a1 vacations

2010-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Cruise Vacations - Our Top 10 Reasons for Choosing to Cruise

By Brian Schmidt

Anyone who has taken fabulous Cruise Vacations can give you a hundred reasons for cruising your vacation time away. Once you have taken a cruise vacation, you'll know why. Cruising has so much to offer a vacationer it's no wonder that cruises have become so very popular.
We will look into just ten reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. These may not be your top 10 once you have cruised, but you will certainly understand why we say there are hundreds of reasons!

10. Cruising variety!
There are hundreds of cruise ships and boats to choose from. Small charter cruisers to the mega ships, cruising gives you a tremendous number of options. Then you can look at the destinations and ports-of-call depending on your taste and desires. From a cruise to nowhere, to a world cruise, you have almost unlimited options! On the mega ships, you have a variety of dining venues to enchant with exquisite cuisine. These ships also offer a wide variety of activities and even evening entertainment. Choose a cruise vacation for its variety!

9. Cruise vacation value!
A vacation cruise offers tremendous value. With the price of your cruise ticket, you get your efficient yet comfortable stateroom with housekeeping that seems to be never ending. The pampering service that you receive is exceptional in terms of resorts. You receive all on-board meals. In the case of the mega ships, this can mean a choice of elegant dining rooms with mouth watering presentations. These floating resorts provide a number of athletic activities that can range from volleyball and basketball to rock climbing and ice skating! And when the sun sets, the ships turn into "entertainment central". From Broadway and Vegas style shows to intimate lounges to rocking discos, the mega cruise ships offer it all!

8. Vacation activities while cruising!
What is your idea of vacation activities? Is it water sports? Cruising certainly has that with swimming pools and resort beaches. How about sightseeing? Do the historic cities of Europe intrigue you or would exotic ports of call be more enticing? Think vacation cruise! How about cultural lectures and educational tours? What about golfing on a different island every day in port? Does your vacation include a visit to the casino? Or, is your idea of vacationing soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach or by the pool? You guessed it. You can have any of these vacation activities by choosing an appropriate cruise vacation!

7. Cruising for family vacations!
Cruising is fantastic for family vacations of all ages! (See Family Cruise Vacation.) Many of the larger cruise lines and cruise ships offer special programs for children and teens. Kids get to get away from mom and dad, and mom and dad get some free time to relax and enjoy each others' company. With all of the activities available on board ship, no one should become bored. Add the interesting and educations shore excursions at the various ports-of-call, and everyone gets an appreciation of how others live. Special menu offerings for children make dining a breeze. And on some ships, there are 24 hour pizzerias! Ice cream stations add to the enchantment. Some cruise lines also offer a special coupon or ticket for soft drinks at a minimal cost. Some ships offer babysitting as well - but it's best to check first. Choose a cruise for your next family vacation!

6. Choose a cruise to experience new horizons!
Unpack your bags when you arrive on board your cruise ship and that's it! On some itineraries you will be in a new port-of-call every day. But you won't have to pack... unpack... pack... unpack... - you get the idea! Experience some of the best destinations the world has to offer while relaxing and enjoying your time between ports! No more long waits in airports or cramped seating on trains or busses. Relax by the pool, work-out in the gym, enjoy some free time gaming, read a good book - you decide how you use your time between the fascinating and intriguing ports. Go to sleep in your comfortable stateroom in one port and wake up in a new port with adventure ahead!

5. The simplicity of cruises for vacationing!
With a little investigation up-front, your cruise vacation is as simple as booking... then enjoying! Once on board, your time is your own - no pressure to be here at this time and there at that time. Enjoy your vacation and return from your cruise refreshed (not needing a vacation from your vacation). Do as much - or as little - as you like! Nearly all expenses are paid for with your cruise ticket. A little spending money is about all you need. Talk about simple - come on board and have everything looked after for you! Now that's a vacation!

4. Romance and cruise vacations!
For hundreds of years there has been a romantic mystique about the seas. What could be more romantic than sailing off into the sunset while sipping a glass of fine wine on your private balcony? Perhaps strolling arm in arm on an elegant formal night with your better half dressed to the nines. What about a honeymoon to some of the most romantic ports in the world? Perhaps a quiet secluded cove with white sandy beach. Enjoy each others' company at a quiet table in one of the intimate lounges. Or dance into the night under the stars. Take a while and lose yourselves while utilizing the spa services for two. Nothing could be more romantic than a cruise vacation!

3. Vacation cruises' pampering service!
For many people, nothing is more important for enjoyment while vacationing than service. If you receive good service, you are content. Be prepared to have your socks blown off! Most cruise lines train there staff in the fine art of customer service. Your room steward or stewardess will do their absolute utmost to ensure that your stateroom is kept just the way you like. From the bartenders to the wait staff to the activities staff, each cruise staff member's aim is to please. On our last cruise, our wine steward and the table staff in the dining room were absolutely wonderful. When you board your cruise ship be prepared to be pampered!

2. Cruise vacation dining!
Many people will tell you that this is the number one reason for taking a cruise. The fabulous menu options have your mouth watering. Then the presentation arrives and you are certainly not disappointed. The main dining rooms are places of elegance and formality. Most ships have alternate dining options as well - some with a small cover charge. There are usually casual dining options as well. Some ships have poolside grilles and some even have 24 hour pizzerias as mentioned earlier. Most offer 24 hour in-suite dining as well. And don't miss out on the midnight buffet! Special menus can - in most cases - be provided with advance notice. Pack a pair of stretchy pants or slacks - just in case !

1. Because YOU deserve it!
The number on reason for taking a cruise vacation is because you deserve it! You work hard all year long for your vacation time and money. Vacation cruises provide you with tremendous value, variety, comfort and enjoyment. There are itineraries that will elate almost any vacation traveler. Whether your cruise vacation is a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life, you deserve this fantastic escape!

vacation

2010-01-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

Vacation Spots in Bahamas

By Karthikeyan Vacation Shriya

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The excellent position on the globe increases the chances of its flourishment as a vacation spot. The Bahamas is located on the north of Cuba and Caribbean, northwest of Britain overseas area, and the east of United States of America. Now the object of this article is to mention some of the names of the vacation spots of Bahamas so the people may be helped somewhat.

First we have to mention some names, which represents the most beautiful landscapes and sightseeing in Bahamas. Since the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is the collective name of some 700 odd islands so that one has to visit some special islands to enjoy the beauty of nature. From those islands we have to mention some islands like Bimini, Aboco, Cat Island, San Salvadore, Crooked Islands etc. Also the biggest attraction is the island Nassau which also servers as the capital city of The Bahamas.

Now let us see some specialties in The Bahamas can thoroughly be enjoyed. There is a garden full of excellent statues called Versailles Gardens, which is located in the Paradise Island of The Bahamas. Among all the statues of the garden, the most famous one is the Cloisters made of the French Stones of about 14th Century. One of the largest Rum refinery factories called Bacardi Distillery is situated in the New Province Island of The Bahamas! A 102-foot staircase, linking the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Fort Fincastle called Queen's staircase is one of the main attractions in Bahamas. Ardastra Gardens and Conservation center of Nassau is a famous place, where some rare animals and plants! The buildings like Government House and Balcony House of Nassau have real beautiful architectures and also praised by the tourists from the ages!

Now, one must feel him unlucky if he couldn't be able to visit 'The Changing Of The Guards' held in Nassau. This Change of Guards is basically a beautiful ceremony use to be held in every Saturday. The Police band of Nassau performs in this beautiful ceremony. And if the people are planning to visit Bahamas during the X-MAS, the Junkanoo Festival Expo will be the must-visiting place for them. Junkanoo is a colorful festival with lots of music.

The history comes in front of eyes when one sees the old forts like Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle or the Fort Mantagu in his eyes. There is also a garden in Nassau, which only dedicated to the wide range of palm trees. The garden is known as The Retreat!

One of the wonders of Bahamas is the Crystal Cay! This Crystal Cay is one of the largest zoo cum aquariums of the world. Interestingly, t occupies a whole island of Bahamas.

Along with the above-mentioned names one must visit the following vacation spots of Bahamas. Some them are Christ Church Cathedral, Parliament Square, Royal Victoria Gardens, Roselawn Museum, The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation, The Bahamas Historical Society Museum, Pirates of Nassau etc.

Now, Bahamas is too beautiful vacation place to write about in some words. Though it was a little attempt to inform you about the specialties of The Bahamas. But the real-life visiting of The Bahamas will always be more beautiful and more interesting than this article!