So you're getting married on a cruise ship!

Congratulations on making the decision to get married on what is for sure going to be the ultimate vacation. Whether you're going to the Caribbean, Alaska or someplace exotic, these floating cities on the sea are a great place to relax and be pampered after your wedding day. But "turn around day", or the day when old passengers are disembarking and the new travelers are embarking, is very busy. There are some things to look at before signing that contract.

What sorts of things happen on "turn around day?

On turn around day, the pier is a buzz with activity. With cruise ships now carrying upwards of 3500 people and many ports have more than one ship at a time, during peak season there can be 12,000 people trying to maneuver around the pier area. It's chaotic and frustrating. Customs and Border Patrol also play an important factor. Should they delay the ship from emptying, this puts off all events until they clear the ship. Weather can cause a delay on the ship getting to the pier on time. Unfortunately, when the ship is late, your wedding may not take priority to getting the ship to sail on time so it doesn't lose money. This can translate into several hot hours sweating in a cruise terminal building. Being all dressed up and crammed in a terminal is not a fantastic way to start a honeymoon. Not to mention the wedding and reception would be cut short. This doesn't make for a happy day!

There are lots of things to look at when planning your special day onboard the ship. For example, will you get any of your money back should your event be cut short? Wedding packages aren't cheap and it would be a shame to pay for extra photography only to have the ship be delayed and you lose some of your contracted time. It's not uncommon for the ship to have to shorten or cancel events onboard so it will most likely be in the contract that they have the right to shorten your event without warning or compensation of any kind. Would you be heart broken if your reception were cut short or your hair appointment cancelled?

Another detail to ponder is the price of the details. Anyone who has ever cruised will tell you that buying photographs onboard isn't cheap. Not even close. I've seen high-end photographer charge less than what the cruise ship sells them for. Check your contract to see how many photos are included in the package and how much extras are.

Also make sure that the food and beverages being served is also written in the contract. Although they probably reserve the right to change it and how it's served (they may need the extra staff for embarkation) it's always good to have that in writing.

A cruise ship wedding is truly beautiful. I'm not trying to be down on them in any way. I think it's important to understand that they have so many different factors than a land based wedding does and with so many different things to coordinate with two different groups (the coordination company and then the cruise line) there is a greater chance of things going wrong. For some couples, it may be beneficial to look at getting married the night before from their embarkation port. Either way, going on a cruise is a great vacation and a perfect honeymoon.

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About how much is it extra for beverages both Alcohol and Non-alcoholic on board ship?

We are going to be cruising for the first time ever leaving out of Galveston TX on a Royal Caribbean 7 night cruise to Mexico,Caymans and Jamaica.. wondering what to expect for the cost of beverages non-alcoholic and alcoholic, almost everything else seems to be inclusive....just trying to create a reasonable budget. Thank you

Juices and water are included. You can also purchase a soda pass that will allow you to drink all the soda you want while on vacation.

Plan on $6-$8 per mixed drink + gratuity (which is usually automatically added). I believe beers are between $4 and $5, but I can't remember absolutely.

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Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Conquest, Video 11

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Western Caribbean vs. Southern Caribbean Cruise?

My spouse and I are going on our first cruise to celebrate graduation next May. We want to do lots of snorkeling, scuba diving, beach lounging, etc. We have narrowed down our cruise options to these two:

Western Caribbean (7 days):
Miami, Florida (Departing)
Labadee, Haiti
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cozumel, Mexico
Miami, Florida (Returning)

Southern Caribbean (7 days):
San Juan, Puerto Rico (Departing)
Bridgetown, Barbados
Castries, St. Lucia
St. John's, Antiqua
Phillipsburgh, St. Maarten
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
San Juan, Puerto Rico (Returning)

Any suggestions? I have heard bad things about Jamaica and Haiti, but excellent things about Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I've also heard that most of the Southern islands are beautiful, less crowded, and have awesome beaches and snorkeling.

I agree about Jamaica and Haiti. The Southern cruise will allow you to see six islands (if you've never been to PR). The weather is much more favourable on the Southern itenarary too.

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2008 Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is an incredible selection when you are deciding to take a vacation cruise, regardless of whether it is your initial cruise, or you are a vacation cruise regular. Luxury cruising is viewed as one of the most luxurious forms of vacation you can give to yourself and your family. Despite the fact that cruises happen to be impressive, it does not necessarily mean they are overly expensive. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a variety of vacation cruise packages and deals, so nearly anybody can budget to sail with them. Sailing on a luxury cruise ship, to fantastic and spectacular harbors, is perfect for a family holiday, or just for two as an intimate honeymoon trip.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines are managed by Royal Caribbean International. There are a total of 22 cruise ships that sail out of 40 departure ports around the globe. 14 of the ports are located in the United States, which makes it rather simple for Americans to reach a travel port, despite where they are located.

If you are thinking about a cruise holiday, you really should think about cruising with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. They have terrific vacation attractions. They have trips to 15 various regions of the world, and include a broad assortment of choices for you to consider. They are one of the most reputable cruise lines in the cruising business, and the services they provide for their voyagers are all rated top of the class.

If you're not familiar with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, you might assume that it only travels to the Caribbean. This is not the case. They do cruise to the Caribbean, but they also travel to additional incredible destinations like Mexico, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, plus many more. There is a destination offered that will satisfy practically anyone.

They also give quite a few fantastic land cruise tours, which consists of an escorted land visit at your destination. It is usually carried out on a first-rate motor coach or railway. This enables you to decide whether you want to take time to look at more of the location you have traveled to.

They offer a range of high quality on-board entertainments and activities to their passengers. There are helpful classes about your destination, and the amusements the ship will offer. You will be shown around the cruise liner, where you will discover lots of on-board amenities, like skating rinks and casinos. It also has a kids program called Adventure Ocean which will please your kids.

Another highlight is a spa and massage facility on the vessel for you to take advantage of. There is also a fully furnished fitness and exercise center for you to use.

The Adventure Ocean Youth Program, developed especially for little ones, includes Aqua babies and Aqua Tots for toddlers. There is a child friendly rock climbing wall that will assist in keeping the children very happy, as they have fun playing with other kids on the vessel. They will be enjoying their own great recreational activities, while you and your spouse take a land tour by yourselves, if you would like.

Fantastic meals and dining cuisine are just one more of the big attractions. They serve a large number of delicacies which can be enjoyed in their various eating areas.

To arrange a luxury cruise, all you need to do is go to a travel agents online website, and ask them to reserve a vacation cruise to your most desired location. You can also go straight to the official Royal Caribbean Cruise Line website. They are featuring discounts on different cruise packages, and you might even come across incredible specials on last minute cruises, which will be designed to fill empty rooms aboard the vessel.

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The Caribbean 2010

A common so-called irony in life, is when a person finally gets around to taking a much needed vacation, and falls ill as soon as they are away from work.

The reason for this situation being common is easily explained. Most people, as they are preparing for a vacation, are in a hectic state; trying to tie up loose ends at work, getting packed, finding a house and or pet sitter, finding visas or passports, organizing and cleaning the house, getting the yard prepared, creating "to do" lists for people, the list goes on. When you finally set off on your vacation, your body needs a break. Your immune system has been suffering from lack of sleep and excess stress. It's an ideal time for a virus to attack and get a solid foothold.

There's another reason illness attacks during vacation. Often people choose a trip that is not relaxing for them.

Two years ago my wife and I went on a vacation with friends. We went cross-country skiing at a resort. The cabin we stayed in was beautiful, we were surrounded with close friends, and the weather was nice - Seemed like a recipe for a wonderful vacation. Unfortunately, our friends were far better skiers than us, and ran us so ragged we were painfully stiff for days. Also, we let loose in the evenings, and trying to keep up with our friends' drinking proved to be a big mistake. My wife and I returned from our vacation exhausted and ill.

The way to avoid a poor vacation is to plan ahead.

- Think about what the purpose of the vacation is. If your aim is to reduce tension after a busy time at work, make sure the destination will give you the peace and calm you need.

- Take a vacation before your vacation. Take three or four days off work before your vacation begins, so that you can get organized, and begin to slow down your pace gradually.

- Get prepared, well before your vacation. If you will need any documentation (visa/passport), prescriptions, reservations, tickets, etc... get them all in advance. Nothing is more comforting than a sense of preparedness.

- Lastly, do not feel like you have to do anything on your vacation. Often there is pressure to go site-seeing, or participate in social events. If you feel like staying in the room and reading a book, that's probably what you should do.

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DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC or ANY OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS??

One of my friend is an Israeli Citizen who's a US Permanent Resident Card Holder and another an Indian Citizen who's a US Permanent Resident Card Holder as well. I'm a US CITIZEN, we are planning to take a trip in the caribbeans,do my friends need Visa's to travel to the caribbean Islands or their country's passport along with the US Permanent Resident card sufficient?? ONLY ANSWER IF U KNOW, NO STUPID ANSWERS PLEASE!!! THANK YOU.

The best answer is to consult the airline you plan on traveling. They have information about what you both will need. I would guess, if it just for a vacation, no. Then again, if you are going to the bahamas, then you don't need anything, as they are american territories.

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myHotelVideo.com presents: Hotel Cocos Hotel in Jolly Beach / Antigua / Antigua and Barbuda

I have been on very many cruise vacations in my life. And while it is not usually the first thing that you think about, but two years after I first cruised the Carnival Miracle, I am still thinking about the pizza. Is there more to a cruise than the food? That depends on who you ask, but on the Carnival Miracle there is a lot to do.

As of this writing, the Miracle is sailing out of New York during the warmer months of the year. When I sailed her, she sailed from Tampa Bay, Florida for a Western Caribbean itinerary.

The design of the ship is much like the theme for the entire line of ships, fun. The colors are bright and festive and the decor is the same. As with most Carnival ships, there is lots to do. And unlike most Carnival ships, this one is really easy to get around. I usually advise people to book only on ships that were built in 2001 and later. This will ensure that your ship really will be designed to carry the number of people it will carry. In fact, this ship has among the largest gross tonnages of any of the Carnival ships, which means that most of the time, you will not feel crowded. Contrary to popular belief, the gross tonnage is a measure of size, not weight.

The food, is the best I have had on any ship. I have sailed not just Carnival, but many other cruise lines. The pizza, like I already referred to, is the best I have ever had. The service on this ship was exemplary: The table service in the dining room was prompt and courteous and the room service was equally memorable.

I have no problem with recommending this cruise ship to anyone considering a cruise vacation.

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Im going on a cruise next week for New Years to the Western Caribbean. What do i need to take to wear?

royal caribbean?

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Lade-Wiesneski Caribbean Cruise New Years 2009

A sea voyage through a package tour of a cruise is the most memorable and enjoyable experience one can have. A well planned travel cruise gives you the desired rest and recuperation and provides relief from daily hectic schedules. There are several package cruise trips available with renowned tour operators and travel agents. Out of these tailor made programs, one can select a specific trip to enjoy cruising the world according to his choice and available budget. Cruise the world trips normally are of 80-150 days duration and cover several seas and ports on route.

Normally, all cruise trips' fare include luxury cruise accommodation, star cuisine, on board entertainment, complimentary liquor packages, private car transfers and luggage delivery service between ship and shore. The fare for cruise journeys does not include port security and handling charges, shore excursions and specialized personal services like spa, massage etc. As there is a possibility of frequent changes in fare rates, it is always prudent to get your seats booked as early as possible, to get maximum discounts, credits and other additional benefits.

There are a number of world famous tour operators for cruise trips, the main among them being the Regent World Cruise, Silver Sea Grand Voyage Cruise, Seaborne World Cruise and Cruise and Travel World Inc. Information regarding different packages and attractive schemes offered by these tour organizers is available on the related websites also. Some prominent companies related with international holiday and tour packages offer cruise trips of different duration and price range according to the need and choice of the tourists from all corners of the world.

A few tour operators also arrange free site seeing trips at various cities which provide you with a unique opportunity to have an insight into various cultures, customs and practices in different parts of the continents while enjoying cruise trip. Some cruise trips provide complimentary overnight stay in hotels at few destinations. Besides giving a chance to explore beauty and cultural heritage of famous tourist places, one can also enjoy water sports filled with thrill and adventure during a cruise In world trip.

Some cruise trips arrange live performances of world famous musicians and singers on board to make your journey even more pleasant and enriched with joy for ever. Different programs of art exhibition, floral shows and magic shows etc. are conducted during these trips for the entertainment of passengers on cruise In world trip. Besides this, fantasy theme event programs are also conducted to fill your sea voyage with fun and excitement in many innovative ways. All this and more can be enjoyed for a fairly reasonable price to make your dream of having a cruise In world trip come true. Just plan a cruise trip and have a wonderful time over there.

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Does anyone know the cheapest way to travel from London to Puerto Rico in the Caribbean?

Also, is it worth renting a car when there or to stay in one place and take day trips to other areas?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

I dont really know the prices of flights from London, but check out websites like Orbitz.com, they have great deals. It helps if you click on 'flexible dates'. You will probably have to fly to Spain & then to PR or fly to the mainland USA & then to PR.

Yes I think it is worth it to rent a car in PR. San Juan is a nice city & there are lots of historical sites to see like El Morro Fort. There are restaurants, casinos, nightlife, shopping & beaches too. But there are also alot of great things to see & do outside of San Juan. You can take a tour bus from your hotel, but you will pay more money. So its better to rent a car for a few days. However driving in PR might be a little scary for you so its your choice. I suggest driving about 45 minutes to the east coast & go to El Yunque Rain Forest where you can hike & swim in waterfalls. Also if you want to see some of the most gorgeous beaches on earth you can take the ferry from the east coast town of Fajardo over to Vieques or Culebra island. Vieques also has the bioluminescent bay. From San Juan you can also drive about 45 mins to the worlds largest radio telescope in Arecibo & to Camuy Caves. Ponce is also a nice city in the South if you get time. They have Seralles Castle & Guanica dry forest. Watch the video below to see PR. Enjoy

Also if you rent a car- go to Thrifty, Payless or Dollar Car Rental. They are all cheap.

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Bachata Caribbean Style Vol 1 & 2 - DVD in English Version

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So you've decided that your next holiday must be a Caribbean cruise, sailing the green blue seas, visiting exotic lands; but don't let popular opinion and trends dictate when to take your holiday, consider the options for yourself.

When deciding, however, remember that the Caribbean sits just south of the equator which means that although the winds do get up, the temperatures themselves rarely dip below 72 degrees, and whilst rainfall does occur the average rainfall during the height of the winter months (July - November) is around 5 inches over an average of 10 days of rainfall, not so different to the peak season month of December which sees an average of 3.7 inches over 11 days of rainfall. The long and the short is, when booking your cruise give the calm ships, pleasant temperatures, and lower prices of the low season serious consideration.

Choosing when to take your cruise is of course dependant on when is convenient for you to take holiday time, however cruise prices and weather conditions should be taken into account. The peak season for the Caribbean is June to the second week of August-where you will spend the most due to the family vacation period, then the rates drop substantially after this time. The reason for this is that the period of June through Augiust is considered to be "Peak Family Vacation Time".

Hurricanes can occur during thie Fall months for sure, but the period under discussion is quite a long one and for the most part there are no hurricanes or even very strong winds. Furthermore all modern cruise ships are equipped to cope with choppy weather and avoid dangerous weather, so even if these conditions were once a large concern, they no longer should be. However, because it is deemed less favorable to cruise in these conditions than the heat of the southern hemisphere summer, the autumn and winter months provide the most economical times to take a cruise as well as the least crowded ships. I recommend the Fall months up to the second week of December, and the first 3 weeks of January to secure the lowest rates for your next Caribbean cruise.

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What is the dress code for the following cruise lines?

Royal Caribbean
Holland
and Princess
also Noriweigen(sp)
Costa cruises

I have been on all of the cruise lines you listed and the dress code for all is casual during the day. That means, depending on where you are cruising to, shorts "T' shirts, tank tops and halters, swim wear of most any type, sneakers, flip-flops and sandals, or just about anything else you want to wear.

After 6:00 PM they all request that you wear in public places "sports casual" or "resort casual". Those terms that they use are essentially the same and mean the type clothing that you would expect a person to wear in a business office like a bank. For men that would mean slacks and a shirt with a collar (not necessarily a tie or jacket unless you want to), no sneakers in the main dining room and in fine restaurants, and for women a dress, pants, capri or slacks, blouse or appropriate shirt or sweater, and shoes other than flip flops and sneakers. Again, for the women what you would expect in a business office.

Most of the times the cruise lines are very relaxed in enforcing the dress codes and its only a problem if or when someone gets really outrageous that they may request that a person go change clothes. People are more likely to be scrutinized going to dinner in the main dining room than in the showroom, disco or casino. And, there are always people walking around after 6:00 PM in casual clothing because they go eat in the informal buffet, are headed to the gym, pool or hot tub, or they have a late dinner seating and have just not changed for dinner. So the rules are there but you will not find "clothing police" following people around to get them to change. It is REQUESTED attire and the cruise lines are not concerned with the few who choose not to follow the request.

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PEDOPHILIA CODE / Codice Pedofilia

Some people might look for complete solitude during a tropical island vacation to get away from it all, but no matter how blissful beach holidays can be, some long for great night life as well.

For those of you who wish to go to an island where there are also some exciting night life activities, check out this list of 5 of the world's top tropical destinations where you can sunbathe by day and party by night.

Ibiza, Spain

This is The Place to go for the best night life and party scenes. From its bars, to its clubs, to its fun-loving people, Ibiza has long been the world's best destination for parties and more parties.

So what do you do in Ibiza? First, remember that there's always something new going on. So know first what's hot for the day or the week you're visiting and make sure you make the best of any event in town.

If you'd rather not do this research and prefer to be spontaneous, then just go to any of its many clubs and you're practically guaranteed a great night out.

True to almost every night hangout in Spain, life doesn't really start until the bell strikes 12! So make sure you get a siesta in because with everything that Ibiza offers, that's about the only sleep you'll get!

Phuket Thailand

The exotic splendors of Bangkok's palaces may not grace Phuket, but if you want to be by the beach all day and party all night in Siam, then Phuket is a great place to be.

For those who really want to party, Patong is where the island's bars, clubs and discotheques are. If you've got the kids with you, you might also want to visit Phuket Fantasea on Kamala Beach, which is the islands version of a festival and cultural event -a place to sample Thai theater, eat great Thai food, play games, and go shopping.

On the other hand, if you want to go some place a bit tamer, Karon Beach is an excellent place for restaurants with some good food and great cocktails . And if you want a classier and MUCH quieter ambiance, go to Bangtao bay.

Negril, Jamaica

Relieve the lifestyle of the 60's as well as immerse yourself in exotic Jamaican culture when you go for a tropical island vacation in Negril.

Night activities in Negril are really laid-back island living but fun. There are usually no schedules, no fixed time, no fixed place. You literally just have to follow the music and that's where the action is going to be for the night--a night of dancing, reggae appreciation, drinking and great conversations.

Sydney, Australia

If you want the feel of a big cosmopolitan city at night yet be lounging on the beach by day, we recommend a tropical island vacation in Sydney where you'll never run out of things to do.

For a bit of the arts and a wonderful experience know what shows are on in the Sydney Opera House Theater. Or if you go there in the summer, the acclaimed Sydney Festival is one cultural event not to be missed.

For a bit of local lifestyle on the other hand, check out the bars and clubs that locals frequent. There are many tour companies that offer night tours for this purpose which you might want to take part in if you want to know Sydney's secret night hideaways.

Nassau, Bahamas

This is a popular destination for night revelers and it's very easy to see why---Nassau could easily be described as the Caribbean's nightlife capital.

There are first of all, the casinos that thrill-seekers frequent. These casinos come with all the fun and excitement that even people who do not play will find very interesting.

Then there are the discotheques and clubs where you can experience the Bahamians love for life and fun on the dance floor. There are also cultural shows for those who want something a bit more sedate.

A tropical island vacation in Nassau will undoubtedly give you 24 hours of fun on your island holidays in the Caribbean.

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What Are Your Top 10 Favorite Movies?!?

Yes, just leave your 10 ten films in a list.
In no order, please in a random order.
Heres my 10....

1. Two Weeks Notice
2. Bruce Almighty
3. Bringing Down The House
4. Bridget Jones: 1&2
5. Last Holiday
6. Me, Myself & Irene
7. Harry Potter: 1-5
8. Pirates Of The Caribbean: 1-3
9. Music & Lyrics
10. Hitch

1. Dirty Dancing
2. Titanic
3. Never Been Kissed
4. 50 First Dates
5. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
6. Music & Lyrics
7. The Beach
8. Twilight
9. The Notebook
10. The Breakfast Club

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Urban Caribbean Holiday Celebration