Considering Luxury Cruise Ships

The modern day concept of cruises, thanks in large part to Carnival and other family and budget friendly lines, is usually focused on casual fun and family, and a relatively low impact vacation. Many people can attest to the crowds of children and families frequently found on these lines. However, there are still cruise lines that hearken back to the more stately and luxurious origins of cruises. While there is nothing wrong with the family fun cruises, a pampered luxury cruise may be just what the harried modern day vacationer is looking for.

Luxury cruise lines, such as Cunard, a line that was recently bought by the Carnival cooperation, focus heavily on guest service and high class accommodations. You can typically expect a larger room size cabin, especially if you opt for a suit-style room, and a more high-class welcome. Typically these lines also have a skilled and competent concierge service to help you with all of your needs both on and off the ship.

The entertainment on many luxury cruise ships has a heavier leaning towards the arts, with on board theater, art galleries, and small orchestras. The lounges are also generally top notch and may include champagne tasting, fine cigar bars, and other refinements.

The aesthetics of a luxury liner are also far above more commercial crafts. The attention to detail should leave nothing to be desired, making each experience a unique and memorable one.

Luxury cruises have a significantly higher price than more commercial trips, but you get your value back in quality. A cruise, especially one with a significant amount of time at sea, on one of these ships is not to be forgotten.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alison_Wendel/415041

Cruise Travel Rates

Everyone likes to go on a relaxing vacation to get away from the humdrum of daily life. The latest way to holiday is to go on a cruise for a fun-filled vacation. Cruise lines operate in many different sectors, and it can be extremely confusing to choose any one of them. Some may offer the very best amenities while some may provide mini holiday packages. There are cruise lines that offer vacation packages for weekends as well. Most cruise lines resemble a floating five star hotel. They offer an out of this world cruising experience to their passengers. However, it is imperative for individuals to know the rates of various holiday packages offered by different cruise lines. It is advisable for individuals to select a good cruise specialist who has very good knowledge about various cruise lines operating in United States and the rates offered. A good cruise specialist can advise their clients about the best destinations, the best time to cruise, and the itinerary of the best cruise lines.

Package rates may greatly vary according to the cruise line, number of days, amenities, the type of room selected, and destination. The location of the cabin can greatly influence the rates of the cabin. Generally, the prices are highest during peak seasons. Some cruise lines may offer irresistible deals that include airfare and sightseeing. The daily tariff may be equivalent to luxury hotels, but the experience is incomparable.

Many luxury lines offer discounts directly to passengers during off-season. The off-season will vary depending on the climatic conditions of a particular destination. Many cruise lines offer group discounts for passengers who make group reservations. Some luxury cruises and travel agents may also offer early bird discounts to passengers who make their bookings within a specified limit.

While selecting a package, it is important to know if other charges such as taxes and port charges are included in the deal. Individuals must be wary of Internet sites that offer huge discounts on the package. There are chances that they have not disclosed taxes and other charges in the deal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Eric_Morris/44836

Three Great River Cruises

Of all the cruising experiences available world wide, a luxury river cruise has to be one of the best. River cruises give you the opportunity to get a real 'feel' for a country, allowing you to enjoy the passing riverside scenery with stops to visit cultural sites. This article takes a look at a few of the best River cruises around the world.

The River Nile, Egypt

Often seen as the height of all luxury cruise options, a river cruise down the Nile gives you the chance to tour the country's famous ancient sites. The majority of the cruises on the Nile run between Luxor and Aswan, with the stretch of river between the two dotted with ancient temples and monuments. Popular day excursions include sites such as Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Nefertari in the opposite Valley of the Queens. Many people who choose to cruise the Nile also take time out to visit the Pyramids at Giza and stop over in Egypt's capital, Cairo.

The River Yangtze, China

A similar cruising experience to the Nile, a River Yangtze cruise allows visitors to enjoy some of China's most fascinating history and culture. There are a number of different china cruises available on the river, ranging from the basic touristy cruise to a full blown luxury cruise experience. Popular stops on the river include Nanjing, one of China's ancient capitals; Yichang, surrounded by picturesque forests and mountains; and the Three Gorges region, with its iconic sheer cliffs and blue waters. The river is also home to a number of more modern attractions, many cruises give visitors the chance to experience the Three Gorges Dam up close and others choose to stop at Chongqing, with its lively markets.

The River Rhine, Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland

The final river on our list is the stunning River Rhine, which offers up the opportunity to experience several European countries in just one trip. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a little sight seeing along the almost 900 miles of River Rhine. The river is most famous for the fairytale castles and medieval towns that line the Middle Rhine region, with popular stops at Basle, for its cobbled old city; Strasbourg, for its medieval history; and Mainz, for its stunning half-timbered houses. If you choose to cruise the Rhine there's also a great opportunity to visit one of the world's UNESCO World Heritage sites, the fantastic gothic cathedral in Cologne.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Thom_Sanders/701193

Selecting a Cruise Line for Your World Cruise Journey

So, you have both the time and money to take a once-in-a-life time cruise; A World Cruise! Chances are you probably have heard of the famous world cruises offered by Cunard Line for more than 50 years onboard the world famous Queen Mary and the more recent Queen Mary 2. What you probably don't realize is that there are at least 5 or 6 other cruise lines that offer a World Cruise.

Some cruise lines offer cruises that circumnavigates the world, visits several continents and returns to the originating port. Other cruise lines use the term World Cruise, and also visit various continents, however, end the cruise in a different location than the original port.

Be sure not to only consider the cost as your deciding factor. There are other factors that will impact the final cost, so be sure to consider and discuss everything with your travel professional.

The cruise line selection should begin with a few important factors to consider.

    Ship size; do you want to share this adventure with 2,600 other world cruise guests or do would you prefer a more intimate experience with 450 guests? A large ship affords you many choices for dining venues, lounges onboard, outside deck areas, spa facilities. It also may provide a smoother sailing experience if you encounter some rough seas.

    Dining: Generally, the larger ships still only offer the traditional 2 seating for dinner in the main dining room. Therefore, you will be sharing dinner with the same passengers throughout the entire cruise. In contrast, the smaller, luxury cruise lines only offer "open seating", where you select the time and with whom you'd like to dine with. Certainly, if you make some new friends during the cruise, you can easily dine with them but always having the choice.

    Dining choices: The larger the ship, the more dining venues/options you have. However, you must consider that the larger ships almost always have additional fees for the smaller dining rooms. The $20 - $40 per person "dining fees" can really add up on a 100 day voyage! Compared to the luxury, 5-star "all inclusive" cruise lines, which never charge fees for their alternative dining venues.

    Added costs: 5-star luxury cruise lines always include all gratuities, alcohol, wine at dinner, bottled water, sodas and specialty coffees; never a charge. In addition, these cruise lines include your own personal in-suite bar set-ups. The larger ships will charge a daily, per person gratuity to your onboard account and will charge for all alcohol; drinks by the pool, wine at dinner and cocktails. Bottled water important for the tropical ports of call will not be included along with sodas and specialty coffees that so many of us enjoy; all extra costs.

    Itinerary: Not all cruises are the same and the ports of call included are such an important consideration. So, do some comparisons and make sure that those exotic ports and countries on your "wish list" are included. The luxury cruise lines usually include complimentary shore excursions with private visits to castles, temples, and musical events, offered exclusively on their world cruise

A world cruise typically last from about 90 to 125 days. If you are unable to be away this long, you can still enjoy part of this journey with a selection of shorter segments of a world cruise.

When you are ready, book your perfect world cruise adventure with an established, knowledgeable travel consultant. You will save time, avoid costly mistakes, and pay less than booking with the cruise line direct.

This World Cruise website devoted to world cruises and is operated by Vacation Discounters, Inc., an award winning travel agency. You will find some of the best cruise deals around to make your cruise vacations truly enjoyable and memorable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Neal_W_Vinson/1235280


Great AMA Waterways River Cruises FALL Specials for 2015 and 2016

2015—We have some great rates for this fall… Still!—Christmas Markets up to $3000 off per Cabin
            Fall Wine cruises up to $1500 off per cabin…..and an incentive for new bookings below

Real 2 for 1’s!!  Not fake ones

Paris & Normandy--7-nt cruise roundtrip from Paris--Nov 5 was--$3,199 now $1,600pp
Provence & Spain--7-nt Lyon - Arles cruise--Nov 26  was $3,199  now $1,600  Per person
The Legendary Danube--7-nt Nuremberg - Budapest cruise--Nov 10 was--$2,799, now--$1,400pp  
Mekong—Cambodia Vietnam AMA Lotus 11/30 $2900 or $1500 per person!

FIT Europe offers



Luxury Cruise Deals Promo Code: Call 1.800.330.8820 and talk to a Luxury Cruise Specialist at Travelwizard.com

Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise lines have a responsibility to make their premises safe, without hazardous conditions that can cause serious injury to passengers. When a cruise ship accident occurs because of poor maintenance, incompetent staff, lack of security, poor sanitation, or insufficient emergency precautions, the cruise ship owners can be held legally responsible for negligence.
Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers

HOLIDAY TIPS TO SHIP CRUISE

Vacationing on a yacht is an enjoyable experience. Cruise vacation including luxury vacation that requires a lot of funds. If this is your first time to do so, please follow the following tips:

If you are traveling with family, should provide walkie talkie for each family member. This gives you all can always be connected between each other. This option is certainly more efficient than communicating by phone.

Usually on a cruise ship, visitors will not be charged for beverages such as juice or something. However, for soft drinks, wine, beer, or a cocktail, you still have to pay. So if you want to vacation on a cruise ship-effective, avoid foods that are sold because the price can be very expensive.