500: CaribViewTV.com

A cruise to the Caribbean is one of the best possible options for all visitors regardless of what kind of vacation you are looking to take. Whether you are looking to take a secluded family trip, go on your honeymoon or take that romantic couples getaway, a cruise to the Caribbean is the perfect option. There are plenty of renowned cruise lines operating in the various itineraries in Caribbean and many of the destinations will simply keep you enthralled with their splendor and panorama. A bunch of islands of different sizes create the archipelago of Caribbean. These islands have a lot more to offer you apart from the regular beach sports and sunbath. The rich marine life, cosmopolitan culture and historic legacy comprise the glory of Caribbean as a cruising destination.

The cruise companies understand very well the moods and preferences of their boarders and this is the reason why they allow you to select the islands which you would like to include in your vacation cruise to the Caribbean. Anguilla is a secluded 16 km stretched coral island with several scattered bays and saltwater ponds making it a preferred stopover for nature lovers. You can experience the British colonial cultures at Barbuda or Antigua or learn about the tribal tradition at the multihued island of Aruba. Travelers who are keen on availing their share of funky entertainment can choose Barbados, third largest Jamaican island.

People whose sole priority is privacy and seclusion from the crowd should include British Virgin Islands or Dominica in their cruise to the Caribbean. There you can escape the glinting veneer of bustling city life, nightclubs and souvenir shops. Relax and listen to the natural whispers and resonance of tweets and squeaks of tropical birds and your isolation will be filled with unblemished pure amusement. There are some private islands as well that are generally not included in the cruise itineraries although you can request a stopover from the cruise. 13 acre long Bonefish Cay, a part of Abacos islands has a lot of activities in its galore which include golfing, snorkeling, boating, kayaking and fun-filled sunbaths. Sail to the Piton Mountains or Diamond Falls during your stay at St. Lucia Island.

Cost-effective lodging facilities are arranged by the cruise companies at St. John, Cooper Island or Virgin Gorda. Mostly visited ports in the Caribbean coastal line include other islands like Havana, Dominica, Curacao, Montego Bay, Costa Maya, Belize City, St. Thomas, Playa del Carmen, Guadeloupe and many more. Include some of the most exotic islands in your cruise to the Caribbean and spend the most unforgettable holiday ever.

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Rainforest Adventure Puerto Rico - El Yunque - EarthCalling - on Voyage.tv

Cozumel makes the perfect location for a relaxing, memorable vacation. It has been called the soul of the Caribbean and is home to the second largest coral reef in the world, making it a scuba diver's dream.

Breathtaking, clear blue waters with visibility of more than 200 feet provide the perfect backdrop for more than 100 scuba and snorkeling dive sites. Visit Cozumel for a taste of Mexican culture in one of the world's most beautiful and serene environments.

Traveling to the beautiful island of Cozumel can be fully enjoyed for much less than you might think. Here are a few tips for getting a great deal on your Cozumel vacation:

1. Travel when rates are lowest. Prices will be cheaper in the off-season for everything from airfare to lodging. For Cozumel, the highest prices are between December and March, and in particular the week of Christmas and the week of New Year's Day. Rates during those holiday weeks are sometimes more than twice as much as the low season rates. You'll find the lowest rates from April to mid December, so try to plan your vacation accordingly.

2. Consider an all-inclusive cruise package. Cruise ships stop at Cozumel three times a week giving you the opportunity to combine a cruise vacation with a trip to Cozumel. You can handle all the reservations online, even employing the aid of a travel agent, who can be helpful in pointing you toward the best deals for your money.

3. Check for Cozumel resorts offering a package deal. Resort packages are growing in popularity because tourists like the idea of paying a flat rate for their room, food, drinks, and some deals will include local events or entertainment or even airfare. Some areas, such as nearby Cancun, keep the tourists coming consistently through the off-season by offering all-inclusive packages.

4. Explore on your own, rather than booking tours or excursions. Cozumel is a small island, roughly 30 miles long, 10 miles wide and flat, so it's easy to get around, either on foot, by cab, or by renting a car or scooter. You can rent a scooter for about $25 for the whole day or get a VW convertible, which is perfect for island exploring, for about $45.

5. Get off the beaten path for eating and shopping. Do some homework before you get there. The internet will provide you with reviews from people who have already been there, as well as forums and other venues where you can ask questions and get suggestions for great food at the best prices.

6. Take full advantage of the free attractions. Cozumel is known worldwide for great diving and beautiful beaches. Paradise Beach is about 10 kilometers from San Miguel and offers free use of beach umbrellas and chairs, snorkel equipment and kayaks.

7. Shop around for lodging. Many places in Cozumel run less than $100 per night and with a little searching you can find accommodations for even less as rates tend to vary greatly between hotels. Most of the prices you'll find in Cozumel are quite reasonable compared to U.S. costs.

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J-es Dreams Freestyle

Travelers diarrhea is one of the most common health problem people travelling to the Caribbean will encounter. Some reports even mention that as much as half of international travelers are touched by that problem at different extents. While it is a harmless illness that can cause some discomfort, it can also ruin a whole trip. Here are some tips to avoid travelers diarrhea when vacationing in the Caribbean.

Travelers diarrhea or TD is usually linked to the consumption of food contaminated with bacteria the travelers body is not acquainted with. To reduce the chances of getting TD, it is recommended that you remain careful about what you drink and eat. You should avoid as much as possible the consumption of raw food as well as drinking unbottled water and ice cubes. We cannot stress more the importance of washing your hands. A habit that can prevent you from getting TD, but also other more serious diseases, such as swine flu.

Fortunately, all-inclusive resorts follow strict sanitary rules that will keep you safe from travelers diarrhea. However, if you are you traveling outside the resort, to the nearby villages, towns or cities, make sure that any local food you eat is well cooked and any fluid you drink is bottled.

If you contract TD, the use of antibiotics is only prescribed in moderate to severe diarrhea. To relieve some of the symptoms of mild diarrhea, you can take some anti-diarrhea medicine. To avoid and reduce dehydration symptoms, it is important to drink frequently salty and sweet drinks. Before going on vacation, talk to your doctor to learn more about anti-diarrhea medicine and the different ways to rehydrate yourself in case of diarrhea.

On a more general level, if you have TD, use your common sense regarding other ways to protect yourself. For example, remember, at any time, to protect your skin (hats, sunscreens, etc). Moreover, prevent heat shocks by avoiding long walks or long exposures to the sun. Make sure to wear breathable and non synthetic clothing that can be easily washed.

Of course, a trip to the Caribbean by no means guarantees gastrointestinal discomfort. However, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so stress the importance of sanitary practices, as sanitary conditions in those countries are quite different from home.

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IN London's Markets - Portobello

The heap of anguish caused by the claustrophobic city life can only be eradicated when you take a stride down the blue beaches of Australia or relax at the foot of Christ De Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. When life demands too much and you want to escape from this mundane world, take a flight to one of your desired destinations and spend the holiday there with your loved ones. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Greek Island, scintillating Cuba or the magical Thailand. The unparalleled exquisiteness of the five top destinations below is alluring visitors to feast on the amazing beauty.

1. Australia - Whitsunday Islands

The spectacular scene of Australia has made it the suitable holiday destination for people from all over the world. The very thought of the coral reefs, lush rainforests and the amazingly warm ocean water would chill you up and you won't be able to resist the charm of holidaying in this country. Whitsunday coasts and islands seem to have been naturally tailored to quench your need of getting lost in the soothing greens and serene blue of the water. The Islands are centrally located on the Queensland Coast where almost all flights have been given access. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the Airlie Beach and leisure can be enjoyed to the full extent. Apart from this Island particularly, Australia is encompassing within itself a wide array of holiday zones. The Gold Coasts, Hunter Valley, Sunshine coast, the wonderful Sydney and so on. At Whitsunday, you will get the opportunity to select resorts and hotels of your choice. The availability of the peaceful ambience, spas, swimming pools, gardens and other amenities will vary with the denomination of the accommodation you choose. The exciting Great Barrier Reef, the stunning beauty of the Proserpine River and the luxury yachts are bound to drive you ecstatic. Holiday packages to this Island will seem to be incomplete, as you will fall in love with Whitsunday forever.

2. Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

It may be the outstanding color of its beaches or the magical sound produced by the forests that has made the creation of samba music possible in Rio de Janeiro. The high-spirited people of this state make Brazil one of the liveliest places on earth. Those of you who are fond of sports must take your family to this city to enjoy the essence of sports and sporting spirit. The intense cultural life of ravishing Rio includes mind-blowing music and heart throbbing belly dances. The state is the pride of Brazilians for it includes within it, theaters, clubs, museums, beaches, gardens, forests, lagoons and the memorabilia of the World War II. Winter is full of events and it would the best time to take a flight to Rio and give your life a new refreshing turn. Hotels and inns are available at your fingertips, which you can reserve even via the Internet.

3. Greek Islands

If you are a travel freak then you must spend your next holiday at the Greek Islands, which are about 22 in number. Mykonos would take you down the memory lanes with the windmills turning the pages of history. Affordable hotels and excellent services are designed to make your visit very pleasurable. Naxos is the island of churches, Venetian castles and homes just opposite to the nightlife culture that Rhodes can give. Lesvos is a perfect destination to soothe your tired mind and eyes. Wildlife, restaurants, spas and greenery can cheer you up for the rest of the hectic year ahead. Most of the islands here are breathtaking and you can zoom through the clouds directly or can halt in mainland Greece and then move ahead. Accommodation places are always ample, just prior booking is essential.

4. Cuba

Vigorous salsa, mind-blowing architecture, exciting tropical beaches and the swashbuckling nightlife can be the most apt phrases to describe Cuba - the dream destination for most people. Relaxation coupled with luxury is going to make your holiday in Cuba one of the most memorable experiences. This unique and safe Caribbean Island has got a historic importance of its own. Fishing or sailing in a tranquil ambience can reinvigorate you to your fullest. The journey to Cuba would revitalize you, shedding all the lethargic loads that you had been carrying so far. Your stride through the Las Terrazas will enable you to relish the flora and fauna. The coffee at a famous Cafetal restaurant would make you nostalgic, and sips at the Darquiri cocktail at Tropicana Cabaret are definitely an enchanting experience. Ecological tours of the Western Cuba can also be a sumptuous and momentous moment for you. If you are looking for cheap eats and lodging, you can find it at this top holiday destination.

5. Thailand

Thailand gains prominence as one of the hottest tourist sports for the sky kissing mountains, green meadows, multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handcrafts, coupled with the tropical climate. The country is well known for the hospitality, and the local food is also superb to taste. For the active traveler, this can be the ideal spot to spend the holidays. Travel packages booked earlier can make your journey to this place an interesting one. Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand where the international airport is situated. The religion followed in this country is Buddhism and everywhere place you visit, you are going to find information pertaining to Lord Buddha. The elephant conservation center, wildlife sanctuaries, Thai crafts and the fruit carving are simply wonderful. The capital Bangkok is of great prominence due to the natural beauty that it ensembles. Makha Puja, Flower festival, Pattya festival and the Sonkran festivals attract throngs of visitors every year to this country. For a cool escape, the southern beaches are a definite hot spot and are not to be missed, Phuket having the biggest tourism numbers followed by Koh Samui.

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caribbean 2008 hol need help please?

Hey!!
Me and my fiance are looking to book our next years holiday and we need some help.
- we are 19 and 25
- we want somewhere really really hot
- we would like a caribbean island (or somthing in that direction)
- somewhere with lovely beaches
- a really good nightlife
- lots to see and do

we will be going in july and it will be an all inclusive holiday for 2 weeks.
any suggestions will be a great help

thanks

Hi, I highly recommend Barbados!

Nightlife: St. Lawrence Gap & Harbour Lights, especially Boatyard & Club Xtreme.

Things to see: Altantis Adventures, Barbados Museum, Harrison's Cave, and so on. Especially Bathsheba on the east coast!

Shopping: Bridgetown, its capital, is known for duty-free, especially Cave Shepherd.

Beaches are sooo beautiful. And you can even take a route taxi or public transit bus, either large or mini to get around in case, and the price is $1.50 BDS each way. There are even island tours buses!

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/

http://www.funbarbados.com/

http://www.totallybarbados.com/

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Grenada ( Part 2 of 2 )

Alaska is USA's 49th state and it became part of the country in 1959. Where does it get its name from? It is derived from the term "aleut alyeska" which means "a greater land." It lies way up on the Yukon Trail and borders a part of Canada. The Arctic Circle lies within it and it has tall, snow-covered mountains. It has a lot of land area and is the largest state in the US. It also has the largest coastline of all the states.

The first inhabitants in Alaska probably came through the Bering Land Bridge. This piece of land used to link Alaska and Russia way back in the Ice Age but it has long since been submerged. Who were these first settlers? They were the Yupik Eskimos, the Aleuts, The Inuit, Inupiaq and other American Indians. In fact, this was probably the way most ancient settlers to America came through. Over the years, Alaska grew to be a part of Russia. In 1867, it was bought by the US for 7 million dollars.

Like Hawaii, Alaska does not have any other US state along its borders. In fact, it is around 500 miles away from the country which it belongs to. What is it like? For one, it is a state that has a lot of water. It has many islands and around 3.5 million lakes and that's just counting the ones that measure over 20 acres in area! It also has a lot of wetlands and marshlands and, of course, a lot of its land is made up of glaciers or frozen rivers. Most of Alaska is still very much a winter wonderland. Vast stretches of white snow interspersed with beautiful hills that are picturesque with tall trees and sparking waterfalls.

Thanks to its abundance of water, it abounds in fish as well. Little wonder it is the favored destination for so many seasoned anglers. There are any number of fishing tours one could take and experienced guides take you to the best spots. With so much fish around, Alaska's main export just has to be seafood! However, as agriculture isn't much of an industry, and transport infrastructure within the state is not too good, food prices tend to be high.

Despite all its natural beauty, many Alaskans tend to suffer from depression. Is it the isolation or the cold? Whatever the reason, there is domestic abuse and a high crime rate and also instances of suicide. A lot of it can probably be blamed on the high incidence of alcoholism here. Yet another problem seems to be the fact that youngsters tend to leave Alaska as soon as they finish school or college. Their destination? The exciting world that is the rest of the US. This happens especially with the best students. So the ones left behind are the ones who do not perform as well, which means a slow winding down of talent within the state. Is there a solution? The schools and universities are trying to tackle the problem by offering the best 10% of students a 4-year scholarship.

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i am looking into buying proerty in Belize, specifically Ambergris cay?

I am wondering about crime rates, water clarity,beaches, poverty and standard of living. How expensive are things? How difficult / expensive is it to get supplies from the mainland Given a choice between Ambergris Cay, Placencia and a new development across the bay from Chetumal Mexico whats your opinion. I want a rental income property for now but something that I could perhaps retire to in 20 years. I love the caribbean and wish I could afford something in the Virgin Islands but thats not happening so I figured I would try something on the other side or the Caribbean Sea. Any suggestions, opinions or info would help.

I think these 2 sites can really help you w/ your desicion. GOODLK!

http://www.ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/island.html

http://ambergriscaye.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/231263

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48 Hours Mystery - Prisoners In Paradise (Part 3 of 5)

For a long time now cruises have offered the ultimate in luxury combined with great food, round the clock entertainment and more amenities than the average guest could possibly have time to use. Consumers have discovered that there was a tremendous value in this one price covers all type of vacation, and the popularity of cruise travel has skyrocketed within the past decade. Of course, when you spend money in one place it directly affects somewhere else, and the hotel industry has felt the sharp blows from the popularity of cruises. Not to be outdone, many vacation destinations are now filling up with all-inclusive resorts that offer the same type of personalized service found on the open seas, and because there are no port charges involved they can often offer just as high of a value as the cruise industry. This article will focus on some of the more popular offers available out there while discussing the pros and cons between the cruise industry and all inclusive vacations.

Carnival Cruise Lines has been around for decades and many experts consider them to be the staple of what cruise ships should be about. Their themed getaways can start as little as $150 per person and amenities such as water slides, clubs and discos, endless buffets packed with gourmet food, world class shopping, and so many other spectacular events make them a crowd favorite within all age demographics. The only setback to these types of vacations is the requirement of a passport and traveling to distant parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, which some people do not feel comfortable doing.

Before booking on Carnival though, check out Cruise Direct and see what all of the cruise lines have going as far as specials go. By shopping multiple cruise lines at once it is often easier to find a trip that fits within your budget, time constraints, and ultimate destination, and few websites have a more streamlined system for direct comparisons like Cruise Direct does. By comparing specials across multiple cruise lines, consumers can often discover extra incentives such as room and dining upgrades, ship vouchers for credit towards purchases and spa treatment, and certain amenities that would cater more towards your specific interests and hobbies.

If you're not completely sold on a cruise though, Cheap Caribbean is a great one stop place to view the most popular all inclusive vacations available on the internet. While cruises often offer every possible need all in one place, adventurous types may prefer to fly to an exotic destination and be able to explore from one centralized resort area. Cheap Caribbean offers all inclusive travel packages to the Caribbean Islands, and selections can be compared right alongside cruises to help determine the best value for your money on this type of vacation.

Last but certainly not least, FunJet specializes on vacation packages that include the same personalized touches as cruise ships but their service area spans worldwide. Some of their five star rated resorts can be had for as little as $500 per week and unlike cruises there is no additional charge for adding extra guests except for the airfare. With popular destinations like Rome, Mexico, Australia, and Paris, there is an all inclusive getaway for everyone at a fraction of the retail price.

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is sailing in winter a mistake?

i am looking to book a caribbean cruise leaving in january from new york city. has anybody done this? if so could you please tell me how the water was and if you would recommend the trip.

I cruise in December and January every year and in the Caribbean the weather and water will be great. If you plan to leave from New York to the Caribbean and/or Bahamas, you may have a chilly/cold day on the way south and the last day on the way back. Once the ship gets to about South Carolina and Florida going south the weather will be warmer and more pleasant than when the ship leaves NY City area. BUT, remember, a good portion of the travel from NY south will be overnight so you'll be inside. In addition, the ship's pool and hot tub deck will be a deck lower than the top and shielded from the wind. And, the ship will likely have a solarium, covered pool and hot tub area, so you can enjoy those even when the weather may not be as warm as you want it. Once you get to the Bahamas and Caribbean you can expect weather in the 75 to 80 degree range and water pleasant enough for swimming and other water sports.

Also, not all of your time on ship while it sails to warmer weather and water will be spent in water activities. The ships, regardless of which you choose, will have a wealth of activities that will be indoors and thus the weather will not be a factor at all. Here's the cruise that I recommend for you from NY in January, and its a great price too: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itineraryAndPricing.do;jsessionid=0000wxla0TKV0Ve0UO59ZggncjS:12hdhu6tq?packageCode=EX09L041&region=CARIB&ship=ANY&date=201100&selectedCurrencyCode=&promoType=&hasSenior=&hasMilitary=&hasFireandPolice=&state=

My next cruise in in January also, but we are leaving from Port Canaveral, Fl

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Whale watching and more on Canada & New England cruises

Visiting a Disney theme park is the most common way to spend a Disney vacation. But have you thought of an alternative option? Theme parks are not the only thing offered by Disney. One other worthwhile choice is a Disney cruise. This contains all the enjoyment that only Disney can offer while providing you and your family with comfort and luxury on the high seas.

In case you're wondering, the experience is nothing like a rough pirate adventure. A cruise on one of the company's ships feels just as relaxing, entertaining and luxurious as any other sea cruise. One major difference though is that Disney focuses on clean family fun for every single member of the family. Activities are tailor made for different age groups and for collective family fun.

If you've been looking for a chance to strengthen the bond between the members of your family, this can be accomplished at a Disney cruise. There are many activities that you can all enjoy together and that promote teamwork and interaction. There are Disney-themed deck games and shows and movies that the youngest and oldest members are bound to enjoy. There are even on-ship restaurants and diners where the family can cozily bond over a meal.

The Disney cruise ships also provide options for all ages to be entertained. There will always be times when the older and younger members of the family would do well to seek amusement separately and take a break from each other's company. There are many fun things for the kids to do wherein they are supervised by adult staff members. Daytime entertainment for adults is also easily found in the assortment of adults-only restaurants or cafes. There are also spas, pool pampering areas and clubs for the adults to enjoy at night.

The Disney cruise ships have trained staff that can take care of your very young children when you want to relax and find time for yourselves. For the older kids, there is an Oceaneer's Club where they can interact with the staff in fun, learning activities.

Teenagers are not exempt from the fun of a Disney cruise. They can go to the teens-only area of the ship called Aloft. There, they can experience good, clean fun with others their age and the responsible, yet fun-loving staff. There are parties and activities they can take part in that are suitable for their age.

Disney cruise ships are already a lot of fun. But every cruise has its own itinerary, and after getting carried away by the entertaining activities on the ship, prepare to be overwhelmed by their exciting destinations. Every year boasts a new destination, and some of the selections are Alaska, the Panama Canal, Europe, or the Caribbean.

The Bahamas holds a special treat for guests. It is a special port of call for Disney ships. It is also the location of Castaway Cay, Disney's very own island. After soaking in the bustling amusements of Nassau, guests are treated to endless sun and sand at Castaway Cay and even more activities and entertainment options that are characteristic of Disney.

Disney theme parks always guarantee a good time. But don't miss the unforgettable experience of boarding a Disney cruise ship. Dare to try something new and discover for yourself just how much fun it can be.

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Has anyone traveled on the Royal Caribbean "Sovereign of the Seas" out of Port Canaveral?

13 of us did (3/19-3/23/07)on our spring break with our kids and will never do it again! Its old,small, and dirty and the people not that friendly. We had cold water 2 days in our shower and no water 1 day. The drains back up in the bathrooms and the halls smell like leaking septic. The pool is small and not enough pool seats. The dinner is just okay, seems to have the same thing on it each day. Johnny Rockets was the best part of this cruise and the evening shows. We cruise alot and will never do this one again....love to know if any others have had this experience.

I know what you mean, this is definitely not one of my favorite ships, at least not anymore. It seems to me that Royal Caribbean is not one of the best lines when it comes to keeping up older ships. This is the case with many of their older ships, even some of the not so old ones like Rhapsody.

I have found that reviews can be really mixed on cruises, and this is no exception. The problem is that you will read a lot of great reviews on the ship, but then find out that most of them are from people that live really close to the port and travel with the ship many times a year. For some reason, they tend to review ship good and don't see many of the problems newer guests notice.

Personally, I stick with only the newer ships from Royal Caribbean, but they are still not one of my favorite lines. Personally, I prefer when a cruise line stops using ships after they reach a certain age. Princess, for example, takes a ship out of commission if it is over 5 years old. Or, lines like Disney who only have two ships to maintain and still keep them in great shape, considering they are ten years old.

Sorry to hear about your experience, hopefully this will be the first and last for you and the rest will all be smooth sailings!

Here's a Video about best caribbean cruises with kids:

Kids WB Men in Black promo (alien cruises)

Jamaica is an island of steady warm weather, lush vegetation and interesting people. But like any other Caribbean island, a Jamaica vacation has good and bad months for weather.

The island, the third most popular destination in the Caribbean, is located only 600 miles south of Miami, FL, making it a convenient place to visit. It is an especially popular resort destination and has major attractions including Dunn's River Falls and the capitol at Kingston.

Jamaica weather is slight warmer than the average Caribbean destination. Despite the lush vegetation, it receives slightly less rain as well.

The average monthly high temperature is nearly 89 degrees Fahrenheit and the average monthly low is 73 degrees, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Rainfall is 2.7 inches a month. The average number of rain days is 7.8 a month.

The average monthly high temperatures peak between 90 and 91 degrees in June, July and August. They moderate only slightly at about 87 degrees in December, January, February and March, making Jamaica one of the warmer Caribbean destinations year-round.

Rainfall is sparse from December through April. It spikes in May to four inches total, drops in June and July and starts to pick up again in August, September and October. October is the worst rainfall month at seven total inches, followed by September and May. October also averages 14 rainy days during the month.

The island is most popular with visitors in July. It is least popular in September and October.

Anyone planning a Jamaica vacation should consider December through April, June and July as months when the weather is in their favor. They should avoid September, November, May and especially October as the months with the highest rainfall and the highest number of rainy days.

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What is the best way to repel sand flee's no see ums in the islands?

Ive tried 100% deet with little sucess. Several hundred bites last trip. Only on the beach once. Bites ocurred at the resort. This trip was to Costa Rica in July, but has happened to me in the Caribbean. Not as bad by far. One bite itches insanely and seems to worsen with warm showers. I will have scars forever!

Try Avon Skin So Soft.

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=10401&from=search&find_spec=&camp=200620&dir_delivery=1&rep_delivery=1

I used this product while I was in Marine Corps Boot Camp in Parris Island, SC. There were thousands of sand flees there and this product did the trick. It kept them from biting me and from me getting yelled at for scratching.

Here's a Video about best caribbean island july:

Something Weird Fiend of Dope Island