Passport2Cruising

Will Be Shutting Down This Blog

noreply@blogger.com (MamaFlo) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:22:00 +0000

I have decided that 3 blogs is too much work so I'm going to combine my Passport2Cruising and my Throughthelens with my Mamaflo blog as soon as the advertising spots are used up. I appreciate your patronage and hope you will visit me at Mamaflo's Place.

Thank you for your patronage, I appreciate your friendship.

Alaskan Cruise Season To Begin

noreply@blogger.com (MamaFlo) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:28:00 +0000

The Alaska cruise season isn't far from it's 2009 start and now with cruise fares at record lows, it's time to book an Alaskan Cruise. Cruise season starts in late April and goes through September.

There are a variety of cruises and cruisetours departing from a variety of embarkation ports, some in the U.S., some in Canada, and even some in Alaska itself.

I've never cruised Alaska but the plan is to remedy this situation this season. I've booked my cruise and got my airfare, now I'm researching the ports of call and figured I'd take you all along.

If you've cruised Alaska already, I would love your input.

Our ports of call are Ketchikan, Sitka, Seward, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier Cruising, Victoria, BC, Vancouver, and San Francisco (there are also some sea days thrown in to just sit back and enjoy the scenery).

The next post will visit Ketchikan, Alaska.

Best Deal I've Ever Seen

noreply@blogger.com (MamaFlo) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Crucon Sale

49 night Full Circumnavigation of South America - Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco on Carnival's Splendor.
1/31/09
Inside Cabin - $1684.00 per person Military Rate
$2497.00 Resident Rate
$3197.00 Unrestricted Sale Rate
This is actually 3 back to backs combined for a special rate.

Are You in the Market for a Cruise?

noreply@blogger.com (MamaFlo) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:45:00 +0000

If you are seriously considering a cruise in 2009, you should go over to CRUCON today to sign up for their Black Friday Sale - it's always spectacular and it's for one day only and you will only see the sale if you signed up for it before Thanksgiving.

My Panama Canal Cruise Review

noreply@blogger.com (MamaFlo) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:37:00 +0000

This was a Panama Canal Transit on Holland America's Westerdam that started in Seattle (we embarked in San Diego). We are 53 and 57 and retired. We flew into San Diego a day early and stayed at Holiday Inn on the Bay with a King Bay View Room. The weather was gorgeous and we were excited. This was our first time staying in this hotel although it was not the first time we have taken a cruise from San Diego. I would stay in this hotel again.

Originally we booked an SC Guarantee at an unbelievably great price and waited until about 3 weeks prior to the cruise for assignment. I was somewhat hesitant when we were assigned a suite on the hump/curve but those fears I later found out were unwarranted as the cabin was lovely.

Embarkation was a disaster, the worst we've experienced with HAL, it appeared that no one on the ground in port knew what to do. Going through security, no one was aware that you were able to take as many wine bottles as you wanted onboard (they insisted it was no more than 2) until I made enough noise that someone from HAL came over and cleared up the misinformation (after holding up the line for more than 20 minutes). We went straight to our suite to drop off our carry-ons and make our requests to our cabin steward and the Neptune Lounge. With that set we went to check out our dining assignment - Perfect, a table originally for four set for 2 - Fantastic!!!

Life Boat drill was a breeze considering 50% of the passengers had already gone through the drill in Seattle and were not required to attend a second time. We were back in our suite long before sail away.

CABIN: This cabin is configured differently than the side SA's and it feels like there is more floor space but in actuality it has to do with the cabin's configuration instead. The cabin really is an SS with Suite benefits. There is less storage space (although we didn't miss it as there was more than enough storage space for 2 adults), the sofa is smaller and the desk area is smaller. The verandah is not as deep and is angled but there is still a dining table with 4 chairs along with two cushioned chairs, ottomans and a small side table. It was more than adequate for 2 adults to relax and enjoy themselves. The verandah's angle made our cabin visible to others and them to us but it wasn't a bother at all (I do think it may be different with a younger crowd onboard). This cabin was windy but on this itinerary, the wind was helpful and made being out on the verandah tolerable. I would say this verandah is perfect for warm weather but could be problematic for colder destinations.

Our itinerary was: San Diego At Sea Cabo San Lucas, Mexico At Sea Acapulco, Mexico Huatulco, Mexico Puerto Chiapas, Mexico Puerto Quetzal/Antigua, Guatemala At Sea Costa Rica At Sea Panama Canal - Full Transit Cartegena, Colombia At Sea At Sea Fort Lauderdale

We did ship sponsored excursions in Cabo, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal/Antigua, Costa Rica, Cartegena. Due to the seas, our excursion in Cabo was cancelled as we were unable to board a tender (I would have been upset if it hadn't been for having been on the same excursion last December when we were on the Oosterdam).

We felt Acapulco is a has been port of call, it's old, run down, and steeped in the past, military with guns were everywhere we stopped, the city is dirty and severe poverty is ramped. Huatulco is a newer port of call and is lovely (although there was still military with weapons present) there is little poverty and the port is clean and beautiful both at the port and beyond - I would consider a land based vacation at this city.

Puerto Chiapas - we got off right at the pier but didn't go anywhere, major disappointment!! This is a brand spanking new port of call for Mexico and has a long way to move forward.

Puerto Quetzal/Antigua - very nice! We took an excursion to Antigua up in the mountains, the highways were good roads and there was plenty to look at on modern comfortable buses. Antigua is a city not to be missed, steeped in history and fabulous architecture everywhere you turn. I would go back to this port.

Costa Rica - the Pacific side port Puntaranas has virtually nothing and you must travel inland. We took a bus, train, boat tour that essentially showed us landscape and poverty. We weren't happy with this tour nor of this port of call.

Panama Canal. We were up by 5am and started the transit at around 6:30am. There were transports before and behind us so we were able to see before and behind. I was glad I was able to experience this.

Cartegena, Colombia. This is a large city but there is much to see and experience. We took a bus tour of the city taking us to missions, naval museum (also a dance show), shopping at a Mercado, forts, the Old City. It was worth it for seeing the Old City (behind the walls), what a beautiful area!!!

FOOD: We ate in the dining room all but one night which we ate in our cabin and watched a presidential debate. Our wait staff was polite, efficient, and fun. Food was good to very good. Lido dining - we were not happy with the quality of the food. They no longer use trays in the Lido due to waste (people would fill their trays and then leave a great deal of food). The Lido is cut up and not efficient for the traffic. We ordered breakfast from room service (both the night before from the door hanger menu and calling room service in the mornings, both were equally efficient). We also ate continental breakfast a few times in the Neptune Lounge.

ENTERTAINMENT: There was plenty but we really aren't people that want/need to be entertained but instead enjoy time on our verandah listening to music, reading, watching the sea.

FELLOW CRUISERS: We have found that cruises over 7 nights in length tend to attract a much older well healed crowd, this was no exception. I would venture to say the ages were mostly from 55-90. Approximately 40% were Europeans. This was the demographics we were prepared for and enjoyed. We made many new friends from around the globe.

We put down a future cruise credit and now need to find where our next great adventure will be. This was a nice cruise on a nice ship.

Cruising Baja

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Getting Ready for MY Panama Canal Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:33:00 +0000

I've been staging my packing, making lists, and have started to pack for my cruise. We are making a full transit of the Panama Canal, beginning in San Diego, California and concluding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise is 15 nights with an extra night pre-cruise in San Diego.

I'm going to do my best to post every few days while on the cruise but internet service is slow and costs are very high (55-75 cents a minute depending on the package you purchase). Check back to see where I've been and where I'm headed as we go to Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatalco, Puerto Chiapas, Puerto Quetzal Guatamala (Antigua), Costa Rica, Cartegena, Colombia, along with a fair sprinkling of sea days and of course a full transit of the Panama Canal (5am - 7pm).

Mini Suites on NCL

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:49:00 +0000

CruCon has Mini Suites on Sale for the Pearl and Dawn for the Caribbean.

Mini Suites on these ships measure 285 sq ft with sitting area, private balcony (they are small however), queen size bed and luxury bath and shower. We've cruised in these mini suites and I can tell you from personal experience that they are very nice and comfortable.

NCL Pearl - 7 night Western Caribbean, RT from Miami

(Miami, Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami)

10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14

Mini Suites $899 per person

NCL Dawn - 7 night Eastern Caribbean, RT Miami

(Miami, Smana, St Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami)

11/29, 12/6, 12/13

Mini Suites $899 per person

Princess to the Mexican Riviera

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:22:00 +0000

Here's a good buy to finish out your year (especially if you live on the west coast). Cruises-N-More are offering the Sapphire Princess out of Los Angeles for 7 nights.

October 25, Nov 1, Nov 8

Interior $408.00

Oceanview $465.00

Balcony $645

Los Angeles, CA

At Sea

Puerta Vallarta

Mazatlan

Cabo San Lucas

At Sea

Los Angeles

Celebrity's Constellation - What a Deal/Steal

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:20:00 +0000

Online Vacation Center has an Outstanding Deal for Celebrity's Constellation.

Dec 12, 2008 (10 nights)

Interior $649.00

Outside SOLD OUT

Balcony $1299.00

Suites SOLD OUT

Fort Lauderdale

At Sea

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas

Basseterre, St Kitts

Bridgetown, Barbados

Castries, St Lucia

Philipsburg, St Maarten

At Sea

Fort Lauderdale

If you want to go during the Christmas holidays, there is a different itinerary on this same ship but for 11 nights and for a little more money but Wow what a terrific Family Christmas Cruise!!

Holland America's 5 Star Steals of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:46:00 +0000

These "Steals" are through Smart Cruiser

These are merely a few of the dozens of Holland America Cruises that they have on sale. All prices are per person.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND (Auckland to Sydney)

14 Nights on Volendam (Oct 24, Nov 07, Nov 21, Dec 05)

Interior from $999

Oceanview from $1099

Mini Suite (balcony) from $2999

Suite from $6199

CANADA/NEW ENGLAND

14 Night on Eurodam (Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale) NEW SHIP

Oct 01

Interior from $1599

Oceanview from $1799

Balcony from $2299

Mini Suite from $3999

Suite from $5999

10 Night on Maasdam (Montreal to Fort Lauderdale)

Oct 04

Interor from $899

Oceanview from $999

Mini Suite (balcony) from $2399

CARIBBEAN

10 Night Maasdam (Southern Caribbean)

Oct 14

Interior from $749

Oceanview from $799

Mini Suite from $1599

10 Night Noordam

Oct 18, Oct 28, Nov 07)

Interior from $749

Oceanview from $849

Balcony from $999

Mini Suite from $1599

HAWAII

17 Night on Zaandam

Sept 21 - Vancouver to San Diego

Interior from $1399

Oceanview from $1599

Mini Suite from $2799

15 Night Zaandam

Oct 08, Oct 23

Interior from $1399

Oceanview from $1499

Mini Suite from $2799

MEXICAN RIVIERA

11 Night Ryndam

Sept 24

Interior from $799

Oceanview from $899

Mini Suite (balcony) from $1699

07 Night Oosterdam

Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 01

Interior from $499

Oceanview from $549

Balcony from $699

Mini Suite from $999

Tell Us About Your Cruise Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:45:00 +0000

I was happy to see that so many of you have cruised previously and it appears that most have cruised on Carnival.
Did you like cruising? Where did you go - Caribbean, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Europe?
What kind of cruise experience do you like?
Would you go again and if so, where would you like to cruise?

About the time we get back from our cruise of the Panama Canal, it will be time for us to book something for this next spring. I've started the preliminary looking and I'm thinking maybe Hawaii again - we loved Hawaii, especially when it leaves from California, plenty of time at sea to enjoy the ship.

Outstanding Sale - 1 Day Only

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:11:00 +0000

That's right, Crucon is having their "Lucky Triple 8 Sale" tomorrow, Friday, August 8, 2008 ONLY! If you've even considered a cruise, go to this site and take a peak, these are great deals!!!
There are hundreds of cruises deeply discounted online.
Call 800-493-6609

Here is a sampling of what you'll find (this is a huge sale with way too much to list here):

03 Dec 08
Azamara Journey - 15 night Transatlantic - INCLUDING AIRFARE
(Barcelona/Spain, Alicante/Spain(overnight), Agadir/Morocco, Lanzarote/Canary Islands, Tenerife/Canary Islands, La Palma/Canary Islands, Miami)
Oceanviews from $2199pp
Balcony from $2299pp
BONUS: Book this sailing and receive: $400 shipboard credit for a balcony cabin, $300 SBC for oceanview AND Prepaid gratuities

16 Nov 08
Carnival Pride - 7 night Mexican Riviera - RT from LA (Long Beach)
(Long Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Long Beach plus days at sea)
Inside from $499pp
Outside from $569pp
Balcony from $689pp
BONUS: $100 shipboard credit

29 Nov 08
Carnival Glory - 7 night Western Caribbean - RT from Port Canaveral
(Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Freeport/Bahamas, Port Canaveral)
Inside from $499pp
Outside from $549pp
Balcony from $699pp
BONUS: Receive $100 shipboard credit

SPEND CHRISTMAS Aboard Carnival's Spirit - 22 Dec 08
8 night Mexican Riviera - Roundtrip from San Diego
(San Diego, Acapulco(overnight)/Mexico, Zihuatanejo(Ixtapa)/Mexico, Manzanillo/Mexico, San Diego)
Inside from $1019pp
Balcony from $1579pp
BONUS: Receive $200 Shipboard credit

01 Dec 08
Celebrity Constellation - 11 night Caribbean - Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale
(Ft Lauderdale, Grand Cayman, Cartagena/Colombia, Colon/Panama, Limon/Costa Rica, Cozumel/Mexico, Ft Lauderdale)
Inside from $769pp
Outside from $1149pp
Balcony from $1299pp
BONUS: Either shipboard credit or prepaid gratuities

18 April 09
Celebrity's Summit - 12 night Spring Trans-Atlantic - INCLUDING AIRFARE
(San Juan, Tenerife/Canary Islands, Agadir/Morocco, Malaga/Spain, Valencia/Spain, Barcelona/Spain)
Inside from $1279pp
Outside from $1349pp
Balcony from $1749pp
Concierge Class Balcony from $1949pp
BONUS: Call for shipboard credit
INCLUDES Roundtrip Airfare/pier transfers from Miami
Add $100 pp roundtrip: Chicago, Newark, New York
Add $200 pp roundtrip: Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Montreal, Philadelphia, St Louis, Toronto
Add $300 pp roundtrip: Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco

01 Feb 09 (there are 3 dates for this cruise, also some dates with balcony cabins available)
Celebrity's Infinity - 14 nights South America "Around the Horn" - INCLUDING AIRFARE
(Buenos Aires/Argentina, Montevideo/Uruguay, Puerto Madryn/Argentina, Port Stanley/Falkland Islands, Cape Horn/Chile, Ushuaia/Argentina, Punta Arenas/Chile, Strait of Magellan, Chilean Fjords, Puerto Montt/Chile, Valparaiso/Chile)
Inside from $2399pp
Oceanview from $2699pp
INCLUDES Airfare/pier transfers roundtrip: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburg, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Washington DC
Add $100pp roundtrip: Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver

30 Nov 08
Holland America's Westerdam - 7 night Eastern Caribbean
(Ft Lauderdale, Grand Turk, Tortola, St Maarten, Half Moon Cay, Ft Lauderdale)
Inside from $549pp
Outside from $599pp
Balcony from $799pp
BONUS: Find out if you'll get a discount, a shipboard credit, or a coupon book to use onboard

16 Nov 08
Holland America's Westerdam - 7 night Western Caribbean
(Ft Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Ft Lauderdale)
Inside from $499pp
Outside from $549pp
Balcony from $749pp
Mini Suite from $999pp
Full Suite from $1599pp
BONUS: Find out if you'll get a discount, a shipboard credit, or a coupon book to use onboard

Great NCL Cruise Deals from New York

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:30:00 +0000

Take a look here for some great deals being offered through Online Vacation Center
or Call 1-800-329-9002 for more information

Eastern Caribbean
11/2/08 - 13 Nights
New York to Miami on Norwegian Dawn
BALCONY from $999
Visit: Samana, St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Curacao, & Great Stirrup Cay

Ultimate Caribbean
10/28 - 12 nights
New York to Miami on Norwegian Jewel
BALCONY from $999
Visit: Samana, Aruba, Curacao, Belize City, and Roatan

Western Caribbean
10/18/08 - 13 Nights
New York to New Orleans on Norwegian Spirit
BALCONY from $999
Visit: Samana, St. Thomas, Aruba, Belize City, Roatan, Cozumel

Canada/New England
10/8 & 10/18/08 - 10 nights
New York Roundtrip on Norwegian Jewel
BALCONY from $1,199
Visit: Boston, Halifax, Quebec City, Charlottetown & Sydney

Are All Cabins Created Equal?

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:49:00 +0000

That all depends on you, how much you have to spend, how many people will occupy the cabin, and your chosen itinerary.

Let's first review the CABIN CATEGORIES
INSIDE - cabin without windows or verandah
OUTSIDE - window or porthole with a view to the outside
BALCONY - verandah that opens off your cabin and allows you to go out into the fresh air without being on a public deck.
SUITE - mini, junior, deluxe, owners, grand, penthouse, villa - these cabins almost always have a verandah, some the size of your house, but usually from 300-1600 square feet.

Many inside and outside cabins are simply not large enough to accommodate more than 2 passengers (although some can accommodate 4 people). Prices listed are always the fare for the first 2 passengers occupying a cabin, the 3rd & 4th passengers sharing a cabin are significantly less expensive.

If you will not spend time in your cabin other than bathing and sleeping, you may want to consider an inside or outside cabin for your cruise. Inside cabins although not traditionally very spacious, are dark and excellent for sleeping. Also consider an inside or outside cabin if your itinerary does not have days at sea - if you are in a port everyday, why pay a premium for a cabin you will only bathe and sleep in!

LOCATION is important regardless of the Cabin Category and can significantly increase or decrease the price of your cabin depending on where it's located. Your real estate at sea can make you seasick (although not everyone will get seasick regardless of where they're cabin is located), or rock you gently to sleep. The lower and more centrally located your cabin is will determine your ride, regardless of the cabin category.

NOISE. Be on the lookout if your cabin is located near a self serve laundry facility, a room service pantry, or is above or below an active area of the ship (chairs scrapping, music playing, shouting, loud speakers), or near thrusters or anchors (although this has never bothered us).

BALCONIES are not all equal. Some are small, are exposed (neighbors can see onto your verandah), some are uncovered and will therefore be impossible to use in inclimate weather, where some are covered and you will not get the sun to tan. Some doors to your verandahs are sliding and on other ships they are regular type doors that will open out and therefore remove some of your useable real estate.

SIZE CAN MATTER, especially if you like to spend time in your cabin and out on your verandah, it may also matter depending on the length of your cruise.
Most cabins have a flexible bed configuration, you can have 2 twins or 1 queen or king. Cabins that will accommodate more than 2 people will have fold down (from the ceiling) beds or sofa beds that will accommodate one person normally.
Suites often times have multiple rooms in your cabin to give you more privacy.
The larger the cabin, the larger the bathroom and it's amenities. Some outside and better cabins will have a tub along with a shower (sometimes even one of each and sometimes a whirlpool bath) along with a double sink.
Suites will give you concierge or butler service along with special amenities depending on the cruise line (make no mistake about it, you pay for this special service and it's amenities).

Keep in mind that regardless of the cabin category you choose, you will get the same food, the same entertainment, and the same cruise, going to the same places that everyone else is getting, the only real difference is the cabin, it's size, it's location, it's amenities.
Ask lots of questions before you book and remember that the most important thing to take on a cruise is a good attitude.

Exclusive for 55+ to the Panama Canal

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:48:00 +0000

Exclusively for those 55 and older, Online Vacation Center and Celebrity Cruises are offering Senior Savings aboard Celebrity's Mercury as she sails through the Panama Canal! Sail between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego and spend 14 leisurely days exploring the ports of Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Columbia! A Celebrity cruise through the Panama Canal is your chance to explore some of the world's greatest natural wonders, as well as some of man's greatest achievements, both modern and historic. Call 1-800-329-9002 now for huge Senior Savings!

We're Booked to Cruise the Panama Canal

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:41:00 +0000

We are booked on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise this October. I was looking over some of the daily deals I get email on and I saw this cruise with a price that I felt had to be a typo - it was for more than 50% of the normal rates but it was a Guarantee, and it was for a full Deluxe Verandah Suite.

Which brings me to another opportunity to talk about Guarantees. Not all Guarantees are created equal, a Guarantee is when you can book a cabin category without being able to choose the exact cabin. Some cabins within a category may be in less than desirable areas of the ship, like above or below a show lounge or the buffet, have an obstructed view outside, be somewhat smaller than other cabins within the category, be next door to the self service laundry, etc. Guarantees however can sometimes give you such incredible rates that they are hard to turn down regardless. Such is the case with our cabin category - there are no undesirable Deluxe Verandah Suite cabins on the entire ship (some have smaller cabins but enormous verandahs like those on the aft of the ship, some have larger cabins and somewhat larger verandahs, and others are right across the hall from the Neptune Lounge (which is the Concierge Lounge for full suite passengers - more on that amenity later).

We could have never afforded this cruise in this level of cabin without this tremendous guarantee rate. We will fly to San Diego (made these arrangements the moment I booked the cruise and was able to get super rate before all the ugliness started with the fuel issues) to embark and we'll end our cruise in Fort Lauderdale. We will cruise 3 oceans, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic - WOW!

San Diego

At Sea

Cabo San Lucas

At Sea

Acapulco, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

At Sea

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

At Sea

Full Transit of the Panama Canal (5am - 7pm)

Cartagena, Colombia

At Sea

Fort Lauderdale

The amenites that will be included in the Deluxe Verandah Suite will be King size bed, large cabin (more than 500 sqft), large living area with leather sofa and chairs, large desk, dressing area, bathroom with double sinks, whirlpool tub, separate shower, toilet, abundance of storage areas. Priority Embarkation (quicker to get onto the ship when you first start your cruise), priority dining (we always want a certain dining time and a table for 2 and as suite passengers we always get this request honored), laundry and dry cleaning included for the duration of the cruise, use of the Concierge Lounge where the concierge will make arrangements for Pinnacle Grill reservations (special dining), shore excursion arrangements, there is food (finger foods) and specialty coffee, tea, and lemonade available from 6:30am - 9pm daily.

The majority of passengers on this cruise will be couples and most will be mid 40's or older as it's this demographic that have the time to cruise for 2+ weeks. The atmosphere on this cruise will be more laid back, much quieter, more leisurely, there will probably be few if any children onboard as school will have started up again.

I hope to post at least a few times during our cruise. Internet time is expensive and slow connection (but it works). We have already started researching our ports and booking our shore excursions and I've started staging our packing in our cruise closet. I will pack for 6-7 days for each of us and then we'll have our clothing cleaned onboard for wear the second week (this is especially handy with the luggage restrictions the airlines are currently struggling with).

What Size of Ship Should I Cruise On?

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:46:00 +0000

What's the definition of LARGE?
Right now Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas is a mammoth ship at 160,000 tons (carries 3,634 passengers and 1,360 crew) but it won't hold the worlds largest cruise ship for long. Royal Caribbean will be launching a 220,000 ton ship (5,400 passengers) named Oasis of the Seas in late 2009.

Freedom of the Seas has Flow Rider - it's a wave current that lets you surf or boogie board (on a ship)!!
Inline ice skating rink, gigantic rock climbing wall, and a promenade shopping mall.
There are full sized boxing rings, special pools for water sports and even a 4 bedroom Presidential Suite.

Also out or coming out are Costa's Concordia, Cunard's Queen Mary 2, and Celebrity and Holland America also have huge ships being built.

Large - 2,000 to 4,000 passengers
Medium - 1,000 to 2,000 passengers
Small - under 1,000 passengers

Pros of the Large Ships
It's like a big resort hotel with plenty to do.
Activities galore and enough for every age.
Huge casinos and Show lounges.
Giant Gyms.
Lavish spa facilities.
Multitude of alternative dining options.
Demographically diverse.

Cons of the Large Ships
Crowds everywhere for every activity and every dining venue.
Never enough deck chairs.
Lots of children (a con if you want to travel without children)

Pros of Medium to Small Ships
More personalized service.
Lower key entertainment.
Fewer families (more couples, seniors).
Several small pools.
Enrichment opportunities.
More like ships and less like resorts.
More relaxed pace.
More interesting itineraries on the smallest of ships.

Cons of Medium to Small Ships
Passengers tend to be older, especially on longer voyages.
Fewer balcony cabins.
Limited children programs.
Smaller gyms and fewer workout facilities.
Smaller casinos and Show Lounges.

My choice is in the Medium to Small Ship range, I feel like I'm on a ship, the medium ships are still large to me. There is plenty for me to relax and enjoy, the food is better on the smaller luxury lines, and it's quiet and peaceful, you can sit and enjoy the sea.

What is your idea of a cruise?

Caribbean out of Miami November 2, 2008 on Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Here's a good value out of Miami late this autumn from Vacations To Go

How about Carvinal's Triumph doing the Western Caribbean for 7 nights starting at $429 per person for an inside cabin.
Want a cabin a little larger or with a view?
Oceanviews start at $529 pp
Balconys start at $679 pp
Suites start at $1099 pp

Visit
Miami
At Sea
Cozumel, Mexico
At Sea
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
At Sea
Miami

Hidden Costs of Cruising

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:03:00 +0000

I know, you thought cruising was more in the realm of an all inclusive vacation, and while "I" consider cruising the best bang for my travel buck with lodging, meals, snacks, most activities and entertainment onboard included, there are still additional costs you should consider.

Alcohol and Soft Drinks

Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not included in your cruise rate (except with some luxury lines) and if you have children or are heavy drinkers, a bar tab can add up quickly with alcoholic drinks running $4 - $8.50 each and soft drinks $1.50-$2 each.

How You Can Save - daily drink specials for alcoholic drinks, drink ice tea or lemonade with your meals, buy soda cards. Some lines will allow you to bring onboard soft drinks, wine and champagne to be consumed in your cabin or on your private verandah, check with the cruise line before making your reservations if this is important to you.

Tipping

Most cruise lines recommend $10-$12 per day per person, if you stay in a suite cabin, be prepared for this to be $15 per person or more a day. Anything purchased at a bar onboard will be charged a 15% gratuity automatically. Room service (food included in the price of the cruise) stewards should be tipped as service is rendered depending on what they are bringing to your cabin, $1 - $3 normally.

With most cruise lines you are able to pay this cost up front and have the cruise line pay out the staff for you.

Fuel Surcharges

Due to the cost of escalating fuel costs, this extra is showing up with every mode of vacation travel and is unfortunately something travelers should become accustomed to. Many cruise lines are charging anywhere from $8 - $12 per person per day (with some cruise lines there is a maximum of 10 days this will be charged regardless of the length of the cruise).

Laundry

Most cruise lines will have a laundry facility onboard (not self service) and this service can be pricey (although there will be specials offered once onboard per laundry bag). Some older ships will have self service laundry facilities onboard and while there isn't an abundance of machines it's available if needed. Many cruise lines will include laundry and dry cleaning in the price of a Suite (great deal).

Casino Gambling

This is the same money drainer on a ship as it is on dry land.

Shore Excursions

Make sure you read all about the costs of shore excursions on your line's web site and on sites like Cruise Critic . Shore excursions can run from $25 - $65+ per person (with some in the hundreds of dollars per person depending on the excursion). While you may find the same excursion at a less expensive price through an independent tour operator, should there be a problem in getting back to the ship, the ship will not wait for you (they will if you are on one of their excursions however). You may also run into a language barrier on independent tours, sub standard transportation, or be taken into an area and left (although this is not a frequent happening, it has happened).

Be careful, and choose independent tours from those that have had a great deal of success with past cruisers/vacationers.

Spa

Massages typically run $90-$125 per hour. You can find discounts on port days (while others are off the ship).

Gym facilities are included in the price of your cruise and most cruise ships have very nice gym facilities.

Hot tubs and pools are also included in the price of your cruise.

Souvenirs

Stores onboard are typically expensive and you're able to find less expensive t-shirts and such in port. Avoid the temptation to go into the stores onboard if you cannot afford this trapping.

12 Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on NCL's Jade

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:44:00 +0000

This special from Online Vacation Center includes Airfare and Transfers from New York's JFK, Boston, or Washington's Dulles - add $200 per person more and fly from Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago's O'Hare, Atlanta or Dallas/Fort Worth.

Dates 11/30/08, 1/4/09, 1/25/09, 2/15/09

Balcony's Start at $1,999 per person

Mini Suite from $2,299 per person

Visit these ports of call

Barcelona Spain

At Sea

Rome Italy

At Sea

Athens Greece

Ephesus Turkey

At Sea

Alexandria Egypt

At Sea

Valletta Malta

At Sea

Barcelona Spain

Mexican Riviera on Holland America's Oosterdam

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Here is a nice fall special, especially if you live on the West Coast, from American Way Cruise Vacations , cruise the Mexican Riviera aboard Holland America's Oosterdam from San Diego and visit:
Cabo San Lucas
Mazatlan
Puerto Vallarta
3 lazy days at sea

There are special prices along with some possible incentives like shipboard credits or Pinnacle Grill Reservations on some of the sailings:
Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8

Cruise for as little as $449 per person plus $92 in port fees and $63 in fuel supplements for the first 2 people in a cabin and $99 per person for the 3rd and 4th people in the same cabin (minimum cabins will not accomodate 4 people).
This price is for an inside cabin.
For less than $600 per person you get a 7 night cruise with all your food and most of your activities included.

Around the Horn

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:19:00 +0000

If you've ever dreamed of seeing Antarctica (I have), then CruCon Cruise Outlet has some Celebrity Cruises on the Infinity that could satisfy that dream........

January 18, 2009
14 nights (including airfare and pre-paid gratuities)
Valparaiso Chile to Buenos Aires Argentina
Inside from $2199
Oceanview from $2599
Balcony from $3299

Book before 7/31/08 for the best prices
Other similar itineraries available on different dates through early spring 2009

Airfare and pier transfers roundtrip:
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Washington DC
Add $100 pp roundtrip: Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver

Where To Go and When?

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:05:00 +0000

You've decided you want to take a cruise and you think you know where you want to go, but when is the best time to go for good weather or for a good price?

There are three cruising "seasons" - Premier Season, Shoulder Season, and Value Season
Premier Season - This is when weather is best in that part of the world, you have many choices about itineraries and cruise lines BUT this also means that demand is high which equates to higher prices and more people onboard, in addition to needing to book further in advance to get the cabin of your choice.
Shoulder Season - This is when the weather is only a little more risky and usually it's within a month or two of the Premier Season. There will be less tourists, and you'll be able to save some money on booking your cruise during this period.
Value Season - If you are trying to get the biggest bang for your buck and you want to avoid crowds, this is the season for you but the weather will be chancy and there will be fewer cruise lines and ships to choose from.

Alaska (only has one season)
Premier - May - September

Antarctica (only has one season)
Premier - October - March

Asia
Premier - October - March
Shoulder - April & September
Value - May - August

Australia/New Zealand
Premier - October - March
Shoulder - April & September
Value - May - August

The Bahamas
Premier - December - May
Shoulder - June & November
Value - July - October

Bermuda (has only one season)
Premier - May - October

British Isles
Premier - May - September
Shoulder - April & October
Value - November - March

Canada/New England
Premier - May - October
Shoulder - April & November
Value - December - March

Caribbean
Premier - December - May
Shoulder - June & November
Value - July - October

Hawaii
Premier - March - July & October - November
Shoulder - January - February & August - September
Value - December

Mediterranean
Premier - March - October
Shoulder - February & November
Value - December - January

Mexico
Premier - October - May
Shoulder
Value - June - September

Northern Europe
Premier - June - August
Shoulder - May - September
Value

Panama Canal
Premier - September - May
Shoulder - June & August
Value - July

Scandinavia
Premier - June - August
Shoulder - May - September
Value

South America
Premier - September - April
Shoulder - May & August
Value - June - July

South Pacific/Tahiti
Premier - May - October
Shoulder - April & November
Value - December - March

Transatlantic
Premier - March - April & October - November
Shoulder - February, May, September & December
Value - January & June - August

World Cruise
Premier - January - April & August - November

First Post For a New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:57:00 +0000

Here it is, this is a blog about my travel passion - Cruising.

I'm in my infancy but will quickly mature so I hope you will visit often.
Click on any of the cruise links in my header to be taken to that cruise line's web site.

I'm going to take you through choosing, preparing for, and enjoying your cruise.
Destinations and Itineraries

What kind of cruise are you looking for - active, sedate, family with children or multi-generations, couples, singles, senior
How long of a cruise, 3 nights to 111 days
What kind of a cabin are you looking for - inside, outside, balcony, suite
What kind of amenities do you want on your ship and in your cabin
Where on the ship do you want your cabin to be located
Is your idea of vacation dressing to the nines or never getting dressed beyond casual
What would you like to do when the ship pulls into a port of call
Do you need trip insurance, what does it cover and what does it cost
What kind of packing do you need to do

I'll also post internet cruise specials from travel agencies side by side.

If you've taken a cruise and can help add to the process, I'd love to hear from you or maybe you'd like to eventually be a visiting author.