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10 of the Best Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

2012-12-27T05:26:00.001-08:00

The Caribbean is one of the most attractive cruise destinations in the world. Check these Caribbean most famous itineraries to give you an idea of the various voyages offered and help decide on where you want to be on your next cruise.

The Caribbean Sea is home to over 7,000 islands and it is the 5^th largest body of water in the world. Whereas you cannot sail a major cruise vessel to every corner of the Caribbean, you do have a lot of choices to pick for the best itineraries.

Deep south

The deep south itinerary is a voyage to the southernmost of the Caribbean sea: the ABC islands and South America’s northeast coast. These unusual paths are not offered by most lines, but they can be best picks especially during hurricane season since most storms do not strike south. The 11-night cruise of Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Voyager out of Ft. Lauderdale gives visits to Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Grand Turk and Puerto Rico. Well, it is visiting Caribbean from tip to toe.

Eastern Caribbean

Western Caribbean’s sister itinerary is Eastern Caribbean of seven nights’ sail. Many cruise ships weekly alternate between east and west, which create chances for two-week back-to-back expeditions. Such is what happens to the big ship Freedom of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Lines. Its itinerary in the eastern Caribbean stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico with three sea days. At the stops, you can enjoy shopping, the beaches and rainforests or spend the days ice skating, rock climbing or simply box on this giant floating resort.

Short Caribbean cruises

The good thing about Caribbean is that it is too close to the southern US ports. If you do not have much time for vacation, a short cruise can be best for you. You shall absolutely feel like escaping the office just for a short period. Celebrity Line offers a first-rate five-night expedition on the recently enhanced Century. You depart from Miami for Grand Cayman and Jamaica, enjoy two nights at sea then return tanned and rejuvenated for just a short break.

Southern Caribbean

Veteran cruisers who have sailed the Caribbean look to southern Caribbean for less crowded and more exotic islands. Departure are usually from Barbados or Puerto Rico since the islands are far to reach when from the mainland of United States. To sail in style, try the eight-night expedition of the Silver Wind out of San Juan. With just a day at sea, you can visit Bequia, Barbados, Grenada, St. Bart’s, Antigua and Dominica. You may also look for virgin beaches, romantic settings and spice plantations.

Western Caribbean

The basic seven-night Caribbean cruise is best for first-timers. You can depart from various homeports and get a blend of Central American and some island ports as well as spend days at sea. Cruising on the Grand Princess departs from the Ft. Lauderdale and calls at Caribbean ports of Jamaica, Cozumel, Princess Cays, Mexico and Grand Cayman. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving on Grand Cayman, exploring Mexico’s Mayan ruins and climbing a waterfall in Jamaica. Plus you have two days at sea to enjoy the ship.

2012 Five Best River Cruise Ships

2012-12-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

According to a poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, a premier travel magazine with vacation ideas, destination information and travel tips, the following are voted as the world’s 5 best river cruise ships in random order.

Here is the list of the world’s five best river cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler travel magazine readers. Uniworld and Viking River Cruises share the top five positions with three cruisers from Uniworld and two from Viking.

River Beatrice of Uniworld River Cruises

It’s Uniworld again with River Beatrice this time landing second. Launched in March 2009, readers of Condé Nast Traveler rated River Beatrice as the world’s best river ship that year. 67 of Beatrice’ 80 staterooms have French balconies and only 13 cabins do not, which are at the lowest of its three decks. Most staterooms are 150 square feet big, beautified in floral patterns or crisp beiges or whites, while the suites are 225 square feet big. On the Danube Deck, the restaurant’s fare is inspired by Hungarian and Austrian cuisine, which just fits to the cruiser’s itinerary from Budapest to Linz, Germany and in Salzburg which is reached through a bus.

River Queen of Uniworld River Cruises

River Queen tops the poll. It is one of the older cruisers of Uniworld River Cruises which it launched in 1999 and for which the line can boast some firsts – first elevator and the first cruiser to have constructed a Sun Deck and three decks. Sun Decks are now common to most of Uniworld’s cruise ships. The River Queen was renovated in 2005 but retains its unique riverboat profile which recalls vintage steamships, while its decor in the common places plays on the themes of Art Deco in white and blue. Standard staterooms are 151 square feet in size while suites are about 65 square feet bigger. The ship sails at European Jewels most of the time, from Amsterdam to Budapest along the rivers of Danube, Main and Rhine.

River Royale of Uniworld River Cruises

One of Uniworld River Cruise’ pride, River Royale completed the top 5 best river cruisers. Inaugurated in 2006, River Royal sails French itineraries only. Its staterooms on the highest Azure Deck have French balconies and ornamented in gold and blue theme. On the deck below are Burgundy staterooms fittingly decorated in deep red, all has L’Occitane products. While cruising, passengers usually while away time either on the Sun Deck or on the Azure Deck, which houses the lounge and reception parts. The ship sails through Burgundy and Provence, on Rhône and Saône rivers.

Viking Helvetia of Viking River Cruises

Viking Helvetia from Viking River Cruises is a 198-passenger capacity river cruiser built in 2006. It sails the Rhine between Basel and Amsterdam. All excursions in shores mostly include tours of small German towns. Onboard entertainment at Viking Helvetia includes glass-blowing demos, carving of wooden shoes and building cuckoo-clocks. You can also learn how to make Alsatian flammkuchen or German apple strudel when you are not keen to look out on your stateroom’s large window for passing castles.

Viking Legend of Viking River Cruises

Viking strikes again with Legend this time, the twin ship of Viking Prestige. It was in 2009 when Viking Legend joined the fleet of Viking River Cruises when it was outfitted with a propulsion system which increased efficiency of fuel by 20 percent to provide a more serene cruise. It also is a green first in the cruise industry. Viking has two 310-square feet suites and 155 square feet staterooms with French balconies on the upper two decks. Those who travel alone may want to try Legend’s single berths. All cabins have flat-screen TVs and L’Occitane products. Viking Legend sails between Budapest and Pasau and on longer trips, between Budapest and Nuremberg along Danube, the most legendary river of Europe.

2012 World’s Five Best Large Cruise Ships

2012-12-27T05:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of the world’s five best large cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler travel magazine readers. Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity share the top 5 positions with three cruisers from Disney and two from Celebrity.

Celebrity Eclipse of Celebrity

Celebrity Eclipse is Celebrity’s third stylish Solstice class which debuted in April 2010 at Southampton, England. She also has what her other sisters brag, such as the Lawn Club which houses the first half-acre grass patch at sea, “molecular gastronomy” cocktails bar and a glassblowing show. Eclipse has an Apple store where passengers can shop and an innovative cybercafe iLounge wherein anyone can take digital photography and web design classes. The cruiser launched Qsine, a restaurant that is interactive having iPad wine lists, crab dip that cooks at tables on hot lava rocks, decorate-your-own cupcakes and sushis in lollipops.

Celebrity Equinox of Celebrity

Second of the Celebrity Line’s top Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Equinox’s most amazing feature is its half-acre lawn on the top deck which is covered with real grass for passengers to have picnics on, play croquet or bocce or simply lounge. Celebrity Equinox’ homeport port is Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean winter cruises, from Mexico to Barbados. It also has Rome as its home port in summer for its Mediterranean sailings. Its two repositioning transatlantic cruises that take 14 nights link the two cities in April and November. These 14 night cruises are good options if you want to experience the ship’s all ten onboard dining halls. Three of them – Italian, Asian and Continental cuisines promise extra special food and service at extra fees. The main dining room is a spectacular draw – white, glittering and with a two-storey wine rack at the center. A Mediterranean restaurant is available only to passengers who occupy spa-class cabins, that also include access to saunas and steam rooms for free.

Disney Dream of Disney Cruise Line

It’s Disney Cruise Line again continuously setting the bar high with its Disney Dream. Disney Dream blends fantasy and technology to create new features like the first aquatic roller coaster and AquaDuck, a big upgrade to water slides at the top-deck. The cruiser’s interior cabins are fit with “magical” portholes showing live feeds; “enchanted” paintings line the hallways which are screens of LCD that show videos of animated characters. There are plenty treats for parents too – adults-only pool and Remy, a French restaurant that is Ratatouille-themed.

Disney Magic of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Magic from Disney Cruise Line is a 2,700-passenger capacity cruiser which debuted in 1998. Its emphasis, of course is family fun and entertainment. Not surprisingly for Disney. It has a nursery named Little Mermaid for the young ones, a 24-hour teens-only Vibe with “Central Perk” decor having video games and flat screen TVs. Passengers can also take time to lax at the four adults-only lounges that include roadhouse-inspired Rockin’Bar D as well as the mellower Sessions piano bar. Itineraries of Disney Magic are mostly in the Mediterranean in the summer and Caribbean in the winter, including some calls at Castaway Cay, private island of Disney in the Bahamas.

Disney Wonder of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wonder is one of the first two ships of Disney Cruise Line. It debuted in 1999, 12 months after Disney Magic debuted in 1998. Wonder celebrates Disney characters as well as their respective artists. Tinkerbell is Disney Wonder’s godmother and like the other Disney shops, has Animator’s Palate restaurants which interiors are beautified with drawings of characters and highlight the walls and columns at unfeasible fun-house angles. A show which stars cast members in costumes is the dinner’s highlight though others who do not want to join all the family fun can go to adults-only Palo for Italian, or Remy for French. Disney Wonder cruises Alaska in the summer since 2011. She also sails in the coasts of the Bahamas and along Mexican Riviera in fall and winter.

2012 World’s Five Best Medium Cruise Ships

2012-12-27T05:04:00.002-08:00

Here is the list of the world’s five best medium cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler travel magazine readers. Both Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas occupy two slots each. Oceania occupies the remaining other.

Crystal Serenity of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Serenity underwent a general renovation in May 2011, with updated decor and new bedding as good as modern lightings and tufted headboards. This 535-cabin cruiser has Creative Learning Institutes that offer courses from language to keyboard lessons. These help the line high scores for traveler activities; plus their “Perfect Choice Dining” that provides passengers with flexible dining schedules in the main restaurant and the “You Care, We Care” program that Crystal subsidizes of their new shore excursions focusing on voluntourism. Aside from world cruises, Serenity can be found often in the Baltic early summers, in the Mediterranean in late falls and summers and in the Caribbean during winters. Itineraries are all-inclusive with prepaid gratuities and complimentary drinks.

Crystal Symphony of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Symphony of Crystal Cruises was the first of Crystal Cruises’ ships that underwent renovation, which was a multimillion-dollar one and was completed in 2009. It then gave the ship a modern feel. Symphony and Serenity have similar lineup of dining locations, including Silk Road which is helmed by restaurateur Piero Selvaggio’s Prego and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Symphony spends summer 2012 in Europe. In fall foliage seasons, it is often found off the easter Canadian and New England coasts. Itineraries are all-inclusive with prepaid gratuities and complimentary beverages.

Regatta of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ Regatta is the line’s very first ship which it launched in 1998 and renovated in 2011. For its line, it set the tone for a luxury cruise at competitive price. Regatta has 342 staterooms and four dining venues managed by Jacques Pépin. In 2009, it started a partnership with Canyon Ranch for its spa to offer more than standard therapeutic services and to also include reiki, Ayurveda and acupuncture. This 2012, Regatta shall initiate some firsts for its line, by sailing to Alaska in summer and eastern Canada and New England in the fall.

Seven Seas Mariner of Regent Seven Seas

Launched in 2001, Regent Seven Seas’ Mariner is the world’s first “all-suite, all-balcony” ship, and since then, has regularly been refurbished. All the three Regent ships underwent an “enhancement” in 2009 which included having Prime 7 modern steak house as an addition. On the same year, Regent Seven Seas collaborated with Canyon Ranch which takes care of its ships’ fitness and spa areas. All Regent packages include pre-cruise hotel accommodations as well as ground transfers to the cruiser. The Mariner usually sails the Mediterranean from April to November, makes crossings in the Atlantic in March and November then begins in the Caribbean and circumnavigates South America in winter and spring.

Seven Seas Voyager of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Voyager is the highest-rated ship of its line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Seven Seas maybe labeled as the second to its sister Mariner in “all-suite, all-balcony” ship as well as the second cruiser which restaurant is operated by Le Cordon Bleu, but it is the first in terms of staterooms size. Voyager has the biggest “lead-in” suites in the cruise industry even with its smallest 356 square feet size. After its renovation in December 2008, the ship got new additions that include a spa that is Canyon Ranch-branded and the Prime 7 steak house. The Voyager is always cruising, from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. In summer, she can be found in Scandinavia or Mediterranean.

2012 World’s Five Best Small Cruise Ships

2012-12-27T05:01:00.001-08:00

Here is the list of the world’s five best small cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers. Seabourn occupies three slots and two are by Lindblad and Paul Gauguin.

National Geographic Endeavour of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions’ forerunner first went tours on the Galápagos in 1967. In 1996, the company acquired Endeavor to be a North Sea fishing trawler. Thus, both the lines and the ship are veterans at sailing the islands which Charles Darwin made popular. Endeavour has 96 passenger capacity with 10 and 16 day long itineraries from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Friday. The Endeavor is a small cruise ship where passengers should not expect luxury-liner amenities. However, all its cabins have small writing desks and water views. The meals are at single-seating at unassigned tables. Endeavor’s one unusual feature is a floating massage platform, for massage treatments which are completed by the sea’s gentle rocking motion.

Paul Gauguin of Paul Gauguin Cruises

The sole ship of Paul Gauguin Cruises line, Paul Gauguin is a 332-passenger capacity cruiser that sails where Gauguin painted. It was specifically built for the islands of French Polynesia where shallow depths keep bigger ships away from ports. Paul Gauguin itinerary include several more far archipelagoes, such as the less-known Tuamotus and other islands that may never heard even by veteran travelers, like the Ua Huka in the Marquesas which is mainly populated by goats and horses. Paul Gauguin has seven decks for guests which accommodate passengers in cabins from Porthole Staterooms to various suites. All cabins have 70 percent occupied by verandas and balconies. A retractable marina and dive programs onboard occupy days, and ending with dinners where drinks are served gratis.

Seabourn Odyssey of Yachts of Seabourn

At the top of the list is one of the cruises of Yachts of Seabourn – Seabourn Odyssey. This highest rated impressive fleet of Seabourn started operation in 2009 as the company’s first of larger ships trio (Soujourn and Quest followed in June 2010 and June 2011 respectively). Compared to the earlier ships of Seabourn having 104 suites, these trio have 225 suites each, 90 percent of the cabins of which have verandas and are from 295 to 1,989 square feet.

Like the other Seabourn cruise ships, chef Charlie Palmer heads the kitchens. However, a new indoor and outdoor restaurant is added where the meals are set in an open kitchen. The 11,400 square feet sized Spa at Seabourn is one of the largest ones found in luxury ships. Odyssey usually cruises the Mediterranean whole year round – Dalmatian Coast, Turkey and the Greek Isles and has itineraries to Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles and South Pacific as well.

Seabourn Pride of Yachts of Seabourn

Like sister ships Legend and Spirit, Seabourn Pride maintains a staff-to-passenger ratio of almost one to one. Suites number to 104, with 40 percent of its 277 to 575 square feet size occupied by balconies and having all ocean views. Your fare includes all meals, drinks at the four bars and lounges. The Pride has a private marina that extends from the ship’s rear to let guests enjoy water sports even at sea. Pride gets around world cruises, Baltic, Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean itineraries.

Seabourn Sojourn of Yachts of Seabourn

Second of the three most recent cruise ships of Seabourn, this 450-passenger capacity Sojourn is almost two and a half times the size of the company’s older ships. With Sojourn’s bigger space, you shall find a lot to see and do including the two-storey 11,400 square foot spa having outdoor cabanas and space. Cabins are 90 percent verandahs and there are suites with solariums. Most of all, it has Seabourn’s signature of fabulous service, water-sports marina and plenty of space per cruiser.

A Glimpse of Some of Asia’s Cruise Lines

2012-12-27T04:59:00.001-08:00

With the ever rising population in the Far East and with interests of tourists around the globe, Asia has become one of the major cruise destinations; thanks to the growing cruise lines companies which make Asian cruising possible and more rewarding.

Cruising in Asia brings an exciting series of contrasting cultures, colours, traditions, sounds, scents and sights. In its cities pavilions and old temples serenely sitting side-by-side with contemporary skyscrapers, man-made wonders like the Great Wall of China and Angkor temples are just glimpses of Asia’s wealthy history. Tropical beaches and isles that bound in the area provide best spots for snorkeling or hammock swinging under the shades of palm trees.

Asia is likewise a shopper’s paradise with its bustling markets to contemporary malls plus gourmet delights of rich flavors, various cuisines and fresh produce that can tempt all types of palates.

Typical Asia Cruise is between 5 to 25 days and there are those which offer longer cruises too. There are a lot of cruise lines which have jumped to the chance of sailing to this exotic destination of natural wonders. These cruise lines offer best itineraries paired with fine dining and memorable experience.

Here is a glimpse of some of the cruise lines in Asia that are famous for their superb service in offering the travelers with the best Asian cruising experience.

Crystal Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruise Lines is a top ranking Asian cruise line. Crystal cruises are excellent sea adventure catalysts. Start your trip in lovable Asian hotspots such as Singapore, Hong Kong then sail to Beijing. While sailing along South or East China Sea, you can visit Yokohama, Tokyo or Shanghai while enjoying famous attractions of Great Wall and the Forbidden City along with a stopover to Bangkok. Crystal Cruise can brag of its perfect and comfort relaxation facilities which come with exotic entertainment. Its ships feature Caesars Palace at Sea casino and celebrity gigs. For another better experience, you shall have the company of exotic drinks and meals designed especially in an informal menu and relaxing atmosphere.

Holland America Line

Asia cruising can be good with Holland America Lines. This line highlights exotic vacationing to Asia at high-value service and competitive rates. Most of this line’s ships sail for about 14 to 36 days to the Asia Pacific region. Holland America’s best traits are its unparalleled comfort, courteous service and extensive activities. Ships of this line in Asia cruising are Ms Zaandam and Ms Volendam. Overnight stays in destinations include Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Star Cruises

The Star Cruises is one of the most favored and most famous Asian cruise lines. Together with NCL, it is known to be the world’s third largest cruise operator. It has 18 ships sailing around 200 destinations. Covering mostly Asia, the line features about 35k lower berths. Star Cruises in Asia include SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Libra, Star Pisces and SuperStar Virgo. Destinations are Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Other best lines that are cruising in Asia and equally offering superb facilities and services are Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.

Best Cruise Ship Sundecks

2012-12-27T04:55:00.001-08:00

Sundecks of cruise ships are one of the cruisers’ draws. That area of the cruise ships used mostly for sunbathing. These days however, sundecks go beyond just sunbathing.

These days, swimming pools with cramped pool sides on cruisers’ sun deck that used to center on biggest belly flops and hairy chests are gone with the propping up of innovative pools, gourmet restaurants, recreational activities and real fauna and flora on sundecks. They are all different, so pick your choice before booking on a cruise.

For best activities – Royal Caribbean

Pioneering daring recreational options on cruisers is the Royal Caribbean. It added surf simulators, rock climbing and upped the ante with its most recent, and the largest in the world Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. These Royal Caribbean cruisers have sports pools too for volleyball and water jousting, a zip line, zero-entry pool that are all meant to duplicate ground beach ambience. If you feel like doing nothing at all, simply head to the adult-only solarium area where you can find hammocks gently swinging in the breeze.

For best adult-only sundeck - Princess Cruises

In the past, when cruising are usually for senior travelers only, there really was no need for sundeck exclusive for adults as most were practically kid-free. However, cruising these days has become a famous family vacation option, it’s kind of difficult to find a pool that does not contain young ones. Princess Cruises created The Sanctuary, which is now available on most of the fleet’s cruise ships. It is a tranquil, shaded area on a top deck which features chaises, calming tune-loaded iPods and waiter service for drinks and food.

For best all-weather swimming – MSC Cruises

The Splendida and Fantasia of MSC Cruises have huge airy indoor pool complex with retractable glass roof that opens in summer and closes in winter. While a lot of cruise ships have retractable roofs, MSC’s cheerful, sometimes chaotic and convivial feel that ensure activities, rain or shine make it special. Decors are jazzy and since these vessels appeals mostly to Europeans, there is a definite foreign vibe. As Splendida and Fantasia cruise out of Italy or Mediterranean, their roofs get workout.

For best luxury sundeck - Crystal Cruises

Pools on luxury lines are typically more limited than their bigger cruise sisters because of their smaller size. Symphony and Serenity of Crystal Cruises are among the biggest luxury cruise ships which feature a hot South Beach ambience with the basics – space for plenty of tables, wicker armchairs plus loveseats for repose. If these do not amuse the playful you, Crystal is one of the few lines that offer paddle tennis for the sporty soul.

For best onboard “park” – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises newest quartet beauties – Eclipse, Solstice, Silhouette and Equinox, the Lawn Club is a green lovely grassy expanse near the main pool of the ship. Come over here to simply spread out your towel for sunbathing, have picnics, listen to music or play croquet or bocce. In port, birds also go to the Lawn which just adds to its park-like feel and their tweets and chirps are a nice musical touch.

For best spa pool - Cunard

Queen Mary 2 of Cunard’s spa pool may have a downside by being in the interior with no window access, such also is oddly its upside. It is a serene, nicely-lit area open only to spa goers (in most cruise ships, spa pools are open to all). Thus, it definitely radiates a type of serenity spa goers expect. It also is handily located to the Finnish sauna, massage and steam rooms.

For best sundeck food - Oceania Cruises

Oceana Cruises – a runaway winner in the awards given by Editor’s Picks of Cruise Critics for everything that is food-related, does not just drop its quality when it comes to serving food on the pool deck. Its Waves Grill that is pool-adjacent features turf and surf, ahi, decadent Q-Bahan and Kobe burgers. Oceania’s Q-Bahn is a marinated pork shoulder that is slow roasted and on crispy toasted baguette. This one is hardest to resist - Parmesan fries that are truffle-dusted.

For the best waterpark – Disney Cruises

Cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have created splashy water parks with tubular slides but Disney Dream’s AquaDuck water coaster gives Disney the edge. The AquaDuck is an acrylic transparent tubes spanning four decks and at one point, swings out 13 feet above the side with 150-foot drop to the sea.

The Best Lines That Are Cruising the Caribbean

2012-12-27T04:53:00.001-08:00

Most of the cruise lines that are cruising the Caribbean are offering luxuries travel experience as well as modern comfortable facilities, hospitable crew, impressive itineraries, superb service and great food.

The best lines cruising the Caribbean have many things in common – superb service, gorgeous facilities, luxurious accommodations as well as impressive itineraries. Check out this list of the best lines cruising the Caribbean and pick your choice for your next Caribbean cruising experience.

Best for kids 9 years old and below – Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line has the reputation to be all family oriented. It has four ships that please kids as their primary goal though there is something for everyone. Disney’s Dream is the best and the most recent ship added to the line.

Best for kids 9 to 12 years old – Royal Caribbean

Though Disney Cruise Line is good if you are cruising with children aged 9 to 10 years old, when the kids are about 11 to 12 years old, Royal Caribbean is a better choice. Royal Caribbean has special programs and facilities for teens but of course, there are also plenty of offers and provisions to please the adults and parents just the same. Royal Caribbean can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers.

Best for multi-generational family – Carnival Cruise Line

For multi-generational families where kids, teens, grown-ups, middle-aged and senior citizens go together, Carnival Cruise is the best pick. It has activities, services and facilities for four-year olds to elderly passengers. The line’s ships are big and contemporary some of which can accommodate several thousands of passengers.

For best 20-something party boat – Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation of party-boat fun. Its ships are quite big that can accommodate several thousands of passengers and fare offered are of mid-priced. Plus, it has an extravagant Las Vegas-style decor and entertainment.

For best luxury – Silversea Cruises

For the best luxury cruise ships, Silversea Cruises are topping the list. The line’s ships are sport spiffy and modest size interiors. Passengers are congenial, well-travelled and sophisticated. Food and service are regarded highly. Ratio for crew to passenger is high. Silversea ships are liked by patrons for their polished, skilled and friendly services. Even the ship’s officers interact with guests. The cruise fare covers almost all basic expenses on board including beverages, tips and more. Co-passengers are well-travelled, sophisticated and sociable with only few, or no kids onboard. Thus, seldom can you hear screaming kids. You can never see people lining up at dining, disembarkation or whatever.

For best luxury upmarket – Azamara Club Cruises

Each of the two ships of Azamara Club Cruises accommodates up to 644 passengers. Their price point is in-between luxury and upmarket. They offer vacationers with the needed niche between mid-priced and luxury fares. Azamara has one of the most friendly and helpful staff in the cruise industry. The ships’ overnighters and late departures allow passengers to better enjoy the port areas. Public places are comfortable and relatively spacious. Passengers are never disturbing, loud or inconsiderate. Queues are non-existent in Azamara ships too.

For best upmarket – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is upmarket, obviously superior to mid-priced lines in a lot of ways, and that includes service, cabin space, food, passenger sophistication and entertainment.

The World’s Expensive Cruise Ships

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Ever fancied an expensive vacation on cruise? Cruising can be most enjoyable especially to get respite from the bustles of city life. Just enjoy a luxurious holiday onboard with great amenities available.

Meditate on your dreams and reconsider the unequalled comforts of the most expensive cruises sailing these days. Spending a holiday with the most expensive cruise ships is a totally great adventure. Cruise line companies have come up with the best ideas to provide the most convenient facilities, food and services. Onboard are high-tech business centers, mobile services, wireless internet, gyms, fitness, spas and various cuisines along with other requisites. Here are some of the world’s most expensive cruise ships.

Allure of the Seas

Owned and operated by the Royal Caribbean International, MS Allure of the Seas is designed under the name “Project Genesis”. In February 2006, she was ordered from Aker Finnyards and in February 2006 her construction took place at Perno Shipyard Turku Finland.

Crystal

Crystal Cruise Line provides exquisite pleasure, sublime comfort, graciousness as well as perfectly memorable, happy expedition at the cost of fairly expensive fee. Its Crystal Spa, a salon that adheres to Feng Shui principles, Caesars Palace at Sea Casino, shore side, bedding choices, expanded dining with great features such as Wine Makers highlight the memorable cruise experience. Crystal Cruises have been voted as the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line in the World by the annual readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Navigator of the Seas

Constructed at Aker Finnyards Turku, Finland, Navigator of the Seas, has the world’s most expensive cruise ships. The ship contains more than US$ 3 million in art exhibited in public areas and stairwells. It has a piano and more seatings in its schooner bar.

Oasis of the Seas

Owned by Royal Caribbean International, MS Oasis of the Seas is an oasis-class cruiser that is first of her class. It cruises the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She set the record of transporting 6,000 passengers.

Queen Mary 2

Primarily intended to cross the Atlantic Ocean, this expensive cruise line Queen Mary 2 was differently designed from other passenger ships. Its ship’s final cost was about $300,000 US per berth, almost double that of other contemporary ships. Facilities include 15 bar and restaurants, a casino, five swimming pools, a theatre, a ballroom, nursery, kennels and the first planetarium at sea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas feature fine wines, premium spirits, an alternative open-seating dining, unlimited excursions on shores, itineraries to over 300 ports on the seven continents, best staff service, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, small group excursion and enrichment opportunities are specifically intended by Regent Seven Seas to experience cruise destinations at an authentic and more personal level.

Sea Dream Yachts

Sea Dream Yachts can lodge 112 guests and equipped with 95 crews with 5-star service. Its expensive cruise fare is inclusive of ocean view accommodations, gratuities, gourmet meals, 24 hour services, sauna and steam, pool and jacuzzi, spa with Thai therapies, dinner, lunch and beverages.

Seabourn

Seabourn is generally one of the few luxury cruise lines in the globe that consistently received top awards, honors and ratings from travel guidebooks and publications. It is also considered as pretty costly. It is similar to an intimate private club where members share spacious decks, social spaces and personalized attention of a well-trained crew while cruising across the ocean.

Silversea

Boats of Silversea boast of sumptuous ocean-view suites and the freedom of lifestyle. Services of uncompromising superlatives are here, gourmet dining that is inspired by Châteaux and Relais, intimate spaces composed of over-all convivial board ambience. Each charming destination of this expensive cruise provides access to exclusive explorations and distinctively enriching wealth of cultures. Silversea offers loyalty programs and caters to distinguished visitors.

The World’s 10 Best Cruise Destinations

2012-12-27T04:44:00.001-08:00

Ranking on cruises are usually and supposedly based on the overall quality of the cruising experience, not on its fame which can heavily influenced by proximity to the home of the traveler.

Cruises are fun and special, especially when spent not only for a respite from work but also with loved ones when cruising becomes more meaningful. All cruise destinations are attractive, moreso with the ever dynamic improvement of cruise ships in their goal to provide the best luxurious cruising experience to everyone. Here are some of the world’s best cruise destinations in alphabetical order which can highlight your bonding even more.

Alaska

Sailing by glaciers can be very quiet, pass through fjords and jagged peak that are snow-capped; and having stops at many beautiful ports. You can even helicopter onto far glaciers just for dog sledding. These can be real chilly in May and September, which is the first and last month of the season. June to August are the warmest months. June always offers longer daylight for more sightseeing. That indeed is a generous bonus!

Antarctica

In Antarctica, passengers can see colonies of penguin, calving icebergs and high cliffs of glacier. Cruises here are between mid December to late of February when the sea and weather are most friendly while cruise ships do not operate during the Antarctic winter, which falls from March to September.

Baltic Sea

At the Baltic Sea destination, you visit Scandinavian cities such as Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Not to be left out is the St. Petersburg in Russia. June to August are the cold months.

Caribbean

You may visit a lot of nation islands and the journeys between ports are usually short. Albeit the Caribbean Islands lack the green lushness of its Hawaiian and South Pacific Islands competitors, but it has made a reputable name for itself too. January and February are excellent almost every day. Middle of June to early December are periods of hurricane threats.

Fjords of Norway

Sail within narrow, steep-cliffed and massive fjords as these natural gifts are amazingly awesome, beautiful and humbling. June to August are the cold months here.

Galapagos

Charles Darwin made this destination famous. It is in here that he observed distinctive wildlife which backed up his evolution theory. Exploring the remote islands of Galapagos usually happen in mid April to middle of May, when skies are clear, weather is warm and the seas are tranquil.

Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Islands cruising allows voyagers to sight volcanic cliffs that are clad in green, dramatically cut and dropping down to sea. Long ocean trips from the mainland of the United States are almost every day, courtesy of its tropical paradise location.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean destinations promise a lot of exciting places, which includes French Riviera, Italian Ligurian Coast, Spanish Costa del Sol and the Greek Islands. Some ports of call can of course, be packed by tourists during summer. Cruising schedules are on warmest months of May to September and November to March.

Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and some west coast ports of call along Mexican Riviera sprouts with lively mariachi bands and strong margaritas. Those who come to lax may find the place hyper energetic. November to April is less humid, drier and not so hot as summer.

South Pacific

Destinations in the South Pacific include paradises that are green and tropical, like the Fiji and Polynesian. Long and open ocean travel between and to the islands is not for everyone though as it differs by the location as South Pacific covers a large area.

Other contenders

Other contenders for top cruise destinations are New Zealand, Australia, Arctic, Northeast USA, South America, Transatlantic and Southeast Canada.

Other good cruise destinations, but not for sea cruises are the Yangtze river cruises, Rhine, Nile, Mississippi, Danube and Amazon. The barge cruises are also good, especially on the canals of Europe.

Boost Your Business by Accepting Credit Cards with Five Star

2012-04-25T02:19:00.001-07:00

Keep abreast of today’s trend by accepting credit card payments in your business for clients who appreciate more the convenience of charging the purchases they make.

Accepting credit cards as payments can increase your sales since clients can easily decide quickly and impulsively to do the purchasing. Credit card payments do not bounce as checks do due to insufficient funds. Also, the ability to accept credit cards can give your business a better image than those which accept cash or checks only. If you want to start accepting credit cards now or already have been but want to save lots of money by changing to a new credit card processor, you sure shall be happy to know that Five Star Payments can be of great help!

A big leap for your business

With credit card processing solutions of Five Star, you are bringing your business to a big leap! The experts of Five Star shall review and help you determine your needs, regardless of what kind of business you have, they can find a way to help you boost profits by increasing sales and decreasing processing fees.

Chances of you getting approved are high

Unfortunately, many businesses have not been approved to acquire a processor of credit cards, or are charged with very high fees upon approval. Fortunately, Five Star is confident to find you a processor which can work with you, and charges that you can most likely afford; and they can help even “high risk” businesses.

Click on http://www.fivestarpayments.com/ now to apply, or for more information.

Singapore

2011-05-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

Got to see Singapore at last! Huge, clean, systematic, impressive airport and boundless opportunities. click on http://propertydirect.com.sg/articles/?writer=6&id=19
http://www.propertydirect.com.sg/articles/?writer=6&id=16
http://www.engagetutors.com.sg/articles/?writer=6&id=15
http://www.paidbythehour.com.sg/articles/?writer=6&id=14.

Singapore

2011-05-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Singapore - land of splendor, discipline and advancement. thanks to the upcoming IMG convention next month. every IMG member has the right reason to visit Singapore,
for the first time (for some, including myself lol).

Happen to get on some interesting sites about the country on real estate, hiring tutors and earning income opportunities thru a friend.

Save the Moment Onto the 510 Plus Mini Voice Recorder

2011-02-24T05:20:00.000-08:00

Record phone calls, business talks, class sessions, meetings, law matters, conventions, business conferences and even cell phone conversations with the 510 Plus Mini Voice Recorder.

From the professional manufacturer of security products, Record Your Life Inc., this amazing digital voice recorder is a sound-recording device to record speech for later playback. It automatically activates upon detecting a sound and ends when the phones hang up.That is Voice Operated Recording or VOR recording capability.

This device has the capability of recording secretly, so the voice owners will never know they are being saved, making it ideals for business meetings when recording should be done in a discreet manner. It likewise has a secret recording with no LCD display and vibration, hearing aid function, file management and recovery.

With a frequency of 120Hz – 10kHz, 510 Plus telephone recorder has a signal to noise ratio of 60Db Power Operated Recording or POR that turns on the power of the recorder upon hearing the voice.

Recording can also be scheduled and the device is compatible with every telephone and cellular phone. Aside from these, it has big letters on display, has an easy menu and can record up to 260 hours (more than 10 days).

The 510 Plus digital recorder comes with an earphone, battery pack, manual and USB cable. For more information on the recording device, please click here on 510 Plus Mini Voice Recorder and see the product features yourself.

Ang Tinubos (The Redeemed) Written & Directed By: Roland "Roy" Empleo

2011-02-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Global Warming Or Greenhouse Effect – A Fatal Warning!

2011-01-14T17:07:00.001-08:00

Global warming and greenhouse effect

Global warming is when the temperature rises or when the earth heats up abnormally as a greenhouse effect. It happens when gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere. This is dangerous to the living things on earth…and can even cause death. Global warming can cause the numerous ice and snow to melt, adding water to earth, causing numerous islands to sink.

Global warming and green house effect are two highly-related topics. A greenhouse is a small glass house used to grow plants especially during cold climates like winter. It works by trapping heat from the sun and does not let it out, which causes the house to heat up to keep the plants inside alive. Global warming is when the earth is too warm. Greenhouse is like a car parked in the sunlight. It can let the heat get in, but traps it inside.

Greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere act like the glass panes in a greenhouse. When sunlight enters the atmosphere of the earth, it passes through the blanket of greenhouse gasses. Air, water, and land absorb the sunlight’s energy when it reaches the earth. Once absorbed, some energy passed back into space, out of the earth, but because of so many greenhouse gases, they remain trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases, causing much heat for the world.

Before the problem of global warming, greenhouse effect normally is good for the biosphere. Without it, the earth would be freezing during nighttime, when the sun is absent; or it can be burning hot during daytime. But if there will be too many gases, the earth gets unusually warmer, causing death to plants, animals and to the people on it.

What cause global warming and what we can do

Electrical pollution is one of the causes of pollution. Fossil fuels like petroleum and oil, the source of electricity, contribute to greenhouse gasses. They are made of dead animals and plants. When fossil fuels are burned, many pollutants are sent to the air, some of which are greenhouse gasses. Contributing to global warming and greenhouse effect are other very common things that use energy and pollute the air are turning on a light, watching T.V., listening to a stereo, using a hair dryer, riding a car, using the microwave or air-conditioner and many others that we just do every single minute on earth.

Another thing that causes global warming is when people cut down trees, disabling the trees to collect other greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Without oxygen, humans cannot live.

People can contribute to the prevention of global warming by carpooling, recycling garbage, planting trees and not using things containing chemicals that produce more greenhouse gasses. It shall be difficult if the Earth, our habitat, is destroyed. It will fire back to us. Global warming and green house effect prevention is a collective effort. All people must cooperate with each other to help save the planet, not only for our generation but for the next generations as well.

Taking the Risk – from Employee to Entrepreneur

2011-01-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

Employee and entrepreneur

Having a business, being your own boss and owning your own time are amusing ideas to think about. Many people wish to be in this position. But the transition of giving up your job that gives you regular salary, your job that gives you stable income, stable enough to pay the bills, for something that is yet unknown and unfamiliar is a scary thing.

However, you are also giving yourself a chance to explore unlimited possibilities. Having the transition from employee to entrepreneur is worth it if you exactly are ready to take the risk. Becoming an entrepreneur requires a lot more discipline, hard work and a big deal of sacrifice.

To be or not to be an entrepreneur

If you are an employee, to become an entrepreneur is an extremely personal decision. A thing that needs to be weighed about seriously, debated and discussed with family and friends. It depends on the person in the front line if he takes the risk or not. Remember, there is no right and wrong decision; only right and wrong time. The following have to be considered so as to make entrepreneurship really the green grass at the other side of the fence.

One big advice is to save at least 6 months income before quitting your job. As business can go up and down, there is a buffer to save your needs even if the business income is low or zero.

Or do your job and business simultaneously. Juggling between being an employee and an entrepreneur is one of the safest first steps anyone can do. Keep your job and do your business during your spare time. This would allow you to accumulate business experience and income as well. When you go full time with your entrepreneurship, you will have more money and experience to run it.

No turning back

Once you decide to leave the world of employment to the world of entrepreneurship and think there is always the option of going back to the security and safety of your job, chances are you will not succeed in your business. In a sense, you are closing one door behind to open another door. Never think of the option to come back to becoming an employee. Regard it as a life-and-death option wherein you have no other choice but to move on. So focus on your entrepreneurship and get ahead.

For those who already made it into successful entrepreneurship, ask them about regrets of leaving their job and they could not afford to even think about it. They would not exchange the mountains over mountains of challenges and problems of entrepreneurship to the security of employment.

The entrepreneurship journey is definitely composed of ups and downs. There are more thorns than roses on its road. Yet, the trip is worth taking…at least once in a lifetime.

How to Overcome Shyness and Gain Self-Confidence

2011-01-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Shyness

Many people lack self-confidence and inwardly directed. They prefer to process the world on their own, answer their own questions and come up to a conclusion alone. This type of personality has advantages and disadvantages. The good side is you can develop an analytical thinking and self-independence. On the other hand, you can develop shyness.

Shyness comes from fear – fear of being ignored or humiliated. Fear of speaking up and be heard. It can also be caused by insecurity and oversensitivity. When you think speaking out can cause embarrassment and pain, of course you will avoid it!

Tips to overcome shyness

However, shyness is an obstacle to success. Shy people usually do not want this trait but wonder how to overcome it. The following are some tips to get rid of shyness and gain self-confidence.

Do not take people personally. Some people are afraid to speak due to some bad experiences like being angrily dismissed by an adult at an early age. We have to understand that the way people react to us has nothing to do with us normally, but it is more likely on their mood or experiences in life. So, we should not take it personally.

Most people are the same. You have to realize that other people are as shy as you. They are not as smart as you think. So, if you have a question, most likely that question is what they are thinking of too.

Do not be bias. Do not judge people generally. Shyness and lack of self-confidence haunt many of them also. By nature though, people are friendly and kind. They are interested to hear about you and will favorably respond to your attempt to connect with them. Most of them shall be thrilled that you took the initiative to be interested with them.

Value yourself. Insecurity can be caused by a thinking that you are invaluable and that you have nothing to contribute. You have to recognize your thoughts and their possible values to others. Share yourself to others. Contribute to life. You might just be an enlightenment to someone. Let the world hear your ideas and opinions.

Sit in front of any meeting or gathering. Make yourself visible. Lead those people with shyness and those who lack self-confidence to do something different. Understand that sharing your insights to others is doing them a favor. When you speak, speak loud and clear then you will gain control over the audience. Once you get used of opening up, you will see how people react positively. This will build in you more self-confidence and trust in other’s goodwill.

Appear friendly and approachable. Project openness. Do put your arms at sides when talking with people (do not have them crossed), stretch out your legs, put your elbows away from your body, lean forward making an impression that you are interested and stand straight instead of slouching. Encourage people to talk to you so that they would also conquer shyness and gradually develop self-confidence. Be willing to listen to what they say. Be passionate and interested about them. Then you will become the life of the crowd. You will become someone everyone wants to converse with.

Eye contact, smile and laugh. This is very crucial since your eyes represent your soul. Eye contact projects honesty and trustworthiness. People will tend to respect you as well. Smile often. It makes people feel comfortable with you and most likely send back the smile. Laugh if you are amused. It helps ease tension and makes you feel more relaxed.

Life has a lot to offer for people to savor it. Having overcome shyness and gained self-confidence is a totally different world. It gives you the chance to move on with life, appreciate people and events more and go on pursuing success smoothly.

How to Study Effectively – Tips To Become the Top of the Class

2011-01-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

To study effectively is the first concern of those aiming to be at the top of the class. To be the best among peers is no joke, especially, if there are other students who are also quite good and you want to surpass. Here is a list of tips on how to study effectively and land the best of your class. Check this out.

Study when you are sharpest. Observe your body-clock when you are sharpest. Morning or evening, just follow it. Then set your hardest materials on this time when you are mentally at best, the easier ones when you are less efficient. Study when you are alert, rested and have planned for it. Last minute studying is usually a waste of time.

Get comfortable with your chair and desk to study effectively. To be at the top of the class is no joke. You have to consider even small things like chairs and desk. Your chair must be comfortable, but not too much; just enough to support your back. Relax your body so that your energy goes to your brain. Your desk must be clear and have only the things you need. Seeing other things like assessments or other bills may distract and increase your anxiety.

Eat small meals in between. Avoid eating big meals especially before a study session. Becoming full can bring your body to “rest” mode and might not be effective for studying.

Drink plenty of water especially when you feel sluggish. Another way to study effectively to stay on top of the class is to avoid so much caffeine. It keeps you awake but can increase anxiety.

Take hourly breaks. It is important to take a break when you feel almost tired. At least once an hour is fine to sustain your focus. When you sit down for a quite a long period, your blood goes to the lower part of your body because of gravity. Stretch during your breaks and walk around to help circulation and release tension. You may extend your breaks if needed.

Have a place and schedule to study. Study at the same place at the same time to get the habit of studying.

Study the exams that came out in the past. It is one of the best ways to study effectively. They contain points and keys that most likely will also come out in the future exams and help you stay on top of the class.

The SQ3R method

SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Survey gives you the total picture

Survey. Gives you the total scope of your lessons to study. It is like a road map before going to a trip. Surveying is planning. It’s the best way to begin.

Question. Ask questions. They are very important to learning. It helps you find the points that make sense to you.

Read. Read with concentration, not just skimming. Scan. Read and study effectively. Look for the answers of the questions you have plotted. Read everything including tables, graphs and illustrations. Watch for italized or bold materials. Emphasis are put on them. Very helpful tip to stay on top of the class.

Recite. Stop every now and then to recall what you have read. Recite to yourself. Recall main headings, important concepts and ideas.

Review. A review is a summary of what you have studied. Rereading, if needed is important. Go over your notes and clarify things that are not clear to you. Review after every study, not just before an examination. If you review regularly, examination time can just be easy for you.

These tips have proven to be strategies of successful students to study effectively and maintain their status of staying on top of the class. Studying is thinking, organizing and learning in school. Tried and tested, these tips make the students succeed in their goals and make a good reputation for themselves. Since they are already proven, you just need to implement them.

Doing Away with Office Politics – Solutions to Workplace Problems

2011-01-14T16:33:00.001-08:00

Office politics happened because of the complexities of human nature, which in turn create workplace problems. With many people working around you, who have different ideas and personalities, issues sometimes rise up and result to disagreements. You will rise if you have the right influence and power. However, you should try to handle yourself so that you will not be adversely affected by it. Some are the list of things you might want to apply in your workplace.

Go away from internal groupings. Managers or CEOs like to form groups for support and comfort. You must remain neutral and maintain distance. It is safest and can be of help in the long run.

Be observant. Keep your eyes and ears open for talks. Do not mind office politics sometimes. However, ask questions from seniors, boss or managers. It can help you analyze why some workplace problems occur. Learn from them. Observe their activities, values and grounds where decisions are based from. Then you will have a clear idea of your company’s work culture.

Practice being nice. Take time to help a co-worker on top of your own load and responsibilities. It maybe staying late with them to finish something or do some negotiations in their behalf because they cannot do it; or just anything. If others are not this nice, they will most likely be influenced. They will also help you when you need them. Just set the trend. You want a workplace with people who forget office politics – people who are nice and helping each other. This can solve a lot of workplace problems. So be the first one to do it…and do it sincerely.

Don't rely on your job competence. Research says that heads prefer to work with someone who is nice and not competent than someone competent but not likeable. Office politics is about being likable. So be it.

Be visible. Do not just sit in your workplace. You can sometimes walk around and greet your co-workers. Strike conversations in the corridors or pantries. To appear like an approachable worker is a big plus especially if it is coupled with effectiveness. They will remember your face and know who to approach when in need. By this, you will gain influence and power.

Office politics can be an easy game, that is, if you know how to play with it. You can contribute a great deal to many workplace problems. Be wary and aware on playing with office politics though. It can also be risky if your motives are for self-interests alone. Your co-workers can spot that ahead of time. Just be yourself, be sincere to establish the rightful employee’s mindset in your workplace.

Chemotherapy Fears – How to Deal With Chemotherapy

2011-01-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Chemotherapy fears happen when you are suggested to go chemotherapy to cure your cancer cells, it is but normal to be scared and anxious especially for first timers. How to deal with chemotherapy is something that is doable with the patient’s effort and his family’s support. While support of family and close friends can be very helpful, your help to yourself is the most contributing factor of handling chemotherapy fears.

When your cancer is for real

With chemotherapy as a treatment, you finally realize that you have cancer and it is for real. This is when chemotherapy fears start and it is important to know how to deal with it.

For the first phase of a chemo treatment, no symptoms might be felt and the patient shall question himself if he made the right decision to go chemo or not. That the benefits of treatment are far better than the side effects. This holds true to people with more side effects and their worries are higher.

Specify your fears

Doctors recommend patients to identify their fears. Specify which one are they afraid of. Is it the chemo itself or its side effects? Chemotherapy fears can be fear of losing your hair. Or of changing your appearance. However, if you know how to deal with it, then everything will just be fine.

Are you afraid of nausea? Of fatigue? Or of pain? Or are you afraid to die? Or are you simply afraid of staying in a clinic or hospital. The more specific the fear, the more specific is the help. For example, if you are afraid of the needles or of the IV put in your arm or hand, your doctor will see to it that you get a local anesthetic to numb the area or you get a sedative.

A support group can be very helpful. It can make the chemo experience normal. They can help get rid of your chemotherapy fears and how to deal with it throughout the treatment and make action plans to move on normally.

Other techniques to reduce fears and stress

There are some techniques that help rid the fears and stress of chemotherapy. Though they are new and studies are ongoing, some results show positive outcomes for patients who undergo these techniques. Examples of which are prayer, guided imagery, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, hypnosis, journaling, music therapy, support groups, yoga and tai chi.

Love of self, family and friends

It is significant for a patient to have a good family foundation to feel his self-worth. The love the patient has for his family and close friends can make him fight for his cancer not only for his own sake but for the sake of those whom he loves. Then chemotherapy fears and how to deal with the treatment can be just any normal experience.

Chemotherapy - a Famous Cancer Treatment

2011-01-13T22:01:00.001-08:00

Chemotherapy is a leading cancer treatment that kills cancer cells. While cancer kills one’s health, its cure that is chemotherapy kills one’s finances. Chemotherapy is not only an expensive process but a continuous one as well. Yet, cancer has to be cured to save one’s life.

Cells

Chemotherapy, as a cancer treatment targets the cells. Cells are the body’s basic unit of life. Our body is made up of many cells that divide and grow in a programmed way to yield more cells so the body grows and stays healthy. These cells die naturally and replaced with new ones when they become damaged or old.

Cancer starts in cells when this process goes wrong. When cells do not die when they should and new cells are produced, extra cells which the body does not need become numerous and may form a tissue called tumor.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy means to treat by chemicals to kill cancerous cells. Shortened as “chemo”, it is a systematic therapy, meaning, it affects the entire body by going through the bloodstream.

Chemotherapy uses chemicals that interfere with the division of the cell. This cancer treatment damages the proteins or DNA so that cancer cells will commit suicide. Chemotherapy targets the cells that are rapidly dividing, including the normal cells. However, normal cells can recover from damage while the cancer cells cannot.

Adjuvant, neoadjuvant and chemo regimens

Adjuvant chemotherapy is one given after surgery, when surgery treatment is needed as a cancer primary treatment. This is oftentimes true with breast cancer treatment. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is one given before surgery so that lesser tissues can be removed as this can shrink the cancer cells. In most cases, chemo medicines are given in combination also known as chemo regimens.

Side effects

As a cancer treatment, chemo cures cancer that has metastasized because the medicines can travel throughout the entire body. This is common treatment for lymphoma and leukemia. It occurs in cycles, giving the body a time to heal itself between doses.

Chemo can also kill good cells that multiply fast. Good cells are those found in the digestive tract, bone marrow and hair follicles. That is why, it causes side effects such as hair loss, decrease blood cells production and inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Other side effects are nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

Prevention – the Best Way to Fight Cancer

2011-01-13T22:00:00.001-08:00

It is always good news for everyone that even the world’s most dreadful diseases can be avoided through prevention before they ever happen. Prevention is the best way to fight cancer. All the hassles, fears and anxiety of having cancer is nothing if we prevent of having it in our body in the first place.

Prevention can be easy if we are willing to do it. Just keep in mind that it is simple and non-complicated. Yet, it is the best way to fight cancer. Cancers that are behavioral are very easy to prevent. An example of which is smoking and drinking. Choosing not to smoke or drink alcohol greatly lower the risk of various types of cancer – like mouth, throat, lung and liver cancer. Even if you are a currently smoking, quitting can still significantly reduce your chances of getting cancer.

We can all avoid skin cancer by keeping away from the direct rays of the sun. We can do so by protecting ourselves with a shirt, a hat or staying in the shade. Skin cancer prevention can mean to use sunscreens. Sunscreens are not expensive and easy to apply. Yet they are one of the simplest and best ways to fight cancer of the skin.

Food and diet

Food and diet are important. The food we eat is linked to the formation of cancer in our body. Doctors recommend diets which are low in fat. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are best to eat everyday.

Fruits and vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables can help a poor diet to be healthy. Vegetables have antioxidants that may help stop or prevent cancers.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C help the body repair itself after an illness or stress. It likewise helps the body be protected from illness in the future. They are a great prevention and the best way to fight cancer Lycopene in tomatoes, for example, help protect your eyes from sight problems.

Vaccines

Some vaccinations are associated with cancer prevention. This includes vaccination for the human papillomavirus which is related to cervical cancer. Vaccines for hepatitis B prevent the Hepatitis B virus, that can cause cancer in the liver.

Screenings

Systematic screenings are very effective to detect small tumor irregularities as early as possible even if symptoms are still not present. Mammograms, pap smears, breast self-examination and testicular self-examination are very effective screening methods to detect cancers early so early treatment can also be applied.

Causes of Cancer – Important Facts to Know

2011-01-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

General knowledge tells us how cancer works and how dangerous it is to our body. As prevention is the best way to avoid it, more cancer information is highly essential. Yet the essence of knowing these important facts is having them applied.

Cancer is a result of cells growing abnormally and uncontrollably, cells that do not die. Normal cells grow, divide and die. Apoptosis is the process of normal cells birth, growth and death. An important fact is when this process breaks down, cancer begins to occur. Cancer cells continue to grow and divide. They do not experience programmatic death. This causes a mass of abnormal cells that grow out of control.

Cancer can occur because of several reasons: genes, carcinogens and other factors.

Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA)

There are four Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) genes which responsibly manage the cell division process. One are oncogenes which schedule the division of the cells; second are the tumor suppressor genes who tell cells when not to divide, a thing that keeps the cells in control as in contrast to cancer cells. It is an important fact that these genes work perfectly well when not intervened. The third DNA cells are the suicide genes control which apoptosis and advise the cell to kill itself when something goes wrong; and fourth-repair genes which instruct a cell to repair a damaged DNA.

In contrast, when a cells’ gene mutation stop these four DNA genes, then cancer occurs. Cancer inhibits the function of oncogene and tumor suppressor, resulting to uncontrollable cell growth. Likewise, it also makes the cell unable to correct DNA damage.

Cancer can also be the cause of a genetic situation that is inherited from the family members. A fault in a gene can make someone develop cancer in later life.

Carcinogens

Another important fact to know that causes cancer are the carcinogens. DNA can also be damaged by substances called carcinogens. These substances promote and help cancer. Examples of these are arsenic, asbestos, tobacco, radiation like x-rays and gamma, the sun and compounds in car exhaust fumes. When the body is exposed to carcinogens, free radicals can be formed and these in turn steal electrons from the body’s other molecules. The free radicals damage the cells, affecting their ability to normally function.

Other factors

Age can also be a factor in developing cancer since as we age, cancer-causing mutations in the DNA shall increase. So are viruses such as human papilloma virus (which causes cervical cancer), hepatitis B (causes liver cancer), Epstein-Barr (causes childhood cancer), HIV and others which weaken the immune system.

Cancer - Signs and Symptoms

2011-01-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

As in any illness, cancer can be non-threatening if treated earlier. It is highly essential for people to know if they have cancer as early as possible. Know exactly the signs and symptoms.

There are a variety of signs that cancer already occurs in the body. It depends mostly on where the cancer is located, spread and how big the tumor is. Some signs and symptoms are shown through the skin such as a lump on the breast or testicle and change in mole or wart.

Cancer is many diseases, not just one. There are various different cancer types, about more than 100. They are named after the organ being attacked, or after the type of cell where it started. Examples are colon cancer, lung cancer and skin cancer.

Types and categories

Types of cancer are grouped into categories the main categories are: sarcoma – when cancer begins in the fat, muscle, bone, blood vessels, cartilage and other supportive or connective tissue; carcinoma – when cancer begins in skin or in tissues which cover or line the internal organs. In this case, signs and symptoms most likely appear in the skin. Lymphoma and myeloma – when it begins in the immune system; leukemia – when it begins in blood-forming tissue like the bone marrow and central nervous system – when it begins in the tissues of the spinal cord or the brain.

When and where symptoms are found

Oral cancers can be shown through white spots in the tongue or white patches inside the mouth. Many cancers are less apparent but can be felt. Brain tumors can be early detected because they affect cognitive functions that are important.

Pancreas cancers do not show much signs and symptoms and are detected late until they can cause pain when they push against nearby nerves or they interfere with a liver function, causing the skin and eyes to be colored yellow.

Signs can come out when a tumor grows and pushes against blood vessels and other organs. This is true with colon cancers that cause diarrhea, constipation and changes in the size of stools. Prostate or bladder cancers change the bladder function and can cause frequent or infrequent urination.

Since cancer interferes with the body’s normal hormone function, it is possible that it can also be presented with fatigue, fever, anemia, excessive sweating and unexplained weight loss. Hoarseness, coughing and short of breath can point to throat or lung cancer. Brain cancer signs and symptoms can be headaches, vertigo or seizures. With cancer, the liver can be enlarged, causing bones to be painful, brittle and easily break.